Fertility Massage | Sergiana Bruno, B.S., LMT, MMP, Massage Therapist in Riverside, CT 06878

Women having trouble conceiving may endure a lot of stress, and a Greenwich massage therapist believes that same stress may be a factor in preventing pregnancy.

Sergiana Bruno, who expanded her Greenwich practice to include fertility massage, said the treatment -- which includes some reflexology -- can relieve stress and stimulate reproductive organs.

"In the course of a 90-minute session, acupressure can help increase energy in the reproductive areas," said Bruno, who completed a fertility massage certification program with the Pittsburgh branch of the Fertility Massage Institute. "It takes three to six months with treatments twice a month. I don't do the massage during menstruation and ovulation. It also helps with couples involved in in-vitro fertilization."

Castor oil packs are applied to the abdomen for a cleansing effect, she said.

"This special technique helps treat endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, fibroids, hormonal imbalances and stress," said Bruno, who also specializes in lyposage, medical and lymphatic drainage massage modalities.

Bruno said she decided to add fertility massage to her practice after intensive research.

"In Fairfield County, I didn't see anyone who does this kind of treatment," she said. "It's not invasive and it's very relaxing."

Stamford resident Ingrid Schmidt, 37, who has a daughter in preschool, added fertility massage to her regular treatments with Bruno after having trouble conceiving for two years.

"I've successfully conceived. I'm at 10 1/2 weeks. I think it made a big difference for me," said Schmidt, who opted not to undergo in-vitro fertilization.

Fertility massage can help reduce stress, said Dr. Russell Turk, a Greenwich obstetrician/gynecologist, who has referred patients to massage therapists.

"Stress is definitely an issue with fertility," he said. "Most reproductive endocrinologists would agree there is a significant mind-body connection with fertility. There is great evidence of its (fertility massage's) effectiveness."

Further scientific investigation into the effect of massage on fertility is worthwhile, said Dr. Marc Brodsky, medical director at the Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness at Stamford Hospital.

"Stress may interfere with the complex regulatory processes of the reproductive system," he said. "Massage, along with healthy lifestyle habits and appropriate standard medical care, may play a role in reducing stress and may optimize a woman's ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy."

Read more: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Greenwich-massage-therapist-adds-fertility-to-2273205.php#ixzz2V3m6cgsh