Fertility and Abdominal Massage Benefits

FERTILITY AND ABDOMINAL MASSAGE BENEFITS

Fertility massage is a form of abdominal massage that is gentle, yet very effective. The massage is often used for women with digestive and reproductive issues involving a non-invasive, external abdominal/belly and back massage. The techniques help to align the organs within the abdominal area, releasing pressure, and strengthening the area. This in turn stimulates and supports circulation and blood flow within the abdominal area and pelvic bowl, supporting the body for optimal function of digestive and reproductive health and wellness. 

Women often come to see us when they are trying to conceive, when experiencing fertility issues, through pregnancy and the postpartum period, or when experiencing gynecological concerns, such as PCOS, endometriosis, or when undergoing IVF.

Fertility Massage has so many benefits. Some of the benefits are listed below

1. HORMONAL BALANCE

The massage is thought to release feel good hormones, including oxytocin. This promotes hormonal balance by clearing pathways for feedback between the reproductive organs and the endocrine system.

1. SCAR TISSUE

Fertility and abdominal massage helps to break up scar tissue and adhesions from caesarian births, pelvic issues, infections, and abdominal surgery. The removal of adhesions is really effective in providing a non-intrusive therapy for blocked fallopian tubes as well as with endometriosis, as it decreases inflammation.

1. OXYGENATED BLOOD.

This technique helps bring fresh, oxygenated blood to the ovaries, improving egg health and improving circulation to the uterus and the surrounding organs.

1. REMOVES STAGNATION

This specific massage helps removes stagnant blood and tissues, clearing congestion. In endometriosis the massage rids the body of the old blood, thereby improving health of the womb.

1. REDUCES PAIN

Massage reduces pain through the release of endorphins. Long-term pain is also helped by the reduction of scar tissue and removal of old blood. These are both key factors that prevent proper blood flow and circulation.

1. HEIGHTENED PLEASURE

Finally, when balance is achieved in the body, including the sex organs and abdominal area, it is able to perform optimally. The nerve pathways are properly functioning as well as hormones and this will enhance the sexual experience. Who does want this added benefit?

To learn more about the benefits of this specific massage please contact us to set up a consultation.

Massage Therapy and Holistic Techniques for Fertility Infertility

Regularly receiving fertility massage provides many benefits for the reproductive system. Some of the benefits are:

• Helps to reposition a tilted uterus

• Promotes hormonal balance 

• Massage helps to break up scar tissue

• Helps to bring fresh blood to the uterus

• Helps to reduce stress & stress hormones

• Increases circulation to the uterus & cervix

• Improves endocrine system communication

• Encourages the liver to get rid of excess hormones

• Promotes hormonal balance by strengthening the hormonal feedback loop

• Helps the body to rid itself of old stagnant blood and tissues

In 2003 I personally underwent a treatment protocol at “Clear Passages Therapy” Founders Physical Therapist Belinda Wurn and her husband, Massage Therapist Larry Wurn, set out to evaluate the effectiveness of manual soft-tissue therapy including massage in treating women with infertility. these studies took place from 1998 and 2003. These clients were known to have adhesions in their abdomen/pelvic area, and concluded that “site-specific protocol of manual soft-tissue therapy facilitates fertility in women with a wide array of adhesion-related infertility and biomechanical reproductive organ dysfunction.”

The studies included women who are experiencing or have experienced pelvic pain, adhesions, bicornuate uterus, D&C, ectopic pregnancy, fibroids, failure to ovulate (ovulation), hydrosalpinx, irregular menstrual periods, hormonal problems, tubal occlusion, ovarian cystectomy, myomectomy, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, etc.

The book “Miracle Moms, Better Sex Less Pain” was written by Larry and Belinda Wurn and Richard King, MD. The book consists of 80 individual patient narratives and their stories with fertility and manual therapies.

By now you can see that using massage therapy to help your fertility is very beneficial. There are many issues that the fertility massage may be able to help.

Is Fertility Massage For You?

Are you experiencing any of the following?

 PCOS

 Endometriosis

 Blocked Fallopian Tubes

 Blood clots during menstruation

 Ovarian Cysts

 Hormonal Imbalances

 Uterine Fibroids

 Unexplained Infertility

 High FSH levels

 Poor Egg Health

 Ovarian Failure

 Stress from infertility

 Lack of menstruation

 Anovulation

 Excessive Mensuration

 Constipation

 Pain during ovulation

 Tilted uterus

 Scar tissue

 Gas

Can This Protocol Help with Fertility Issues?

There are many fertility issues that this therapy can assist with. Some of these fertility issues are:

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

One of the greatest benefits of massage is the ability to break up adhesions. This massage protocol gently helps to break up adhesions while helping the body to get rid of the remaining scar tissue. The techniques used include massaging the fallopian tubes in addition to the uterus and ovaries. Massage provides a great non-invasive option for women with blocked fallopian tubes.

Endometriosis

Fertility Massage techniques help the body with congestive issues like endometriosis. When endometrial tissues begin to grow in other areas of the body besides the uterus, irritation occurs which then can create scar tissue. This in turn can cause organs to begin to become stuck together by the scar tissue and tight fascia. It may also cause Fallopian tubes to begin to twist. Massage can be used to help breakup the adhesions, decrease the inflammation, and help the body to rid itself of the old blood left from the endometrial tissues.

PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is another fertility issue that causes stagnation in the body. When ovulation does not occur and a cysts begins to grow on the ovaries, this causes a series of imbalances to occur, one of the main ones being hormonal imbalance. Fertility Massage includes techniques which promote the hormonal feedback loop to communicate fully which in turn helps the body to ovulate, menstruate, and be in balance. Massage also can help to bring circulation to the ovaries, helping to nourish and bring fresh blood to your eggs. While diet is still the #1 therapy for PCOS, specific massage techniques can really help to make a difference.

Unexplained Infertility

When it comes to unexplained infertility, the best approach is to focus on creating a healthy body, a healthy mind, and bringing balance to your life. This approach helps to cover all bases and create a healthy body without causing further harm. Massage can be helpful in many ways if you are experiencing unexplained infertility. The techniques help to increase circulation which in turn helps to increase egg health by bringing fresh oxygenated, nutrient filled blood to the eggs. Specific fertility massage techniques also help with stress that comes along with infertility. Stress has been shown in studies to affect hormonal balance by increasing prolactin (the hormone that keeps you from getting pregnant while you are breastfeeding).

Ovarian Cysts

One of the main benefits of fertility massage is that it increases circulation to the ovaries. This can be helpful if you have ovarian cysts by helping to clear out congestion, reduce inflammation, and promote hormonal balance. In conjunction with reducing environmental and dietary estrogen.

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Menstrual Cramps

Do you get cramps every menstrual cycle? While there are many different causes of menstrual cramps, massage may help most of them. Let’s look at a few of the reasons menstrual cramps occur:

• The uterus is contracting to expel old blood

• A “cold uterus” – This is a term used in TCM which means a uterus that is lacking proper circulation.

• Scar tissue left from surgery, PID, or endometriosis may cause a lot of pain when the uterus contracts during menstruation.

• Nutritional deficiencies have been shown to effect PMS and menstrual cramps.

• Tilted uterus

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Hormonal Imbalances

Massage encourages healthy communication between the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, and the ovaries. This is called the “feedback loop”. It controls the levels of hormones produced in the body. By massaging the ovaries and including the stress-relieving benefits of massage, a healthier balance can be found in the body. The liver may also be massaged to help in achieving balance. The liver is another important organ for hormonal balance.

Improving Egg Health

One of the foundations of natural fertility is promoting egg health through eating nutrient-dense foods and antioxidants which help to protect the egg’s integrity from free radicals. Another important aspect to egg health is proper oxygen, nutrients, and circulation. Specific massage techniques for fertility help to bring much needed circulation to the ovaries, therefore, supplying the eggs with oxygen and antioxidants.

Stress Caused from Fertility Issues

While trying to stay stress free during your journey towards motherhood is important, it can sometimes seem impossible.

The fertility massage protocol is a very relaxing and a great stress-relieving therapy. While you are receiving a massage, the body begins to relax, blood flow increases, endorphins (feel good hormones) release, and muscles let go..

Poor circulation

Many health issues can be traced back to poor circulation. Having healthy circulation is key to fertility and overall health because getting fresh, clean, oxygenated blood to our organs and cells is of the utmost importance. Massage helps the body to return blood to the heart for oxygen, helps to move lymph fluids, and helps the body to process and get rid of toxins found in organs and muscles. There are many causes of poor circulation. The main ones being:

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Sitting for long periods of time

• Lack of exercise

• High cholesterol

By no means these statements are used to diagnose. Adding in an enhanced protocol for fertility massage can greatly increase the odds of achieving homeostasis or balance in the body. Our bodies want desperately to heal themselves and this complementary therapy can be just what is needed to achieve that and the end result you are looking for.

Massage for the Elderly

Therapeutic Benefits of Massage for the Elderly

Massage for the elderly has various physical and mental benefits, which results in the improvement of health and general well-being. The techniques used for senior citizens differ greatly from those used with younger individuals so massage therapists strive to understand those differences in order to better treat their patients.

Massage for the elderly involves gentle stroking, kneading, and the application of light pressure on specific points. Studies by the Touch Research Institute shows that massage facilitates communication and relaxation, and is therefore an effective therapy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s patients. The manipulation of specific points on the body has also been shown to promote the natural lubrication of joints, greatly assisting in the pain management of patients suffering from the stiffness of arthritis.

Therapists administering massage for senior citizens are also trained to incorporate stretching in the massage session. The specific stretching technique involves the application of just enough pressure on the joints, soft tissue, and muscles to make the massage safe for an older individual while still retaining its efficacy. Patients greatly benefit from massage by gaining an increased range of motion, strengthening of muscles while reducing tension, and a higher quality night’s sleep. Those who undergo regular massage have reported sleeping deeper and for longer, which allows the body time to regenerate and repair itself, resulting in an overall state of greater well-being. Massage also improves posture and reduces tension that accumulates in the muscles over many years. This not only assists seniors in obtaining higher quality rest but also helps them avoid and manage painful age-related conditions, such as degenerative disc disorder and spinal stenosis.

Studies have shown that the effects of aging take place faster in people lacking mental stimulation and who engage in little physical activity. Further studies have shown a link between a reduction in physical activity to an increase in depression, which leads to many age-related diseases and conditions. Due to the connection between the physical and mental, any treatment for the aged should aid in improving the balance between the two. By manipulating the body and stimulating the mind, massage provides the perfect balance needed for an individual’s health to thrive.

Benefits of Corporate Chair Massage

Many of the benefits of chair massage for your employees are similar to the benefits of getting a full body massage at a spa, but in the comfort and convenience of your workplace. Onsite massage eliminates the need to travel to a massage clinic or spa, and is a fraction of the cost. Chair massage makes massage therapy accessible to those within your organization who are uncomfortable getting undressed and would otherwise never experience massage without it.

Listed below are some benefits to incorporating chair massage at the workplace and data collected before and after treatments.

Chair Massage reduces stress, by 85% in fact! Stress levels measured before and after massage found one of the biggest benefits of seated massage therapy to be a seriously effective office stress reliever.

Chair massage reduces anxiety and depression. One of the big benefits of office massages is that massage reduces anxiety by 26% and depression scores also improve by 28% after the massage.

It relieves muscle tension and pain. Back pain is literally cut in half with regular corporate chair massages. A decrease of 48% decrease was seen in the studies on back pain and tension.

Chair massage improves the quality of sleep. Over multiple studies, the average improvement in sleep quality was 28%. That includes increased duration as well as fewer sleep disturbances.

Regular chair massage reduces headaches. Headaches are decreased by an average of 48% in duration and intensity with regular onsite massages.

Chair massage lowers blood pressure. Across multiple studies, there was an average of a 6% drop in blood pressure, which may not sound like a lot. But that’s literally the difference between a hypertensive blood pressure and normal one. This was without the use of any medications. Plus these studies showed that there was a lasting effect and the benefits of corporate massage programs showed very clearly as the massage group continued to have lower blood pressure than the control groups for weeks after treatment stopped.

It prevents repetitive injuries. For employees doing repetitive movements, weekly chair massage reduces the occurrence of repetitive stress injuries by 37%.

Chair massage boosts the immune system. In the studies on immune function, the good cells of the body perform 35% better as one of the benefits of corporate chair massage, and this is especially true for auto immune and inflammatory illnesses.

Corporate chair massage can be used to prevent issues with carpal tunnel and tendonitis. One of the benefits of chair massage programs is decrease in pain and discomfort by 14%.

Chair massage increases mental clarity and alertness. After chair massages, employees in two studies show increased alertness, speed and accuracy on math computations following treatment.

Overall, the benefits of corporate chair massage are proven to boost morale and support a healthy work environment.

Phoenix Mobile Massage Therapy - Massage Envy vs Phoenix Mobile Massage

Phoenix Mobile Massage Therapy

Massage Envy vs. Phoenix Mobile Massage

The differences between a "Massage Envy" or other chain massage and a massage from Phoenix Mobile Massage 

Visiting a massage chain like Massage Envy can be a very different experience than that of an in home massage from Phoenix Mobile Massage. Each offers a different business model And this post outlines some of the differences you can expect, although you should always expect nothing less than to leave feeling better than you did before your treatment.

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 Time on the Table

Typically, chains book guests for an hour or 90-minute massage and leave five or ten minutes off the actual time to allow the therapist to turn the room over. So the actual time you spend on the table is 50 or 80 minutes. Therapists in private practice often book a client for a true 60, 90 or 120-minute massage, meaning the client spends all of that time on the table, the moment the therapist's hands touch the client. It’s always a good idea to ask before your session so that you are not surprised.

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 Price

The price can vary greatly between a chain like Massage Envy and an independent therapist company such as Phoenix Mobile Massage. Often, an independent massage therapist must charge more than a massage chain due to the simple fact of overhead. A solo therapist is responsible for supplies, travel expenses and business expenses where as an LMT employed by a chain doesn’t have to worry about any of that.

Chains also offer membership pricing with the stipulation that you use a massage each month. They require a contract and there is a possibility there will be fees associated with the terms if you decide to cancel the membership. 

Prices can also reflect the quality of service you will receive. Chains, in my opinion, drastically under pay LMTs as well as working long hours resulting in a possibility of less than quality work and a faster turnover in employees. I am not saying that there are not phenomenal massage therapists working at chains, I am just saying that those therapists deserve to get paid more. It is not likely a fantastic therapist will stay long term due to these conditions. 

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Scheduling

When you call to schedule a treatment with a massage chain like Massage Envy, you will not typically have the opportunity to speak with a therapist directly. The receptionist will tell you what modalities a given therapist focuses on. Beyond that, I’m not sure how far you will get with specific questions.

A chain will have more therapists working at any given time which will give you some flexibility with available times if you are not choosy as to what LMT you work with. A private massage practice such as Phoenix Mobile Massage has a smaller staff that may have less flexibility and/or availability, especially if a specific therapist is requested. 

When scheduling clients, a therapist that is working independently has the leeway to book clients in a way that gives them an adequate and comfortable amount of time between sessions. The LMT will have time to regroup, hydrate, eat etc. leaving them refreshed and ready for a new session to start. In contrast, therapists at chains have five-minute windows to give clients homework for healing, take notes, change the room over, grab a snack, use the bathroom and whatever else they need to do. This just isn’t enough time for a smooth transition without either the therapist, the client leaving and/or the new client coming in feeling rushed.

In addition, solo therapists have complete control of how much they work in a day so they do not become overbooked. I can tell you, there is no faster way to burn out as a therapist than working past your physical or mental limitations.

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 Personal Touch

Working for one’s self, the sky is the limit when it comes to personal touches to a client’s experience. Independent therapists are not limited to what corporately approves. The massage therapists have a bit more freedom to add personal touches. The atmosphere will welcome you with a different energy resulting in a unique experience. A smaller practice also means you will get more individualized personal attention.

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 Travel

Last but not least, a massage experience with Phoenix Mobile Massage is vastly different from a massage experience at a chain massage in that we bring everything to you. It takes the worry and tension out of driving to and from your massage appointment. This, in my opinion, is worth its weight in gold giving you the ultimate relaxation experience. 

So there you have it. There is no right answer when it comes to choosing where to receive your bodywork, just so long as you feel comfortable and are getting the results you are seeking. While there are some major differences between a massage chain like Massage Envy and a small private practice such as Phoenix Mobile Massage, fantastic therapists can be found in both places.