Massage for Female Infertility

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

http://naturalhealthbag.com/fertility-massage-self-massage-techniques-uterus-ovary/

http://natural-fertility-info.com/fertility-massage