Pulling Down the Moon

Demystifying the FEM Protocol

July 10, 2012

In our fast-paced modern world we are faced with many stresses which are detrimental to the body. Stress can cause our breathing to become shallow, limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients circulating through the body. Muscles and fascia can constrict and inhibit free and natural movement of the abdomen and pelvis. Over a prolonged period of time, our bodies may become conditioned to operate in fight-or-flight mode, a state in which all nonessential systems, including reproduction, switch off.



The goal of Pulling Down the Moon’s Fertility Enhancing Massage Protocol is to encourage the body’s natural rhythm by balancing the hormones, cleansing the body of toxicity, promoting deep breathing and relaxation, and increasing blood flow and softening the tissues of the lower torso.

Cleanse the Body is ideal before beginning your medicated cycle or in the first three days of menstruation in a natural cycle. Lymphatic Drainage techniques move toxic fluids and cellular waste to the lymph nodes where the body’s healing power is most concentrated. Helping to boost the immune system is the use of essential oils, their aromatic effect is calming and may assist in balancing hormones and releasing emotional blocks.

Enhance the Blood uses myofascial massage to stretch and open restricted tissues in the abdomen, pelvis and lower back. Acupressure and reflexology may stimulate the pituitary gland to release the hormones necessary for the development of healthy follicles and to prepare the ovaries for ovulation. Femoral artery massage increases blood flow to the pelvis enhancing the libido and thickening the uterine lining for implantation.


Open the Breath continues the work of Enhance the Blood by encouraging oxygenated and nutrient rich blood to flow to the abdomen and pelvis, releasing tension in the surrounding tissues. We manipulate and stretch the muscles of the shoulders, upper torso, and abdomen. Deep breathing exercises calm the mind and nervous system. Deeper abdominal breathing engages the diaphragm, which acts as internal massage for your organs and lymphatic system.


Enhance the Blood and Open the Breath are done between days four and fourteen. In an IVF cycle, both can be done between days four and ten as well as between retrieval and transfer. This may help to thicken the uterine lining, assist follicle growth and regulate hormones.

Relax and Integrate is the final session in the series although it can be done at any point between the first day of your cycle and ovulation. With Relax and Integrate, we focus on relaxation and stress reduction. Attention is paid to the body and mind as a whole, bringing you a sense of connectedness. Acupressure and reflexology are still incorporated for their hormone balancing effects.

–

Marcie D. Miller has been practicing massage since graduating from Baltimore School of Massage in 2001. Because of her interest in women’s health and well-being, she pursued further training in Mother Massage® Pre and Postnatal Bodywork, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and Pulling Down the Moon’s FEM protocol. She is delighted to bring her years of experience and her deep passion for massage to women who are working hard to make their dreams come true. When not massaging, Marcie can be found hiking, strength training, hula hooping, and receiving massage.

Share on Social

Discuss With Us

Our Latest Resources

Tips for Spring Restoration

February 18, 2025
Spring arrives next month, and with it, more cold days (perhaps even snow)! But March also brings the promise of new life. We love this time of year. The ground starts to smell fresh and ripe. Small green buds begin to swell from the earth reaching up, up, up. Birds chatter in the trees. The sun stays in the sky a little longer each day. After a long, cold winter of hibernation, spring restores nature’s beauty. Spring inspires us to restore ourselves, too and these self-care techniques will lead you to restoration of mind, body and spirit. Hydrate. Drink a glass or two of water first thing in the morning. Keeping yourself hydrated helps boost your mood, improves brain power and protects you against disease. Make a gratitude list. Spending just a few minutes a day writing down what you are grateful for can dramatically shift your day. The more gratitude you have, the more open to abundance you become. Breathe. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice breathing. There are so many benefits! Among them, diaphragmatic breathing alleviates stress, reduces pain, strengthens internal muscles and moves blood to organs and tissues. If you’re not sure how to get started, try our Breathe & Restore Workshop or schedule an Soothe the Senses: Calm the Nervous System Fertility Enhancing Massage™ to receive some hands-on breath work coaching. Stretch. Five to 10 minutes of stretching in the morning increases energy levels, enhances circulation, reduces injury and centers your mind. Even better is a regular yoga practice. Get started by downloading the Fully Fertile App today to give you a jump start! Our next Signature Yoga for Fertility Series begins on Monday, February 24th to reduce anxiety and stress by 20% or more in just six weeks. Eliminate something from your diet that isn’t serving you. I nstead of overhauling your entire diet, start by taking out one food that doesn’t nourish your body. Replace it with a different item that supports your desire for restoration. Learn even more by working with scheduling a nutrition consult ! We look forward to seeing you virtually or in-person at one of our centers to help you get started. Many wishes for a beautiful spring!
A man is comforting a woman who is sitting on a couch.

Online Infertility Support Groups: Finding Your Community

January 27, 2025
Connect with others who understand your journey. Discover online infertility support groups to share experiences, gain advice, and find emotional sup

Take the Next Step Toward Parenthood

January 21, 2025
Discover Our New Testing Options to Support Your Fertility Journey
More Posts
Share by: