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Female Infertility
Causes (Western POV)
- Ovulation disorders, hormonal disorders
- Uterine or cervical deformities
- Pelvic adhesions
- Fallopian tube damage/blockage
- Thyroid disorders
- Unexplained
- Secondary Causes: too much exercise, injury, abnormal growths or tumors, and also eating disorders
Western Treatments
- Pills to regulate hormones
- Surgery
- In vitro fertilization: fertilized egg(s) is surgically placed inside the uterus
- Egg donor
- Surrogate mother
- These treatments can cost a minimum of $10,000
Causes (TCM)
- Major water element deficiency
- Weak jing or essence
- Emotional blockages in relationship
- Stagnant qi
TCM Treatment Goals
- Nourishing conception vessel
- Regulating menstrual cycle
- Replenishing jing
- Tonifying kidney qi
- Moving stagnant qi
TCM Treatments
- Herbs
- Acupuncture
- Moxibustion
- Massage
- Usually overall treatment consists of one or more of these for approx. 6-15 months
Massage
Benefits
- Improves circulation
- Breaks up adhesions by stimulating blood flow
- Helps regulate hormones resulting in more regular menstrual cycles
- Can ease the pain of cramps during menstrual cycle
- Strengthens reproductive organs
- Helps reposition a tilted uterus
- Speeds up recovery of scar tissue
- Detoxifies the body
- Moves stagnant energy blockages
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- During menstruation: can cause pain and discomfort
Techniques (pelvic and abdominal area)
- Myofacial release
- Round rubbing
- Light stretching
- Pulling or stripping of muscles
- Assisted breathing is beneficial also
- Massage is not limited to only these techniques
- Self abdominal massage
Cautions
- Firm, light-medium, slow and steady pressure (this area is sensitive on most people!)
- When round rubbing always go in clockwise direction (with the flow of digestion)
- Best time for this massage is after menstrual cycle until the ovulation phase (Day 6-14 of the ovulation cycle)
Locating Landmarks
- Uterus is located approximately between the navel and pubic bone (closer to the pubic bone)
- Ovaries are on both sides of the uterus approx. 3 inches left and right
- Make a triangle with your hands and place a little below your navel, where your pinky fingers rest is approx. where your ovaries are.
- The fallopian tubes link both the ovaries to the uterus
Resources
