By: Liz Jenkins, LMT, CMLDT Director of Massage Operations

Have you ever felt paralyzed by all the overwhelming information about conception and fertility? I sure was when I decided to start a family. There are so many opinions, protocols, supplements, tracking apps, and “must-do” recommendations that it can start to feel like your body becomes a project instead of a home. And when you’re trying to conceive, the stakes often feel incredibly high—emotionally, physically, and financially.

That feeling of overwhelm can quickly create anxiety, and anxiety has a powerful effect on the nervous system. When we’re anxious, our body can shift into a state of fight-or-flight. That’s the part of us designed for survival—quick decision-making, fast heart rate, shallow breathing, tight muscles, and constant alertness. It’s not a “bad” response… but it isn’t the most supportive state for rest, digestion, hormone regulation, and fertility either.

This is where Fertility Focused Massage (FFM) can make such a difference. FFM helps quiet all the noise and gently brings the body back into balance by tapping into the parasympathetic nervous system—our “rest and digest” mode. When your body is allowed to feel safe, grounded, and supported, it has a better chance of doing what it naturally wants to do.

Craniosacral Holds: Calming the Nervous System + Creating Space to Breathe

One of the most comforting parts of Fertility Focused Massage is the craniosacral holds. These are gentle, steady holds that encourage the body to settle, soften, and deeply relax. Craniosacral techniques can help calm the mind, reduce tension, and ease that feeling of “everything is too much.” It’s incredibly grounding, and it can be especially helpful for anyone who feels stuck in a cycle of stress, worry, or hypervigilance during their fertility journey.

Castor Oil Packs: Nourishing Support for Detox + Digestion

A component of FFM that I love is the use of castor oil packs on the abdomen. Warm, comforting castor oil packs can help support healthy circulation in the area and promote gentle detoxification. This can be especially helpful for clients who have been through fertility treatments, are taking medications, or feel like their body could use extra support after ART meds or even periods of stress eating and poor digestion.

Castor oil packs are one of my favorite home care routines for fertility—because they’re simple, soothing, and beneficial in so many ways. They can help support digestive function, ease abdominal tension, and leave the body feeling more open and comfortable. When digestion is working smoothly, the entire system benefits, including hormones and overall vitality.

Reflexology: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Foot Rub?

Foot reflexology is one of the most appreciated parts of Fertility Focused Massage. After experiencing it during a session, the majority of my clients comment on how much they needed it and how thoroughly they enjoyed the attention given to their feet.

Reflexology works by stimulating specific points on the feet that correspond with different systems in the body—including the reproductive, digestive, and endocrine systems. These points are connected to areas that play a major role in hormone balance, stress response, circulation, and overall wellness.

Even beyond the physical benefits, foot reflexology feels deeply nurturing. It can be hard to receive care when you’re used to being the one “doing everything right” or constantly managing the next step. Reflexology invites you to soften, receive, and reconnect with your body in a calm, supportive way.

Gentle Support Before Ovulation

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stagnant, disconnected, or out of balance—whether within yourself or with your partner—Fertility Focused Massage can be a meaningful form of support. It’s not meant to replace medical care, but it can complement your fertility plan by helping your nervous system regulate, encouraging relaxation, and offering intentional care to the parts of the body most involved in reproduction and hormone health.

I often recommend trying Fertility Focused Massage after menstruation and up to the day of ovulation, egg retrieval, or transfer.

Trying to conceive can be tender. It can be exhausting. And it can feel isolating at times.

But you don’t have to carry it all in your shoulders or hold your breath through the process. Your body deserves comfort, connection, and a place to land.

If you’re curious whether Fertility Focused Massage is right for you, I’d love to support you at Moon Rabbit—whether you’re just beginning or deep in the process, you deserve to feel held and supported. Book an appointment here.