Does it hurt? Will it work? Does it tickle?
Mercier Therapy is a very deep, repetitive, and effective gynovisceral manual therapy used to treat infertility and other pelvic disorders like endometriosis and painful periods. “Gynovisceral” means the gynecological organs (primarily uterus, ovaries, uterine/fallopian tubes, cervix, vagina, clitoral tissue, and accessory glands).
This is a therapy that is natural, gentle, and has no side effects beyond some mild, temporary soreness a day or two after treatment. Yes, that’s right- it’s both deep and gentle…
The depth of the therapy is important. In order to mobilize and bring blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries, my hands dive deep into the tissue of your low belly. I work very slowly, which brings gentleness, and allows your tissues to soften and allow the therapy to take place. I slowly sink through all the layers of skin, fat tissue, muscle, and connective tissue to get all the way to organ-level. For some people, this can take minutes. Other bodies are more open to touch. However your body responds, we use you as the guide, going at your body’s pace and capacity.
All techniques in the therapy sequence are done on the low belly above the pubic bone or on the low back and glute muscles. For some people, the strokes on the glute muscles can feel tender, but no more so than a deep tissue massage. Some very ticklish people might giggle or flinch at a few of the techniques done on the hips, but usually slowing down and using more steady pressure can help alleviate the ticklish sensation.
Most people find Mercier Therapy and the other pelvic and abdominal techniques I use very relaxing. Especially after the first session, once you’re familiar with the kind of touch and techniques, its likely you would look forward to receiving more of the therapy. It creates a softness, openness in the pelvis. Many people report having increased and more comfortable bowel movements after treatment, and often report sleeping like a baby that night.
Where medically assisted fertility treatments can cause a whole host of symptoms from the drugs, needles, and procedures, pelvic massage and Mercier Therapy actually promotes whole-body well being, increases mobility of the hips, back, and pelvis, and stimulates digestion. It is a gentle, powerful, and drug-free intervention for infertility and pelvic dysfunction.