Fertility Enhancing Massage (FEM) is a specialized hands-on protocol developed for women navigating fertility challenges — designed to support reproductive blood flow, hormonal balance, pelvic mobility, and the stress regulation that matters for conception. FEM was created by Pulling Down the Moon, one of the country's most respected holistic fertility centers, and is offered at Acupuncture Denver as a complement to fertility acupuncture at every stage of the fertility journey.
Meet Greg Cradick, LMT
Specialized Training in Fertility & Reproductive Bodywork
Greg completed certification in the Fertility Enhancing Massage protocol with Pulling Down the Moon — one of the few authentic fertility massage certifications available that addresses all stages of a woman's reproductive health. He has additional advanced training in prenatal and postpartum massage and brings a grounded, steady presence to the treatment room.
How FEM Supports Reproductive Wellness
The FEM protocol is designed to address several interconnected systems that influence reproductive health. Each technique is selected for its intended effect on circulation, the lymphatic system, the parasympathetic nervous system, and pelvic tissue mobility.
Circulation to the Pelvic Region
Gentle abdominal and pelvic techniques are intended to encourage circulation through the pelvic region, supporting oxygen and nutrient delivery to reproductive tissues — a key consideration for cycle regulation and overall reproductive wellness.
Encouraging Natural Drainage
Lymphatic-focused strokes encourage natural drainage and immune system flow — relevant for inflammatory processes that can impact reproductive health, including conditions like endometriosis and PCOS.
Releasing Muscular Tension
Soft tissue release in the abdomen, low back, hips, and pelvic floor supports overall mobility and may help reduce muscular tension that can contribute to discomfort during menstrual cycles and pelvic congestion.
Shifting Into Parasympathetic Balance
FEM places strong emphasis on calming the nervous system — shifting from sympathetic ("fight or flight") into parasympathetic ("rest and digest") dominance. This is the physiological state in which reproductive function is best supported.
Supporting Endocrine Regulation
By improving circulation, reducing stress, and supporting the HPA axis, FEM may contribute to a more balanced hormonal environment — relevant for women working to regulate cycles, support ovulation, or prepare for assisted reproductive technology.
Integrative Support Across Your Journey
FEM is designed to work alongside other fertility care — whether you are trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IUI or IVF, supporting frozen embryo transfer, or moving through pregnancy. The protocol adapts to each stage.
Often Helpful For
Preconception & Natural Conception Support
- Women trying to conceive naturally
- Stress and anxiety related to fertility
- Pelvic tension and low back discomfort
- General reproductive wellness
- Cycle regulation support
IUI / IVF / Frozen Embryo Transfer & Beyond
- IUI cycle preparation and support
- IVF cycle preparation and support
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) preparation
- Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
- Endometriosis-related discomfort
- Irregular cycles and PCOS
What the Research Shows
Research specifically on the FEM protocol is limited, but the broader evidence on therapeutic massage supports several mechanisms relevant to fertility care — particularly around stress regulation, nervous system balance, and the bidirectional relationship between psychological wellbeing and fertility outcomes.
Massage Therapy Lowers Cortisol & Improves Mood Markers
Comprehensive review of research found that massage therapy is consistently associated with decreased cortisol levels and increased serotonin and dopamine — neurochemicals involved in mood, stress response, and HPA axis regulation. Cortisol regulation matters for fertility because chronic elevation can disrupt the hormonal cascade that supports ovulation.
Field, Hernandez-Reif, Diego, Schanberg & Kuhn — International Journal of Neuroscience, 2005;115(10):1397-1413 — View studyEmotional Distress Linked to ART Outcomes: Meta-Analysis
Large meta-analysis of prospective studies published in the BMJ examined whether emotional distress in infertile women is associated with failure of assisted reproductive technologies. Authors concluded that pre-treatment emotional distress shows a measurable association with treatment outcomes — supporting integrative approaches that address the stress dimension of fertility care.
Boivin, Griffiths & Venetis — BMJ, 2011;342:d223 — View studyGroup Mind-Body Interventions Improve Pregnancy Rates
Prospective study by Domar and colleagues at Harvard's Mind/Body Medical Institute found that women who participated in mind-body group interventions showed significantly improved pregnancy rates compared to controls. Supports the broader principle that addressing the psychological and nervous-system dimensions of fertility care has clinical relevance.
Domar, Clapp, Slawsby et al. — Fertility & Sterility, 2000;73(4):805-811 — View studyPrenatal Massage Reduces Anxiety and Improves Outcomes
Research review of prenatal massage therapy found measurable reductions in maternal anxiety, depression scores, and stress hormone levels, along with improved obstetric outcomes. Supports the use of fertility-focused massage as a continuum of care from preconception through pregnancy.
Field — Infant Behavior and Development, 2010;33(4):409-418 — View studyFertility Enhancing Massage is an integrative, adjunctive therapy and is not a replacement for medical fertility care. Individual results vary. We are happy to discuss any of this evidence at your appointment. View our full fertility research library →
Schedule Your Fertility Enhancing Massage
Book with Greg Cradick, LMT
Greg recommends a 90-minute session for the complete FEM protocol. FEM pairs naturally with fertility acupuncture as part of an integrative treatment plan.