by Kirsten Shanks
Cert IV Remedial Massage, Diploma Lymphatic Drainage, AdvDipNat., DipNut., Yoga Teacher RYTA200, MATMS
Stress is one of the major obstacles to fertility. Reducing stress has been shown to increase the rates of pregnancy in infertile women. When you consider that stress taxes the body, causing distress and functional changes, it’s easier to understand that relaxation techniques can help the body regain more natural and normal function.
According to research published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, Dr. Sarah Berga of Emory University’s department of Obstetrics and Gynecology found a link between chronic stress and ovulation. In the study, seven of eight women who went through therapy had their ovulation restored, while only two of eight regained their ovulation without the therapy. She later reported that the women who did not ovulate had excess levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their brain fluid.
Cortisol is the hormone released when we come into contact with stressful situations – it is often described as the boost we experience during “fight or flight” conditions when we feel that we are in danger. Some doctors believe that sustained exposure to elevated cortisol levels are linked to infertility.
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health showed that in a group of women who had tried to become pregnant for two years, those who participated in mind-body activities had a higher rate of conception than those who did not. Furthermore, chronic stress can cause women to have irregular periods or to stop menstruating and to lose sexual desire – two obvious keys to conception.
Baby makin’ relaxation techniques include these stress-reducing practices that may increase your chances of conceiving:
- acupuncture (Click to read Nine News report 22 April 2011 on an acupuncture trial helping women to conceive)
- massage
- herbal medicines
- counseling
- yoga
- meditation
- exercise
As a massage therapist, I recommend enjoying a good massage to help you relax and let go. Not only through releasing some of that physical tension, but providing a sustained period of relaxation – reducing your stress levels, giving a peace of mind, and hopefully, helping you to conceive naturally.
Where to from here?
Discover massage at the Red Tent
Learn about how Naturopathy can do wonders for your fertility