Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Women, This Massage Is For You!


 
Fertility Massage Therapy Is Not Just For Those TTC
Along with the benefits to those trying to conceive (TTC), this type massage may help you with many of the ‘women problems’ that we encounter. By the title, people with pass on this type of massage because they are lead to believe that it is only for making babies, but it can encourage greater wellness for all women.

That being said, Fertility Massage is beneficial to those who want to have a baby. Many couples experience difficulties TTC. There are many options to ‘boost’ your chances of conceiving, some more natural and far less invasive than others. Fertility Massage is another option.
A Little About It ...
Fertility Massage Therapy involves a number of modalities, including Castor Oil Therapy, Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue, MyoFascial Techniques, Reflexology & Acupressure, and relaxation techniques, and more.  The pelvic and abdominal techniques, combined with a relaxing Therapeutic Massage, potentially can enhance a couples potential to conceive naturally.  These techniques can also be combined with assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF.                                                                     

The intention of a therapeutic fertility massage session is to support the body in cleansing, reducing stress, balancing reproductive hormones and stimulating the reproductive organs. The session is also designed to support the client to achieve a state of balance emotionally and hormonally. Essential oils are added to the massage to awaken the reproductive system. Castor oil packs are applied to the abdomen during the session to cleanse the body. The result of this technique may increase the chances of achieving conception.


Fertility Massage may only be done after a menstrual period through day of ovulation. A Fertility Massage session begins with a castor oil pack applied to the pelvic area. Relaxation techniques are done, followed by abdominal massage, and then the session will be finished up with Reflexology on corresponding points and nerves strokes to encourage further relaxation and connection.  

Benefits of Fertility Massage
Regular Fertility Massage provides many benefits for the reproductive system. Some of these include are:

  •           Helps to reposition the uterus to its normal position and shape if it has become tilted or compressed by a fecal impacted intestine
  •          Promotes hormonal balance
  •          Massage helps to break up scar tissue
  •          Helps to bring fresh oxygenated blood to the reproductive organs
  •          Helps to reduce stress & stress hormones
  •          Increases circulation to the uterus & cervix
  •          Helps relax the stomach if it is hardened from stress or digestive issues
  •          Eliminate impacted feces in the large intestine
  •          Improves endocrine system communication
  •          Promotes liver health to process toxins and excessive hormone, and rid them from the body
  •          Promotes hormonal balance by strengthening the hormonal feedback loop
  •          Helps the body to rid itself of old stagnant blood and tissues
  •          Helps to relieve cramps and ovulation discomforts
To receive the most benefits from Fertility Massage, it is recommended that you schedule two (2) to four (4) sessions a week during the pre-ovulation time frame (between the end of your period and beginning of ovulation). 

Is Fertility Massage For You?
Although the name may suggest this is just for those TTC, there are many other reasons this may benefit you. If any of the following apply to you, Fertility Massage is for you!

  • Fertility Massage is beneficial to your
    reproductive organs and more
             Unexplained Infertility
  •          PCOS
  •          Endometriosis
  •          Blocked Fallopian Tubes
  •          Blood clots during menstruation
  •          Ovarian Cysts
  •          Hormonal Imbalances
  •          Uterine Fibroids
  •          High FSH levels
  •          Poor Egg Health
  •          Ovarian Failure
  •          Stress from infertility
  •          Lack of menstruation
  •          Anovulation
  •          Excessive Mensuration
  •          Constipation and/or Gas
  •          Pain during ovulation
  •          Tilted uterus
  •          Scar tissue
 
 
If you are interested in fertility massage, contact your local or favorite massage therapist to ask about their certification or training. For some of you lucky folks, that may be me! (Click here for more info).
 

If you have any specific questions or topics you would like to read about, please share on my Facebook page or email me. Together we can “Relax your body, Refresh your mind, Rejuvenate your life!”
 
 

 

Friday, April 11, 2014

ACHOO! I Need A Massage.


Massage, Allergies, and Congestion

 
Yay! Spring has finally arrived! Well, for many of us it has ... Some are still enduring a long, rough winter. Hopefully you too will join us in Spring soon. Along with the warmer weather, yard work, beautiful flowers, and other joys of the season comes allergies for many.

Can Massage Therapy help with my sinus congestion or allergies? ABSOLUTELY!

Some of the benefits of massage are the reduction of stress, opening of sinuses by reducing neck and shoulder tension, decreasing the agitation and inflammation through increasing lymphatic circulation, and by promoting a healthier, stronger immune system.
Next time you sneeze, sniffle, or blow your nose, pay attention to which muscles tense up. Primarily, it will be the muscles of your neck and shoulders. This is a double-whammy! Not only does the tension caused in these muscles make you feel worse, and possibly causing a headache, but they also can clamp down on the sinus tubes, causing more inflammation and irritability. By massaging these muscles they will become more relaxed, providing you with more comfort. And they will also release the pressure on the tubes, allowing for more flow.

Another benefit of massage that can be beneficial is the increased circulation and lymphatic system which will release toxins, flushing them from your body, and potentially increasing your immune system, thus protecting you from allergic reactions.
Along with massage, there are also a handful of essential oils that are great for sinus congestion and allergies. Many Massage Therapists have been educated in the use of essential oils and/or hold certification in Aromatherapy. Some of the essential oils that may be beneficial include: Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Oregano, Melaleuca, Breathe blend, and On Guard blend. (For more about chosing essential oils, read ‘DoesEssential Oil Purity Really Matter’)

Want to avoid the guessing game with essential oils? Check out the MTMW congestion products here.

 
If you have any specific questions or topics you would like to read about, please share on my Facebook page or email me. Together we can “Relax your body, Refresh your mind, Rejuvenate your life!”

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

I Should Get A Massage Doula!


The Massage Doula

 
First, you are probably asking, “what the heck is a doula?”. And second question up is, “what the heck does massage therapy have to do with that?”. Hopefully I will be able to answer both of those questions and explain to you what a Massage Doula is.

By Definition-
My doula, Jessica, massaging and utilizing
acupressure during contractions.
Doula: The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Massage doula: A licensed or certified massage therapist who is also certified as a labor doula. She (or he) can perform massage therapy during the pregnancy, provide doula support during childbirth, and perform postpartum massage after the baby is born. She (or he) is often also a certified infant massage therapist/instructor and can teach new parents how to massage their babies.

More About A Massage Doula and What Can They Do For Me?
A doula is someone trained to assist a pregnant woman through the various states of childbirth by providing comfort, physical support, encouragement and emotional sustenance. In order to be termed a massage doula, a practitioner must be certified to practice general massage and must have also completed additional training in prenatal and postpartum massage, as well as labor and delivery doula practices. Specific requirements vary by state, but many programs are available throughout the country, both live and online, for becoming trained in doula massage.  

Although the practice of women assisting each other in labor is surely as old as humankind, the term "doula" has been in common usage only in recent times. In most countries, doulas are not required to be certified for their profession, although those who are designated massage doulas must be certified as massage therapists. Research, as well as anecdotal evidence, suggests that women who employ the services of massage doulas for prenatal or postpartum massage are more relaxed during labor and have an easier time adjusting to the changes of their postpartum bodies Doulas can assist births at home, birthing centers and most hospitals. Massage doulas might perform prenatal massages on their patients anywhere from the early or middle months of pregnancy right up through labor and delivery. Postpartum massage can take place very soon after labor or in the hours or days that follow the baby's birth. Both prenatal and postpartum massage can be beneficial for stress reduction, relaxation and mental tranquility in an expectant or new mother.

To summarize what a Certified Massage Doula can do for you:
·         Shorten length of labor
·         Reduce need for pain medications or epidurals Reduce the need for pitocin
·         Reduce the need for forceps & vacuum extraction
·         Reduce the need for C-sections
·         Dramatically increase your odds of a natural labor
·         Increase chance of successful breastfeeding
·         Most importantly improve the wellness of yourself and baby!

For more about Massage Doula services, click here, or contact your local, friendly Massage Doula (*ahem ahem* for some of you, that could be me J)
Resources: eHow.com, MassageDoula.com, dona.com

If you have any specific questions or topics you would like to read about, please share on my Facebook page or email me. Together we can “Relax your body, Refresh your mind, Rejuvenate your life!”