Peeing on a stick can be absolutely life-changing. It can be the moment your biggest dream comes true, it can be the scariest moment of your life, a gut-wrenching disappointment, a happy moment, it will be full of emotions no matter what they are. If you are trying to get pregnant, it can be an extremely stressful time, and the longer you go without that positive pregnancy test the more options you will be looking for and willing to try. What can relieve stress AND help improve fertility? Massage - specifically fertility massage.
WHAT IS FERTILITY MASSAGE?
Fertility massage is a unique and highly effective massage protocol, that includes fertility awareness, cleansing therapies and visualizations that Claire Marie Miller developed through her own experience of consciously conceiving. Fertility massage can include massage of the abdomen with castor oil intended to increase circulation, which is thought by some practitioners to boost fertility. It can also include the use of certain acupressure points around the feet called reflexology. Regular relaxation techniques similar to those used in a normal massage, like shoulder and neck rubs, can also be incorporated into a fertility massage. These massage techniques stimulate and support circulation and blood flow within the abdominal area and pelvic bowl, supporting the body for optimal function of digestive and reproductive health and wellness.
FERTILITY MASSAGE TECHNIQUES
Reflexology uses certain acupressure points found in the feet to benefit the organs associated with reproduction. Certain points found around the ankles and on the top and bottom of the foot correspond with the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. The belief is that applying pressure to these points at various times during your cycle can improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Abdominal Massage Whether you’re receiving a fertility massage or just a regular massage of the stomach, that part of the body can feel particularly sensitive when you’re trying to conceive. During a massage with fertility in mind, focusing on the abdomen, which can be filled with tension, is key when it comes to boosting conception efforts.
Myofascial Release is a massage technique that helps to release the myofascial tissue that surrounds all organs and muscles. This tissue can become twisted and adhered to over time. Releasing the myofascial helps to free up organs that may have been stuck to each other and also helps with bringing fresh blood and oxygen to the reproductive organs.
Cranial sacral therapy (CST) is sometimes also referred to as craniosacral therapy. It’s a type of bodywork that relieves compression in the bones of the head, sacrum (a triangular bone in the lower back), and spinal column. CST is noninvasive. It uses gentle pressure on the head, neck, and back to relieve the stress and pain caused by compression. It can, as a result, help to treat a number of conditions. It’s thought that through the gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system can be normalized. This removes “blockages” from the normal flow, which enhances the body’s ability to heal.
BENEFITS OF FERTILITY MASSAGE
Cleansing the digestive system
Balancing the cranial-sacral alignment
Balancing hormones through Integrative Reflexology® techniques that stimulate the reproductive areas and endocrine glands
Breaking up pelvic adhesions and congestion
Uterus positioning
Fertility reflexology
Increased circulation through the pelvis
Deep relaxation and stress reduction
Knowledge of ovulation timing
WHO SHOULD RECEIVE FERTILITY MASSAGE?
Couples preparing to conceive with conscious awareness
Couples who have been actively trying to conceive and want the support to open the body to the energy of conception
Couples who are using assisted reproductive technology either supplementations, Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Couples who are open to learning to do the fertility massage techniques. Claire recommends that couples be taught how to massage each other with this protocol, so that they may receive this therapeutic session more often. This will also serve to strengthen their bonds as they enter into creating and expanding their family.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN SESSIONS
A relaxing castor oil pack and instructions on how to create and use a pack at home for cleansing the digestive system and dissolving adhesions, cysts.
Calming and centering cranial-sacral holds for balancing and centering
Integrative Reflexology® for fertility, stimulating reproductive areas, endocrine glands and the digestive system
Deep pelvic work to break up adhesions and increase blood to all pelvic organs
Shiatsu points to increase the chi (energy) through the reproductive areas
Fertility wisdom - includes knowledge about timing and awareness for potential conception
Specific aromatherapy for optimal hormonal functioning
Visualization techniques for tuning in and opening up the conception channel
It is best not to receive this work when menstruating or possibly pregnant. Please discuss with your therapist the best timing for appointments
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A FERTILITY MASSAGE SESSION?
The session, which lasts approximately 90-120 minutes is very similar to a Swedish style massage, with a few differences.
As with a regular massage you will be draped, with only the area being worked on being uncovered.
Fertility Massage begins with a warm castor oil massage to the abdomen. Castor oil is really “the oil that heals”.
An organic flannel cloth and warm heat are applied to the abdomen and remains the entire time you lay face up. Typically, 20-45 minutes.
Cranial-Sacral work, opening of the charkas and meridians follow.
Gentle, but stimulating massage to the face, neck, scalp, arms and legs are also included.
Integrative reflexology is done using a special blend of aromatherapy for fertility is used.
Lastly more abdominal massage is done, including an exterior palpation of the uterus, some deeper friction to the reproductive organs to open up and help relieve congestion.
There is additional work while lying face-down all with the intention of increasing the chances of conception.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD SOMEONE GET FERTILITY MASSAGE?
This fertility massage treatment plan is a 3 session series. You'll come for treatment for 3 sessions to get a "tune-up" and then you can choose to come as often as you want once you are actively trying to conceive. Once a month is the minimum recommendation, but you will learn the basics of fertility massage in your sessions so you and your partner can do treatments on yourselves between your sessions in office.
DOES FERTILITY MASSAGE HAVE A SUCCESS RATE?
This fertility massage is now being used by many of Claire’s certified therapists with great success. To date, Claire's Fertility Massage has rendered for both Claire and her students a 60-80% success rate. Ann Marie Dameon, who took the Charlotte workshop in 2004, reported in her first year that 10 of 12 women she has used this protocol on have successfully conceived. Brian Federal from Charlotte reported immediately after the workshop successful conception and pregnancies for 2 of the 3 women he massaged. The Mom Spa owner Christy Schachte, of Charleston, SC has reported over 30 positive outcomes since taking the class in 2007, from women who were told there was nothing else that the fertility clinics could do for them. Lisa Boyd of Michigan reported that she took the course to help two of her clients who were struggling with infertility; both women conceived and credit her with helping. Lisa feels the emotional/spiritual aspect that she was taught in the Fertility Massage course opened her up to own her son’s entry into the world.
FERTILITY MASSGAE FOR MEN
There is also Fertility Massage protocol for the male counterpart of the couple looking to conceive. Techniques include: castor oil packs, cranial sacral holds, integrative reflexology, shiatsu point work, and aromatherapy. (Please refer to “What to Expect in a Session” for further explanation.)
