Research-backed
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Getting pregnant is a process, which can soon turn into an arduous task if you have to go through one negative pregnancy test after another. No wonder then you end up looking for ways to ensure pregnancy! Well, if you’re willing to try another way, why not give fertility massages a shot?
Defining A Fertility Massage
A fertility massage can be defined as a type of massage where the primary purpose is to enhance the health of your reproductive organs and thereby boost fertility. A completely natural technique, it has other benefits, too, including an improvement in the health of your abdomen as well as your menstrual cycle.
Are Fertility Massages Helpful In Increasing The Chances Of Conception?
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As of now, there are no studies to serve as concrete proof of the efficacy of fertility massages in improving fertility. However, one of the biggest hindrances in the path of pregnancy is stress (1). Massages can help manage stress, reduce the stress hormone cortisol in the body, lead to a better mood, and improve overall well-being (2). Hence, it’s definitely worth a shot if you want to improve fertility.
What Are The Benefits Of A Fertility Massage?
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Practicing fertility massages regularly can benefit you in many ways:
- Improve Hormonal Balance
Massages can improve blood flow to the various organs related to fertility, thus improving hormonal balance. They also increase the release of the feel-good hormone oxytocin in your body (3).
- Enhance Oxygenated Blood Flow
Since massages improve blood flow and enhance circulation, they also help send more oxygenated blood to your tissues. The benefit of that is it can improve the overall health of your reproductive system.
- Reduction In Pain
Massages are known to reduce pain (4). So if you’ve been prescribed pain management by your gynecologist to enhance fertility, a massage can help.
The Types Of Fertility Massages You Can Try
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Fertility massages are of several types, many of which require a professional masseuse. So before you try to DIY it, check if you need professional help or not. With that being said, we recommend getting started with the following types:
1. Deep Tissue Massage
Also known as Wurn massage after its founder, it is a type of massage commonly conducted to clear adhesion in the pelvis and help in the normal functioning of your fallopian tubes (5). The Maya massage is another variation of this and is commonly performed by the native healers of Central America to treat infertility. You can combine these massages with fertility treatments to improve results.
2. Swedish Massage
Since we already know that stress can directly impact fertility, managing stress is of utmost importance. The Swedish massage is a very popular technique commonly practiced to reduce stress levels which can improve the odds of pregnancy.
3. Acupressure
An ancient practice religiously followed in the Asian subcontinent, acupressure can help enhance your fertility. A few studies have pointed out that it can improve egg quality, balance hormones, and reduce the symptoms of PCOS, among other things (6), (7), (8).
4. Reflexology
Originating in ancient Egypt, reflexology is a technique that works by the application of pressure to specific points on your hands and feet. The pressure applied helps heal the body, and many practitioners advocate it as an alternative way to solve fertility issues.
5. Shiatsu Massage
Another technique that works on the principle of applying pressure on certain points of the body, a Shiatsu massage can help you enter a deep state of relaxation, thereby considerably reducing stress.
Can You DIY Fertility Massages At Home?
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The short answer is yes. There are a few types of fertility massages you can safely practice at home all by yourself. However, before you try them out, we suggest going through proper tutorials, online and offline, so that you can get the technique right. Since most of the massages work on the pressure-point principle, getting them right is of absolute importance so you can derive the benefits they’re intended for.
Are There Risks To Fertility Massages?
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Like everything else, fertility massages have their own set of limitations. For example, if you experience a considerable amount of pain, discontinuing massages and consulting your doctor is the best course of action to take.
Besides, it’s also wise to avoid practicing fertility massages in certain situations. If you are pregnant, lactating, or menstruating, you should not do a fertility massage. You shouldn’t do it in the days just after ovulation, either.
As for the best time to practice a fertility massage, the period between the end of a menstrual cycle and the beginning of the ovulation cycle is the right time. However, be sure to consult your doctor for this.
Fertility massages are a natural way to boost your fertility levels. Though research in this regard is relatively less, trying them out as alternative/supportive therapy does not harm and may benefit you. However, it goes without saying that such massages should only be performed after due consultation with your doctor.
