Massage and Fertility: What Science Says About Stress, Sleep, and Implantation

Why Massage Matters During the TTC Journey

Trying to conceive (TTC) can be one of the most stressful periods in a person’s life. Stress hormones, poor sleep, pelvic discomfort, and the emotional ups and downs of fertility treatments all weigh on the body. Massage therapy offers a safe and supportive way to counteract some of that load.

Research shows massage can:

• • Lower stress and anxiety: Meta-analyses report small but consistent reductions in cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) and significant improvements in perceived stress (Moyer et al., 2011; Rogerson et al., 2024).
    

  • Relieve menstrual and pelvic pain: Clinical trials show massage reduces cramps and endometriosis-related pelvic pain, easing a common TTC barrier (Marzouk et al., 2013; Azima et al., 2015; Muñoz-Gómez et al., 2023; Rodríguez-Ruiz et al., 2024).
    

  • Improve sleep: Massage has been linked with deeper, more restorative sleep, which is critical for hormone regulation and overall well-being (Samuel et al., 2020; Fang et al., 2023).
    
    

Fertility-Specific Research

Massage around embryo transfer

• • A double-blind randomized trial found that women who received massage immediately before single euploid embryo transfer had higher success rates compared to controls (Gavrizi et al., 2019).
    

  • A smaller study using andullation (a type of vibration massage) before blastocyst transfer reported higher implantation rates, possibly due to relaxation and improved blood flow (Okhowat et al., 2015).
    

These findings are encouraging, but both studies are small. Massage before transfer should be seen as supportive for relaxation rather than a guaranteed way to increase pregnancy rates.

Menstrual and pelvic pain

• • Abdominal massage with essential oils has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of period cramps (Marzouk et al., 2013; Azima et al., 2015).
    

  • Endometriosis-related pain responds to integrative manual therapy approaches, with randomized studies showing improvements in quality of life and daily functioning (Muñoz-Gómez et al., 2023; Rodríguez-Ruiz et al., 2024).
    

Less pain and better quality of life can reduce the overall stress burden during TTC.

Maya Abdominal Massage and Arvigo Therapy

One of the most talked-about fertility-focused approaches is Maya abdominal massage. This traditional Central American practice involves gentle, external abdominal and pelvic massage designed to:

• • Encourage healthy blood flow to the reproductive organs.
    

  • Support alignment of the uterus and pelvic structures.
    

  • Release tension in the lower abdomen and back.
    

Arvigo therapy, developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, builds on Maya abdominal massage and has become more widely available in integrative health clinics.

While large clinical trials are lacking, many women report feeling more balanced, experiencing less bloating, and noticing reduced cycle pain after these treatments. Importantly, both methods are non-invasive and focus on restoring comfort and connection to the body.

Finding the Right Practitioner

Not every massage therapist has training in fertility support, but more practitioners now specialize in reproductive health, including Arvigo therapy.

That’s where The Aspyn’s state-by-state massage therapist directory comes in. We’ve gathered fertility-aware massage practitioners across the country so you can easily find someone nearby who understands the TTC journey and has the right training.

Safety Considerations

• • During IVF: Relaxation massage is safe and may even be helpful before embryo transfer. Skip deep abdominal work right after retrieval or transfer unless cleared by your doctor.
    

  • During natural TTC cycles: Gentle massage throughout the cycle is fine, but avoid strong abdominal pressure after ovulation in case of implantation.
    

  • Always communicate: Let your therapist know you’re trying to conceive so they can adapt their techniques.
    
    

The Bottom Line

Massage therapy is not a magic fertility fix, but it is a powerful tool for making the journey feel easier. Whether you’re exploring Maya abdominal massage, Arvigo therapy, or simple relaxation massage, the real benefits are stress relief, pain reduction, and improved sleep.

Pair massage with medical fertility care, and use resources like The Aspyn’s directories to connect with practitioners who understand the unique needs of people trying to conceive.