Abdominal Massage for Fertility
Abdominal massage, also known as fertility or womb massage, is widely recognized for its reproductive health benefits. It improves egg quality, reduces inflammation, and can enhance fertility outcomes for women who are trying to conceive.
The Benefits of Fertility Massage
Improved Circulation
Massaging the lower abdomen increases blood flow to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Healthy blood circulation is necessary for the reproductive organs to function well. Increasing blood circulation, particularly to the reproductive organs by massaging the lower abdomen, can enhance fertility.
Stress Reduction
One of the more obvious benefits of any massage, is the fact that it is a stress reliever. However when it comes to fertility, you especially want to reduce your stress levels as much as possible. Too much stress can cause hormonal imbalance, which negatively impacts fertility. Abdominal massage reduces the stress hormones that you want to avoid if you are trying to get pregnant.
Hormonal Balance
Not only does stress relief help to keep your hormones balanced, but the stimulation of blood flow via massage helps with this as well. When the blood flow to the abdominal area is increased, it helps to regulate the endocrine system. Your endocrine system is responsible for hormone production and balance. Keeping your hormones balanced helps to regulate your menstrual cycles, making it easier to track ovulation. When you have regular cycles and ovulation is predictable, you have higher chances of getting pregnant.
Improved Digestion
Lower abdomen massages support digestive health, which is necessary to rid your body of any toxins and absorb nutrients. You’ll need a healthy digestive system to provide nourishment and eliminate waste in order to have increased fertility.
Lymphatic Drainage
When you massage your lower abdomen, you can stimulate your lymphatic system. This removes toxins and waste from your body, and will enhance your fertility by supporting good reproductive health.
Aligning Reproductive Organs
Certain massage techniques, such as the Maya abdominal massage, seeks to realign a uterus that may be tilted or out of place. When your uterus is properly positioned, you have higher chances of conceiving because it makes it easier for the sperm to reach the egg in order for implantation to occur.
Reduced Scar Tissue
If you have had a prior surgery, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis, abdominal massage can help to break down adhesions and scar tissue. This improves the mobility and function of the reproductive organs.
Types of abdominal massage
Circular Massage
Using gentle pressure, make small circular motions below your navel, slowly expanding the circles outward. It is best to massage in a clockwise direction to follow the natural flow of your digestive system. You can do this for 5-10 minutes daily, but it’s best to do this before ovulation or after your period.
Uterine Massage (Maya Abdominal Massage)
This massage is best done with oil, such as castor oil or coconut oil. I use our lactation oil blend, which is made with fennel oil and has more benefits than just increased milk production! Apply your oil of choice to your lower abdomen and gently place your fingers above your pubic bone. Using light pressure, lift your uterus by pressing inward and upward in a scooping motion. Hold for a few seconds and then release. This can realign your uterus and improve blood flow.
Ovarian Massage
Place your hands on your abdomen between your navel and your pubic bone. Locate your ovaries. They are generally about 3 inches below your navel, and to the side a little bit. Massage the ovary in a circular motion. Do this for 5 minutes on each side to support healthy ovulation.
Womb Healing Massage
Place your palms below your navel and take deep breaths. Mentally focus on sending love and positive energy to your womb. With your fingers, make gentle sweeping motions across your lower abdomen, from one hip to the other. Place both hands on your womb and take deep, calming breaths. This massage promotes an emotional and energetic connection with your womb.
Pelvic Rocking Massage
Sit cross-legged and place your hands over your lower abdomen. Slowly rock your pelvis forward and backward while applying light pressure with your palms. Do this for 5-10 minutes. This massage helps with pelvic alignment, promotes relaxation, and stimulates circulation, all of which are very helpful with conception.
