Incorporating Massage Therapy into Infertility Treatment
a few, are complex, resulting from a mix of superficial and internal stimulation.
M At the most basic level, clients indulge by setting aside an hour
for themselves. In our rushed daily lives, time is precious, and having an hour that is dedicated to taking care of our bodies is truly special. During a session the cacophony of our various electronic gadgets, office environments and family lives quiets; in its place is a nurturing human touch. In this peaceful environment clients find their mind- body connection as they heal their bodies. I believe massage therapy educates us through touch. For fertility patients, relaxation is extremely important. Many
studies have concluded that there is a link between stress and infer- tility. All fertility patients are faced with varying degrees of emotional strain. During their journey they might need to make tough choices and undergo medical treatment that includes medication and, in some cases, advanced medical procedures such as in vitro fertiliza- tion (IVF). Beyond a relaxing session, massage therapy can improve body function, including sleep, circulation, hormone production and the removal of toxins. According to a 2010 study by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, a single session of mas- sage caused biological changes. Volunteers who received Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol in blood and saliva, and in arginine vasopressin, a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. They also had in- creases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system. As massage therapy helps improve endocrine gland function, sleep should also become more restful. Our body’s function relies heavily on sleep, which is our natural way of restoring and repair- ing the body. In addition, a fertility massage encourages blood flow
assage therapy is more than skin deep. The benefits of mas- sage therapy, including a reduction in stress hormones, an enhanced immune function, and relaxed muscles, to name
to the pelvic and abdominal organs, which encourages the body to heal and ready itself for fertility treatment. With my clients, I use a mix of techniques that includes lym-
phatic drainage and a relaxing form of Swedish massage. Fertility patients should avoid deep tissue massage, which may release lactic acid into their systems. I recommend clients have weekly sessions, if time and resources permit. Even once or twice during a cycle can have benefits. Many of my clients continue massage therapy after getting preg-
nant and even after having their baby because they appreciate the physical benefits and the improved mind-body connection. Here are some questions to keep in mind if you are considering
massage therapy during fertility treatment: • Is your massage therapist licensed? • Does your massage therapist have experience with fertility pa- tients?
• Has he or she been trained to work with fertility patients? • What types of techniques will your massage therapist be using? • Will your massage therapist customize your session based on your fertility needs? Massage therapy can be a powerful part of a fertility treatment, both for healing the physical body and improving the emotional experience of a client. The goal is for clients to be receptive to their next fertility treatment and give them the best chance of a successful cycle.
Holly Larsen, CMT, CHC, LDT has been bringing relief and relaxation to her clients through massage therapy in private practice and at Stamford Hospital for more than a decade. Holly offers Swedish mas- sage, trigger-point therapy, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, and lymphatic drainage therapy. Holly is part of Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMA of CT), Fairfield County’s leading fertility clinic. Visit
www.rmact.com. Offices in Norwalk, Stamford and Danbury. See ad on page 42.
8 Natural Nutmeg October 2012
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