Struggling with infertility? It can feel like an isolating journey, but rest assured you’re not alone. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 6 women experience fertility issues. For many, natural solutions like fertility massage may hold the key to conception.
What Is Fertility Massage?
Fertility massage is an alternative therapy that supports the reproduction system and helps address fertility challenges. In many cultures around the world, abdominal and uterine massage is the norm in addressing digestive issues and female-related problems. It's a way of taking care of the body as maintenance. In Mexican indigenous culture, abdominal massage is thought of as essential for female health.
For example, if a woman has had a fall or given birth, womb massage or Sobada de matriz must be performed to help the body find balance again.
Sobada de matriz, or abdominal massage has been coined "fertility massage" here in the States because of its reputation for helping with fertility. But in no way is this healing modality a new practice. In addition to Mayan culture, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, andthe Philippines, many cultures in the Middle East and Africa also use abdominal massage as a way to heal and prevent digestive and reproductive issues. Many of the clients I see have roots in these countries and are glad to have found this form of care.
I do believe and hope that in the future, there will be studies done to prove the positive impact of massage specifically on uterine health. As of now, there have only been studies done on massage in general, not specific to the uterus.
Studies have found that massage does wonders for the body such as improving circulation, digestion, and reducing scar tissue. There have also been studies that prove massage to increase serotonin, reduce stress, cortisol levels, and improve sleep.
This specialized massage technique focuses on the abdominal area, lower back, and pelvis and works to improve blood circulation, balance hormones, and promote relaxation. By stimulating specific reflexes, acupressure points, circulation, anatomical position, and nerve stimulation, fertility massage helps to clear blockages and improve functionality in the reproductive system.
The main goal of fertility massage is to improve the chances of conception by creating a healthy environment for fertilization. Candidates for fertility massage include those with hormonal imbalances, blocked fallopian tubes, menstrual irregularities, or hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.
How Massage Can Help Fertility
In general, massage works by stimulating certain areas of the body. For instance, gently working a sore muscle can increase blood flow to that area, break up blockages like scar tissue, speed recovery, release pressure in the muscle, and improve its function. This is why professional athletes use massage- to optimize their body's ability to function. Fertility massage works in a similar manner — by stimulating and working the right areas, massage can relieve blockages or congestion in the body thereby improving reproductive function. And remember, the uterus is a muscular organ! It benefits greatly from massage.
Fertility massage works by:
● Improving blood flow and circulation to the area (in this case, the reproductive organs), which helps to remove toxins and bring in fresh nutrients to the area
● Nourish follicles (unfertilized eggs) with blood, oxygen, and other nutrients
● Relieve anxiety and stress
● Break up congestion
● Improve the absorption of nutrients
● Increase immune function
● Improved hormone levels, which can positively affect fertility
By targeting the abdominal area, your massage therapist can help address some infertility issues in a safe, natural manner.
Other Benefits of a Fertility Massage
All types of massage offer unique health benefits, and a fertility massage is no different. Beyond the increase in fertility, abdominal massages can:
● Help regulate the menstrual cycle while reducing symptoms, such as cramps, heavy bleeding, and clotting
● Improve womb health by removing blockages and congestion
● Improve low back pain
● Reduce frequent urination
● Break up scar tissue from C-sections, adhesions, and surgeries
● Balance hormones to improve overall wellbeing
Many of our clients feel a difference immediately after their massage session. This type of massage is recommended for women trying to conceive but its additional benefits can be enjoyed by anyone.
Fertility Massage Techniques
Every type of massage involves different strokes, amounts of pressure, and techniques. These small differences matter in terms of the results you receive. Pressing too hard can have the opposite effect in some instances,- while pressing too lightly might not be enough to completely clear pathways.
One technique is reflexology, which targets specific points in the feet. The feet contain points that are connected to other points throughout the body, including the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. When these points are stimulated, circulation to the corresponding areas improves and your chances of becoming pregnant increase.
Another technique is abdominal massage, which is what we specialize in here at Rebirth. Abdominal massage ensures your womb is in the proper position, which allows us to receive ample blood flow and nutrients. Women tend to hold a lot of tension in this area, and releasing this pressure can naturally improve fertility and chances of conception.
Myofascial release can also support improved fertility. Myofascial release targets the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs. Fascia plays a crucial role in maintaining proper posture, flexibility, and movement. However, trauma, inflammation, or repetitive stress injuries can cause the fascia to become tight or restricted.
During myofascial release therapy, the therapist applies gentle pressure on specific areas of the body to release tension and promote healing. Stretching and manipulating the fascia through sustained pressure techniques breaks down adhesions or knots in the tissues. This helps restore elasticity to the fascia and improves blood circulation for faster healing.
We also use abdominal herbal poultices to help detox the uterus and organic herbal vaginal steam baths which we recommend booking as an add-on to your womb fertility massage.
When to Get a Fertility Massage
We modify our healing massage techniques for any part of your cycle. However, we can use deeper pressure if you book after your period.
It’s safe to receive an abdominal massage during your period or during ovulation. You do not need to book your massage around your cycle. The techniques applied will be modified if you have cramping or bleeding.
We recommend taking a month off from trying to conceive and getting a fertility massage 2-3 times that month, then once a month after your period.
You cannot book if you are or think you may be pregnant.
Book Your Fertility Massage at Maya Rebirth
It’s best to seek professional services from skilled massage therapists. This ensures safe, effective techniques and gives you the best chance of achieving your fertility goals.
At Rebirth Massage, our massage therapists are highly trained in safe, natural womb massage and can help improve symptoms of a displaced uterus. We do a thorough review of your health history before performing any pelvic or abdominal work. Contact us today to schedule your fertility massage and take the next step toward your family goals.