Key Facts
- Fertility massage techniques, like deep tissue and acupressure, aim to relax the body and improve circulation, potentially enhancing the chances of conception.
- While research does not confirm that massage directly leads to pregnancy, it can help reduce stress, which is a known factor affecting fertility.
- Practicing self-fertility massage at home can be beneficial, allowing individuals to control pressure and frequency, making it a cost-effective option for stress relief.
Many couples struggle to conceive, often requiring both medical support and alternative therapies. Fertility massage provides a complementary method to reduce stress, improve blood flow, and support reproductive health. Although scientific studies haven’t proven that fertility massage directly boosts conception rates, fostering a relaxed state can positively influence the fertility journey. This article explores fertility massage, outlining its techniques, safety guidelines, and benefits for those seeking extra support on their path to pregnancy.
What is fertility massage?
There is no definition of fertility massage, as each practitioner has their approach when performing this kind of massage. It involves applying massage techniques around the conceiving parts of the woman’s body, which are more or less the same. So, what methods do fertility masseuses use to aid one in getting pregnant?
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage applies firm, targeted pressure to abdominal muscles and connective tissues, helping lower cortisol levels and reduce stress. This technique boosts blood circulation, enhancing the flow of oxygen and essential nutrients to the reproductive organs. Improved circulation supports hormonal balance, stabilising estrogen and progesterone levels critical for conception. While results can vary, adding deep tissue massage to your wellness routine provides a scientifically supported, non-invasive method to support fertility efforts.
Use of acupressure
This technique involves acupressure techniques around the inner and outer parts of the ankle to improve fertility. Such pressure massages correspond to reproductive organs like the uterus and ovaries, thus increasing the chances of conceiving.
Differentiating Conventional and Targeted Fertility Massage Techniques
Both conventional massage and targeted fertility treatments reduce stress and improve circulation, but they serve different purposes. Conventional massage, such as Swedish or deep tissue, focuses on relieving muscle tension and promoting overall relaxation. It helps ease tight muscles, lower cortisol levels, and enhance general wellbeing, indirectly supporting reproductive health.
Targeted fertility massage, on the other hand, concentrates on areas related to reproductive function. It uses specific techniques like acupressure, controlled pressure, and focused strokes to increase blood flow and reduce tension in the pelvic and abdominal regions. By targeting these areas, fertility massage aims to create a supportive environment that may complement fertility treatments.
Both approaches help lower stress, which affects hormonal balance and reproductive health. However, those seeking fertility support should note that conventional massage provides general relaxation, while targeted fertility massage addresses specific reproductive concerns. It’s important to consult a certified professional to choose the best method for individual health needs, ensuring safe and effective integration into a broader wellness routine.
So do these massages help one get pregnant?
The answer is no, as no research has reported that massage can help one conceive. However, fertility massage does help increase the chances of getting pregnant as it all narrows down to reducing stress. Stress can sometimes delay the chances of one conceiving; thus, the massage helps get rid of stress hormones to enable one to create a safe and happy environment. In most cases, stress increases the production of cortisol hormones that make bad energy in the body. If your body is not relaxed and your mind is not in a state where you can enjoy intimacy with your partner, this may hinder your chances of getting pregnant. So, what the fertility massage does is help the body get rid of fatigue and stress by relaxing it. With a relaxed mind, you will have increased production of serotonin hormones , which are responsible for creating a good mood in the body. It will always increase circulation in all body parts, including the abdomen.
Self-Fertility Massage
Incorporate self-fertility massage into your relaxation routine in a calm, distraction-free space. Use gentle, circular strokes on your lower abdomen with steady, moderate pressure. Start slowly to let your body adjust and aim for one to two sessions daily. Consistent practice without overdoing is essential.
Guidelines for Safe Practice
- Create a quiet, comfortable environment.
- Apply controlled pressure gradually and stop if discomfort arises.
- Listen to your body and adjust the routine as needed.
- Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns or persistent discomfort.
This approach reduces stress and supports overall well-being, ensuring your self-care routine remains effective and safe.
How Fertility Massage Enhances Reproductive Health
Fertility massage employs targeted, rhythmic strokes to boost blood flow in the pelvic and abdominal regions. These methods stimulate circulation, ensuring oxygen and essential nutrients reach the ovaries and uterus, supporting tissue health and hormone balance.
Moreover, the relaxation from these massages lowers cortisol levels. High cortisol, released during stress, can disrupt reproductive hormones. By reducing cortisol, fertility massage promotes a calmer physiological state that may support conception.
Reflexology
It is the type of acupressure mainly conducted on the feet area. The massage focuses on the joints of the ankles connected to the reproductive system, such as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Some practitioners apply pressure on the ankles’ outer and inner parts, mainly when the woman is menstruating, to increase the chances of trying to conceive.
Abdominal fertility massage
This massage focuses on the reproductive organs to help relieve tension and increase the chances of getting pregnant. However, as we had mentioned, this is a delicate massage and should be professionally done without causing pain or injury to these organs.
Swedish fertility massage
This type of massage is more gentle and relaxing to the body. It does not include high force, but it is recommendable when trying to conceive as it helps the body relax.
Shiatsu’s fertility massage
Shiatsu’s massage is a deep massage focused on the body parts corresponding to the reproductive organs. However, you should hire a professional to get this type of massage. [caption id="attachment_30805" align="alignnone" width="630"] Shiatsu fertility massage
To Sum Up
Although fertility massage will not solely help you get pregnant when trying to conceive, it does help boost the chances of getting pregnant. Massage helps the reproductive system and allows you to relax and have a good mood for better chances of conception. If you live in Australia or other parts of the world, ensure certified therapist Masseuse conducts these massages for your safety. It is good to have a pregnancy test done before undergoing intense massages like Mayan for safety purposes.
Evan Kurzyp
Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.