This week’s blog is written by New York massage therapist Nicole Kruck. Nicole specializes in fertility massage as well as pre and postnatal massage. We often get asked questions about prenatal massage and decided to put some of these questions to Nicole. Below are her answers. You can book an appointment with Nicole online by clicking here.

“What is prenatal massage?”

It is just like a regular massage: it loosens the muscles and joints, improves the circulation to you and your baby, and relieves fatigue.

The difference is prenatal massage is performed by a New York certified prenatal massage specialist who is able to target the unique needs of mothers-to-be in each trimester. These therapists are adept at working with specific conditions that can occur during pregnancy such as pelvic pain, digestive and elimination issues to bring you safe relief.

The length of your prenatal massage can range from sixty minutes to two hours depending on your specific needs. Several techniques are employed such as Swedish massage, myofascial, stretching & range of motion, and other modalities to relax and soothe the body, treat and ease tensions. At the end of the session you are left feeling restored, relaxed and comfortable in your happy body. You will also get tips on how to sleep better, foods that support pregnancy, relaxation techniques and exercise to support you during this time of added stress.

As your pregnancy progresses you will find each trimester will hold it’s own focus for your body’s needs.

“How is prenatal massage different in the first trimester?”

This is when we create the foundation for your pregnancy.

As weight in your belly begins to increases your center of gravity shifts adding stress and strain to weaker areas. This is your opportunity to concentrate on muscles, ligaments, and postural problems to create a stronger structural foundation.

The focus of your first trimester is to address any pre-existing conditions that would include chronic issues: back, neck, shoulder or pelvic pain, sciatica, or other recurring problems. Immediately attending to these issues will support your body’s ability to more easily distribute the added weight as your baby grows. Along with physical support massage at this time also reduces emotional anxieties which are important to a healthy foundation.

“What about the second trimester? Does the massage differ?”

In some ways this is your baby’s first massage

At this stage the pregnancy is settled in and it is time to focus on uterine support. As your uterus increases in size( 4 oz to 13 lb..) it is easy to over stress the 13 ligaments which give it support. Keeping the ligaments toned easily prevents many debilitating symptoms such as pelvic or back pain, premature delivery, and back labor. However, most importantly massage is a wonderful way to connect to your baby. You will be taught your own self care massage for home play.

“And in the third trimester?”

This is when we start to prepare you for labor.

So many internal and external events are taking place in preparation for your labor and birth. As strain to ligaments increase due to weight and increased hormones simple movements can induce pain until the muscles around them are releases. Also uterine pressure to your legs can cause excessive swelling along with blockages to digestion and elimination. Not only does prenatal massage on a regular basis help combat these symptoms but it will also relax your body in preparation for an easier labor, delivery and recovery.

“Should our Yinova Moms still be coming in for massage post-partum?”

Yes indeed. I like to say that we are returning a wandering womb

Your body has been put under tremendous stress. Especially in the abdominal and pelvic area where there are many new physical and emotional demands. These experiences – recovering from your pregnancy, delivery (especially with cesarean section) and now caring for your newborn are all individually major transitions. Postnatal massage supports recovery of all these stages in a gentle and effective way.

One major overlooked problem in postpartum recovery are the uterine ligaments. These ligaments are meant to easily expand to accommodate pregnancy however, recovery can many times create complications. One uterine massage after birth will not usually repair the nine months they have endured under great pressure. Especially if there was some type of trauma during delivery (such back labor, cesarean, extended pushing, improper care). These ligaments have a hard time recovering just like the over stretched elastic in your waist band. If they are not properly healed the uterus can not return to it’s proper positioning and many can complications occur. Some complications are incontinence, uterine, bladder or rectal prolapse, constipation, scar tissue especially with caesarean fallopian tube blockages and future fertility issues.

Getting regular massage and learning to do your own “Self-Care Massage” will assist not only the uterine ligaments and uterus to return to proper place but, will support the harmony of all healing.

You can start Postpartum Massage one week after a normal vaginal delivery, six weeks after a normal cesarean and after release of doctors care from any other complications.

“So how would you sum up the benefits of prenatal massage?”

The health of your uterus and it’s ligaments will assist you in avoiding common complications such as incontinence, prolapse, scar tissue (especially with caesarean) and future fertility issues. Prenatal massage does more than benefit the mother. Everything a pregnant woman does from her diet and fitness to her relaxation and relative state of contentment – also directly affects the child she is carrying. Study after study has proven that calmness in the mother leads to healthier baby development.

According to a study¹ receiving regular prenatal massage benefits labor by:

• 25% shorter delivery time

• 30%reduction in all pain medications

• 50% fewer cesarean births

• 60% less request for epidurals

Prenatal massage:

• promotes relaxation

• reduces edema

• reduces blood pressure & relieves varicose veins

• improves blood circulation & lymph circulation

• facilitates support for respiratory, digestive & elimination

• releases neck, back and and other joint pain

• relieves muscle spasms and cramps

• reduces mental strain, fatigue and depression & anxiety

1.  Touch Study Support for Pregnancy by Marshall Klaus, MD

Today’s blog is written by YinOva Massage Therapist, Nicole Kruck, LMT. Nicole is certified in Women’s Health and Reproductive Care with a specialty in Fertility Enhancement and Maya Abdominal Massage.

Nicole writes: Before I went to school to study massage, I did not want to know what went on under my skin. I felt I would have to be responsible for taking care of my body if I knew what was under there. However, a miracle occurred when I began to study anatomy & physiology in massage school. I realized I was completely fascinated with this incredible group of systems. I learned that all these system’s main job is to create homeostasis at every moment within my body. My misconception was that my body’s  functions were dark and mysterious when actually they were my best friend.

Life under the surface is like snorkeling the under water. The beauty of the sea weed like intestines, the grace of a ray moving through the water is like a uterus with her fallopian tube & ovary wings, the blowfish is like a stomach expanding and contracting protected by the ribs; the amazing process of ovulation, digestion, breathing or the action of one heartbeat are all created by thousands of continuous actions taking place under the skin.

I have realized in the course of my practice that many of my clients think like I used to. One of the reasons I love my work is that I am able to teach people to explore some of the networks under their hands when I show them their own abdominal self care massage. For a woman to actually feel a part of their uterus through the abdomen can shed tremendous light on what sometimes felt dark place “down there”. As you begin to open up the areas around the reproductive organs the dams that once restricted vital fluids such as oxygenated blood, hormones and lymph are opened to bring back proper balance. Clients are also excited to find that they can manually support elimination by massaging their large intestine which is simple to palpate through their skin. As you learn to massage your abdomen you will find it creates a rippling effect through out all the organs and systems of the body to bring about improved functioning.

It is proven fact that simple touch can nourish our entire system. As we seek ways to bring greater healing to ourselves I offer you one of greatest tools I have experienced right here in your own two hands. Just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when she finds out that it was always in her power to go home, you can also find great power in your own hands to heal yourself.

I hope you will join me on the journey to explore down under the skin of your abdomen to illuminate a wondrous new world.

Join me and Holistic Nurse Practitioner Cathy Lipsky December 5 at the YinOva Center form 1pm-5pm. If you can not attend I am also available for private Maya Abdominal Massage sessions.

Hands on Healing: The Maya Way
Saturday, December 5
1 – 6pm
$125
At the YinOva Center

Nicole Kruck, LMT will be leading a one day in depth workshop for anyone wanting to enhance their fertility and reproductive health in a natural way. Whether you have tried a private session or are just curious about gaining a better understanding about your reproductive system, the day will provide essential answers to many unexplained questions. Attendees of the 5 hour workshop will leave with a new understanding of simple things you can do at home to change the course of your reproductive cycles.

In 2000, Nicole became the first certified practitioner of Arvigo Maya Abdominal Massage ™ In 2002 she was the first teacher of this technique in the New York metro area. She uses a rich blend of holistic modalities to personalize each individual treatment, including hands-on work, education and spiritual support.

To register or for more information, contact Nicole at 347.628.8595

In our book Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility Dr. David and I recommend abdominal self massage as a way of helping to enhance fertility by increasing blood flow to the uterus. In the book there are detailed diagrams of different self-massage techniques for every phase of your cycle. This massage is partly based on the Maya Abdominal Massage™ developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo and partly based on the extensive clinical experience of our own Nicole Kruck. We encourage anyone trying to conceive to book a session with Nicole where she will teach you the self massage techniques that are in the book.

I asked Nicole to answer some frequently asked questions about using abdominal massage to enhance fertility and her answers are below.

What can I expect in my initial treatment with Nicole?

Nicole Says:

The initial session consists of an intake, massage and “Self-Care” massage instruction. Many times guided meditation and breathing exercises are also included. I individually tailor the treatment to each client’s specific needs and comfort level.

We review the intake form together and start to put the pieces of the puzzle in place create a clear picture. I use the information you give me on the intake form to map out how we will resolve current issues as well how we can achieve long term health goal.

What is the massage treatment like and what does it do?

Nicole says:

During the massage much of the focus will be on the abdominal area. This gentle external massage is intended to remove blocks in circulation, lymphatic drainage, nerve connections & scar tissue or adhesions. It also strengthens uterine ligaments to reposition a wandering womb.

Attention is also given to postural alignment which may also create many reproductive problems.

Is that all there is ?

Nicole says:

No. The point of our sessions is to give you knowledge that you can use yourself at home. You will learn how to do your own simple abdominal massage treatment on a daily basis. This supports you to, literally, take your health “into your own hands” in between sessions.

How long before I can expect change in my conditions?

Nicole says:

With regular sessions and dedication of your self care practice at home. You should begin to see a change within your first cycle.

What do I need to know to schedule my appointment?

Nicole says:

There are 2 options for an initial treatment at the YinOva Center:

You can book a single two hour initial consult or some people choose to see me throughout one cycle and book four, one hour treatments over the course of a month.

After that you don’t necessarily need to come in and see me every week for treatment, especially if you are doing your own self-massage regularly, but it is important to come in periodically for follow up treatments so that we can assess your progress, make any necessary changes and make sure that you feel confident in with your own Self-Care massage at home.

Our YinOva Massage Therapist, Nicole Kruck, wrote this blog entry to share with you how she uses Mayan Abdominal Massage (MAM) to to treat reproductive issues and enhance fertility. Nicole is a licensed massage therapist, MAM Practitioner & a self care instructor. She contributed the self-massage information for our new book, Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility

She writes

As with using acupuncture to enhance fertility, another important piece of the puzzle can be incorporating certain types of massage therapy techniques that address your reproductive structure. Massage is not always just a luxury “feel good” modality. With the right practitioner and techniques it has the ability to provide major healing effects for all physiological systems along with the emotional and spiritual aspects that effect fertility.

In many cases the path of fertility can be challenging. For many people their reproductive foundation is not in optimal alignment. Addressing structural problems is just as important as addressing hormonal imbalances. Structural balance plays an important role in conceiving, holding a pregnancy, delivering and recovering.

Massage has been used for centuries to increase fertility. Today it is still used in many countries as traditional home remedies by midwives, grannies and local traditional healers. However, it is not until recent times that massage has come into awareness of western medical practices for it’s multitudes of benefits with reproductive and fertility enhancement. In many circumstances massage can address the “causes” of several symptoms associated with reproductive problem not only in women but men too.

Among several options are “The Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage” ™.* (MAM). This technique incorporates a blend of ancient and modern day practices to assist in the resolution of common reproductive problems for fertility and healthy pregnancy.

Using MAM on a routine basis many common reproductive problems can be successfully addressed such as scar tissue from any type of surgery (including c-sections), adhesions, ovarian cysts, blocked fallopian tubes, week or thin uterine lining in women. In men the massage can help sperm count, motility, morphology, blocked tubes also scar tissue and prostate swelling. Clients are also taught a self care abdominal massage to help them take an active part in their own optimal health and healing benefits.

MAM specifically improves the stretch and positioning of the uterine ligaments to support optimal uterine positioning in the pelvis. Why is uterine alignment so important? In many cases a simple diagnosis of a tilted, misaligned or prolapsed uterus can cause several of the stated symptom usually associated with fertility problems. In many cases it is over looked as a possible cause.

However, just imagine the weight of a lemon (apx. 4 oz) lying out of place in the pelvis on major blood vessels, nerve lymphatic vessel causing restrictions on many microscopic vessels that feed the uterus, ovaries and other neighboring organs. It is like stepping on a water hose and the water can not flow freely. This is what can happen when the ligaments that completely support the suspension of the uterus loose their elasticity and allow it to become misaligned. The pelvic area then becomes congested (backed up) and begins to create an acidic area. Imagine your seat of creation bathed in acid.

When reproductive organs shift (or the prostate swells in men), this can constrict normal flow of blood, lymph, hormone and nerve connections. By shifting the uterus back into place through massage homeostasis, or the natural balance of the body, is brought back into the pelvic area and the surrounding organs. Toxins are flushed and nutrients that help tone the tissue and balance the hormones are restored to normal order. This supports a perfect foundation for fertility, pregnancy, labor, and delivery and very happy period