Using Bodywork to Enhance Fertility
Couples Turn to Massage and Pressure Point Therapies for Conception
Jul 17, 2009
Many couples are turning to complementary and alternative medicine modalities like massage, reflexology and acupuncture to maximize their chances of successfully conceiving. The different modalities promote circulation, relaxation, and balance within the body.
Some bodywork styles have specific protocols for a couple trying to conceive a baby. Types include reflexology, Maya abdominal massage, shiatsu, anma, and massage. The parents to be will want to know if the practitioner has experience working with women and couples during preconception and conception and what they can expect from the sessions. Ask for referrals from friends, the gynecologist's office or contact state or national organizations for a list of local practitioners.
When planning to use an alternative or complementary medicine modality alongside infertility treatments, such as IUI or IVF, the couple should keep both the doctor and the practitioner informed. This includes keeping them updated on all procedures, medications and treatments, both past, present and those planned. If the doctor is unfamiliar with the alternative modality the practitioner can pass along information showing documentation and any relevant research.
Energy and Bodywork Combinations
Reiki is anecdotally popular as an energy modality for couples trying to conceive. It can be used together with massage, pressure point modalities and various forms of bodywork to further enhance the session. Another form of energywork that might be incorporated into a series is Polarity therapy. Taping into Oriental medicine's meridians and Ayurveda medicine's chakras and energy centers Polarity has a large spiritual component without a particular religious affiliation.
Fertility Enhancing Massage Protocol
Developed by the company Pulling Down the Moon, this protocol incorporates Swedish massage, myofacial techniques, essential oils, reflexology and acupressure. Together the sessions promote detoxification, circulation, relaxation, and breath awareness.
Maya Abdominal Massage and Fertility
This massage type focuses on the abdomen to promote proper organ placement and improve circulation to that region. Handed down from midwives and healers of the ancient Mayan people this style of massage is also commonly used for digestive and urinary complaints. Clients report the experience is non-invasive, pleasant, and for some women has a fast track record towards conception. To find a local practitioner contact the Arvigo Institute at: 77 West Street, Antrim, New Hampshire, 03440, USA. An online directory is also available on their website.
Reflexology and Fertility
There are multiple protocols and methods of Reflexology that can be effective for the couple trying to conceive. All encourage relaxation, normalized organ function, promote circulation, and hormone balance. Some practitioners see clients based on Oriental medicine principles: right before ovulation and again before the woman's period is due. Others prefer to see the couple for a series of sessions and encourage sexual abstinence during this period of cleansing and relaxing.
Soft Tissue Manipulations
Modaltities such as the Wurn Technique(SM) uses sight specific soft tissue manipulations and has been anecdotally helpful for women with pelvic inflammatory disorder, fallopian tube blockages and other adhesions in the pelvis. The Wurns can be reached by phone in the U.S.: 352-336-1433.
Myofacial practitioners may also work with clients through fertility as well as those trained in Trigger Point therapy. Ask at local massage schools or seek out a national organization for a referral to someone trained in one of these modalities.
 |
