FEMORAL MASSAGE
(FOR INFERTILITY, PCOS,IVF,ENDOMETRIOSIS AND DYSMENNORHOEA)

This exercise can be done twice a day in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle ie. days 7-14, or the day before embryo transfer in those going through IVF.The massage should not be performed after these times or if you are pregnant.

Increase blood flow means increased function of the organ so femoral massage can:-
• be used to maintain hormonal balance
• help improve egg health due to increased oxygen flow to the eggs during maturation
• help reduce clotting during the menstrual cycle
• assist the liver with detoxifying the body
• help improve water retention and bloating
• help to break-up adhesions and scar tissues, (particularly beneficia to those with blocked fallopian tubes or endometriotic adhesion

Femoral massage is therefore useful to women with:-
• Fertility problems – particularly those women who have a tilted uterus
• Prior to embryo transfer(IVF)
• Polycystic ovaries
• Endometriosis
• Dysmennorhoea

LOCATING THE FEMORAL ARTERY
The femoral artery is located superficially within the femoral triangle and is thus easy to access.The pulse can be felt where the femoral artery crosses the inguinal ligament, midway between the pubic symphysis and anterior superior iliac spine (the mid-inguinal point).

FEMORAL MASSAGE
The exercise should be repeated 3 times to increase blood supply to the ovaries and uterus.
• Find the crease between the thigh and the trunk of the body
• Using your fingertips locate the femoral artery
• Find the pulse and press down deeply into the artery until you feel the pulse stop
• Hold for 30-45 seconds and allow the blood flow to gather in the uterus and ovaries
• Release the pressure and allow natural blood flow to resume. At this point you may feel warmth as the blood returns to the leg
• Repeat on the other side
• Gently massage the abdomen in clockwise rotations