A vaginal steam (V-Steam) is an effective and relaxing way to promote reproductive health. The V-Steams are ph balanced to help the body naturally cleanse the vaginal and uterine linings in a safe and gentle way. The warm steam and natural essential oils from the plants nourish and tonify the vaginal and uterine tissues. While improving circulation, the steams alleviate symptoms caused by, or related to, congestion in these tissues.

Benefits of a V-Steam include:

Menstrual support:

• Clears dark menstrual blood from the beginning or ending of the cycle
• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods aka cramping)
• Irregular periods
• Stop and start periods
• Endometriosis

Vaginal disorders:

• Yeast infections and other vaginal bacteria
• Support for Cervical Dysplasia
• Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
• Vaginismus

Fertility Enhancement:

• Increases cervical fluids
• Helps relax the vaginal canal and cervix
• Nourishes the and tonifies the uterine lining

Assisted Fertility Cycles:

• Increases the effectiveness of assisted (IVF, IUI, Donor). Please Note: consult an Arvigo Practitioner before using steams during these cycles!

Also treats:

• Pelvic Pain
• Postpartum delivery
• Post-miscarriage

Avoid V-Steams if:

• You are pregnant
• After ovulation (if attempts have been made to conceive)
• If you are bleeding heavily
• During the full flow of period
• You have an acute infection
• You have vaginal sores or blisters

V-Steam Directions:

Clean out your toilet well. Find a medium sized bowl (Pyrex, ceramic, metal) that will fit just “over the water line” about an inch or two over the waterline so no toilet water will enter into your bowl. Also you don’t want the bowl too close to the toilet seat and your bottom.

1. In a medium covered pot, pour 8 cups of water (preferably purified water).
2. Place one handful of fresh herb(s) or 1/4 cup dried into the water.
3. Bring water to a soft boil for 5 minutes.
4. Turn of the heat, leave the lid on and steep for another 5 minutes with the lid on.
5. Pour 4 cups (half) of water into the bowl you have placed in your toilet.
6. Wave your hand 8-10 inches over the herbal water to make sure it is not too hot.
7. Remove you underwear and sit on the seat above the steaming water.
8. Drape a large blanket or sheet around your waist down to the floor making sure no steam escapes.
9. Make sure you keep yourself warm, keeping something on your feet (socks, slippers) and neck. You do not want any cold to get into your body while you are trying to warm it.
10. You should feel a warm, rolling heat for about 10-12 minutes.
11. When the steam dies down dump the water into the toilet. Starting with step #4 begin the second dosage. If it has cooled too much reheat but test again before sitting over the steam.

While you steam: Relax have some tea, light some candles, meditate, or put on some peaceful music. This should be a relaxing experience. After your steam we suggest that you keep yourself warm and rest. Avoid any type of sudden cold or drafts to your body.

FYI:

Do not be alarmed if some debris, or spotting occurs after the steam it is a natural cleansing. You may also experience changes in your discharge and menstruation. If you have any major concerns please contact an Arvigo Therapy Practitioner or your doctor. The V-Steam is a traditional home remedy that has been practiced around the world for centuries. Please be cautious if you suspect you have any of the contraindications listed above and wait to do the steam.

Special Notes:

• It is very important to test the temperature of the steam before using. If it is too hot wait 15 seconds and test it again until it feels comfortably warm to steam with.
• Do not add or use “essential oils” they are too strong and may burn sensitive genital tissue.
• It can temporary increase menstrual flow with more dark fluids or debris. Menses may start earlier than usual due to the cleansing effect.
• Plants: Dry or fresh plants are suggested. Also, if possible, use organic plants. Many plants you find on your spice rack are perfect. Most commonly used are basil (move fluids), rosemary (anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial), oregano (antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant), calendula (anti- inflammatory), motherwort (tonifies, cramping, infections), mugwort (all purpose), marigolds (same properties as calendula).

Here at the YinOva Center you can schedule a V-Steam with a trained and experienced therapist. However you can also steam at home, but consult an MD, herbalist, or certified abdominal massage practitioner when combining herbs (do not use essential oils, since quality is hard to regulate, few are pure, and they’re too concentrated and strong for internal use).

When I go to a restaurant and look over a menu, I can be rather indecisive. One question that I never linger on though is “would you like that mild, medium or hot?” Hot peppers are a favorite seasoning in our house, and we grow them from seed in our garden. This year we had a bumper crop.

Whether it is the blazing heat of summer or the depth of winter, we often use peppers in our recipes. For thousands of years, people from South America to North Africa have created spectacular dishes, using hot peppers to bring on a little fire.

Peppers like these habaneros we are growing, also have medicinal qualities. They have been used in traditional herbal remedies for centuries and today there is an ever-growing selection of over-the-counter products that make use of their healing powers.

The active ingredient in peppers is called Capsaicin and it is the compound that gives them their heat. Chemically it hyper-stimulates sensory nerves which causes the burning sensation on your tongue and other sensitive tissues. In controlled amounts though it can be used topically to reduce the pain associated with arthritis, shingles and the neuropathy of diabetes. This analgesic ability comes from capsaicin’s effect on your body’s neuropeptide substance P, which is involved in the transmission of nerve pain. Also, as a local irritant, capsaicin in the right amounts can dilate capillaries and promote circulation.

Taken internally, the health benefits of capsaicin in peppers continues to be studied and has been shown to have many potential benefits. These include

• Thinning mucous secretions in some respiratory conditions

• Treatment of prostate and lung cancer

• Risk reduction of atherosclerosis

• Diminishing the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia

• Reduce insulin resistance in type 1 diabetes

• Treatment of cluster headaches

In traditional Chinese medicine peppers that contain capsaicin are, predictably categorized as hot and spicy. Like ginger and cinnamon they are by nature therapeutically warming, promote circulation, and can help relieve pain, depending on how and in what amounts they are taken. Before taking a new herb it’s always a good idea to talk with a qualified practitioner. However there are lots of sensible ways to use the healing power of hot peppers on your own. Of course cooking with peppers is fun and once you find one that’s to your taste, they can add tremendous flavor –not just bite- to dishes. In my pozole recipe, there are 5 different kinds of pepper, balanced for taste.

Here is another recipe – for topical use ONLY. It is a safe, easy to make massage oil which is great for achy muscles & joints, especially for those of you who like to run outside in the cooler weather but benefit from warm applications (did someone say marathon?). A recent article at Well+Good NYC illustrates how the heat and the circulation this oil promotes can keep you on the road at times when cold therapy would only tighten muscles up.

This is an oil that can be used to massage along large muscles or any place that feels creaky. It’s great for joints that ache in cold damp weather. Of course, use common sense precautions: it should feel warm but not burn. If you think it’s irritating your skin, stop using it and wash with a gentle soap.

1 quart Olive Oil
1/2 oz cloves
3/4 oz Cayenne Peppers

• Chop and crush peppers and cloves.
• Add to oil.
• Bake in an oven on a low heat for 2 hours.
• After it has cooled add one capsule of vitamin E as a preservative.
• Strain and bottle.
• Use as a massage oil (external use only)

This is a quick one to make. It feels good and has a nice nutty smell. Make sure to have small bottles to decant into because there is enough here to give to friends.

Today’s blog is written by YinOva Massage Therapist, Nicole Kruck.

Last year an  L.A. Times article on “Vaginal Steaming” caused much comment on the internet and many of our YinOva Center patients asked us about it.  Most giggled a bit with embarrassment and some were intrigued but it seems that what women want to know is — should they steam their uterus?

Known in Central America as Banjos (ba-hoes) or in Korea as Chai-yok, these baths have been used around the world for centuries to foster good uterine health.  I do V-Steams personally and prescribe them to many of my clients.  Those who do them find the experience relaxing and they see improvements in their vaginal health.  Steams are especially effective for people with a misplaced uterus which can lead to symptoms such as dark menstrual blood, cramping, periods that stop and start, as well as repeated yeast and other bacterial infections.  They are also helpful for cervical dysplasia and they can enhance fertility, supporting natural cycles and increasing the efficacy of assisted reproductive techniques.  Some women may think of their lower bodies as separate, especially if there has been some type of trauma (physically, emotionally or spiritually) in the pelvis.  This treatment helps them pamper themselves “down there” and reconnect with their bodies.

Think of a V-Steam as a facial for your vagina.  It creates the same effects as a facial but it does so internally for your uterus and vaginal canal.  What do you think women used before store bought (unnnatural) douches?  They used plants, clay, garlic and other home remedies.  Honestly, I wish I knew about this in my younger years.  All those awful symptoms I endured during my menstruating years – this would have been such a welcome relief!  Thankfully, I learned early enough to, at least, find relief in my peri- and (now) post-menopausal years.  Unlike using chemicals and pharmaceuticals, there are no adverse side effects.  The steams are pH balanced and the herbs I use are all organic.

Since many women come to The YinOva Center to enhance their fertility, we are excited to offer the V-Steams as another tool in our fertility program – along with abdominal massage and regular acupuncture sessions.  They are ideal for increasing blood flow and circulation to the uterus.  The steams are PH balanced and they contain natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.  Truly a wonderful complement when preparing the uterus for conception.  Used 24 hours before retrieval or transfer, doctors and patients have found they enhance the ease and and efficacy of these procedures.

The YinOva V-Steam is a private one-hour session including a short abdominal massage treatment.  We recommend this session in conjunction with your regular Maya Massage and acupuncture treatments.

It should not be used to replace a regular Initial Arvigo Massage (formally known as Maya Fertility Massage) session.

Today’s Blog is by YinOva massage therapist, Nicole Kruck LMT.

“In the old days we couldn’t just up and run to the doctor for every little ache and pain” my grandma Viola used to say.  “There weren’t hospitals or doctors near enough”.

So what did they do back then? In this day and age when most Americans have access to 24 hour medical care complete with a pharmacy around the corner, most of us would be lost if couldn’t get an expert opinion and packaged prescription.

My grandma Viola was brought up to use the medicines she found in the backyard or in her case along the wagon trail along with fellow travelers. The knowledge of how to use herbs and other plants to treat common illnesses, passed down for generations, is largely lost to us or is considered obsolete as we turn to packaged pharmaceuticals for our aches and pains. Grandma Viola still rubs her sore legs with Tishners mouthwash which main ingredient is arnica and alcohol to release inflammation.

Now…imagine a whole pharmacy in your own backyard, window box, farmers market or local neighborhood park.   Whether you live in a house or an apartment the plants you need can be close by to help you heal. These helping plants, many be sprouting up locally in empty lots, cracks in the ground. Usually they get overlooked, stepped on, sprayed, plucked, or weed wacked because many people don’t know what they can do.

My teachers, teacher Don Elijio Panti was a famous Traditional Healer in Belize . He healed his people with prayers and plants he found in his backyard (the rainforest). Don Elijio would say “you burned down that forest today and the next day you’ll see that man will be knocking at my door looking for a plant to heal his sick child, but it will be gone because he burned down the forest that contained the plant he needed to put up track housing.”

Do you know what some of these powerful “weeds” can do? I live in New York City and some examples of healing plants thriving in unexpected places are -

Plantain which helps heal the bumps, bruises and cuts found gowning through the cracks in every playground in the city and gravel area,

Evening Primrose also found across the street from my apartment in Riverside Park which use when I needed some help balance a hormonal problem I was having,

Echinacea- supports and boots the immune system,

Roses- some types of growing on your balcony can stop bleeding,

Dandelions- support liver function and can be found as easily as a chinese resturant in New York City,

Milk Thistle- counteract the negative effects of radiation and are found in most vacant lots and overgrown park areas.

As a massage therapist for over thirteen years I have treated many different types of injuries and conditions. I have found that treating the body with a holistic approach is the most effective. Massage and acupuncture work in great harmony in this paradigm. However, when adding plants and sometimes other traditional remedies such as castor oil packs, green clay, homeopathy and Epsom salts bath the healing is supported on an even greater level.

A great way to learn about traditional medicine is by asking the elders in your family to share what they used growing up, check out some of the books on herbal medicines, begin to notice some of the plants in your local area and find out more information about them.  Find a local weed walk or class in your area. Talk with your practitioners and get their comments.

An important aspect of traditional medicine is to find out why they work. Note that when you do research to also find out what the contraindications are along with dosage or application.  Traditional medicines may not cure every modern day illness but many remedies may work on a much more holistic level. It is also a wonderful way to preserve a very important piece of family history for generations to come.

Today’s blog is written by YinOva Massage Therapist Nicole Kruck. Nicole is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist. She is Certified in Women’s Health and Reproductive Care with a specialties in Fertility Enhancement, Maya Abdominal Massage and infant massage. Nicole says – My practice specializes in women’s reproductive health. In many cases I work with a client for Fertility Enhancement on to Pre & Postnatal massage so it’s natural for me to add  Infant Massage to the services I offer my patients. For me the best part is passing on a skill – I don’t massage the babies I teach the parents how to massage to their own babies. What fun!

Working with my prenatal clients, I show them how to massage their babies while in the womb to help elevate physical symptoms during pregnancy and delivery. Massage in utero, along with many health benefits, can really encourage bonding between mother and child. Bonding is so important to child’s development and beginning touch early in life helps parents communicate with their baby. Infant massage is a preventive program that promotes loving touch right from the start. It is a perfect way for both parents to feel more close and comfortable with their baby. Our skin is the largest sensory organ of the body. Some of the benefits of infant massage

• Increases our ability to bond & interact
• Stimulates physical & emotional growth
• Creates relaxation & relief
• Reduces emotional & physical stress
• Increases food absorption

Dr. Sharon Heller, PhD is a developmental psychologist. In her book The Vital Touch: How Intimate Contact With Your Baby Leads To Happier, Healthier Development, she writes that Americans have become container crazy. From car seat to stroller, bouncy seat to high chair to crib. We are one of the few countries that deprives our infants of sensory and emotional stimulation because of our reliance on containers. This can create fussy babies starved of positive  physical touch.

In her book she draws from an inspiring array of cultural and anthropological sources. This book explores the psychological, physiological and sensory benefits of touch. And how we can provide soothing and nurturing environments for our children to thrive in. Did you know a baby can recognize their mothers voice within 3 days? And although they can not make out the specifics of our faces they are very aware of and drawn to the shapes of our faces. Newborns see best 8-10 inches away so it is very important to hold babies close. When carriers are over-used babies do not develop a normal range of vision and normal development. Close contact is how infants learn to recognize your scent and touch which helps to calm their nervous system. A study of mothers in Japan found that they have an extraordinary ability to read their child’s needs before they even seemed to express it. When studied they found that these mothers practiced something called “SKINSHIP”. In this practice the baby is kept up against the body all day in constant physical contact. These babies did not cry, were not fussy, had no digestion or elimination problems and grew at healthy rates. This is attributed to the mothers knowing their infants subtle cues before their babies even had a chance to express them. These mothers didn’t even need diapers! This close contact supports the baby’s ability to self regulate so they do not overwhelm their systems (nervous system, respiratory, cardiac musco-skeletal system). When asked how they knew all this they just replied that they thought ALL Parents knew how to take care of their babies needs as easily as they did.

In Bogota, “Columbia Kangaroo Care” or (K-Care) was developed to help poor babies develop and thrive because often incubators for the preemie babies were not available. Using K-Care they found the babies grew faster, were more healthy, cried less, slept better, stayed much more alert, breathed better and went home faster than the similar babies that did not receive this same type of contact care. Sometimes one partner feels left out in the process of caring for their newborns. It can be challenging when you are not the one providing basic needs. Whether it is a feeding issue, an over-protective new mother or many times, just a lack of experience handling a baby, there can be a shyness with close physical contact.

Infant massage is a wonderful way to literally get “Hands On” experience. Parents end up doing a really great job with the massage and find they also reap the magnificent benefits of bonding with their child and gain new skills to support the comfort and care of their infant and family. Raising happy healthy children is what I imagine every parent wants most.

Learning Infant Massage and bonding with your child can only lead to a life time of health and happiness as well as a healthy and happy adult. What a good gift to pass on to your children and the world! To find out more about group classes or private session please contact the YinOva Front Desk on 212 533 2255. Infant Massage is a wonderful long lasting Gift to new parents and their baby and for that reason Gift Certificates are also available so you can spread the love.

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