Maya abdominal massage: Nicole Kruck explores an age-old solution for modern health problems.

A seldom-considered reason for the problems of many women suffering from infertility and many other symptoms is physical displacement of the uterus. Even medical professionals in the United States who recognize this problem rarely have been able to address it outside of surgical procedures and or drugs. These invasive treatments often have painful side effects and for many prohibitively expensive.

Uterine massage has been practiced for centuries by healers and midwives and is now offered in the U.S. as an option for women who suffer the symptoms of a displaced uterus. This external, non-invasive manipulation gently repositions reproductive organs that have shifted. These shifts may occur due to day--to-day physical stress or physical and emotional traumas throughout our lives. Many begin early as the result of childhood falls or high-impact activity such as running, horseback riding, and gymnastics. As a teenager during a routine pelvic examination, my family doctor diagnosed me with a "tipped" or displaced uterus. Somehow I mustered up enough courage to ask what this meant. He explained that it was nothing to worry, about, that I would most likely have painful periods and experience discomfort during intercourse. Nothing to worry, about! He also mentioned possible infertility. I, like so many women facing this diagnosis, was told my only recourse was surgery. Since then I have learned that there are actually over 35 other female ailments can be traced back to a displaced uterus. Similar ailments in men can also be related to swelling of the prostate that can be helped by these same techniques.

When reproductive organs shift (or the prostate swells), this can constrict normal flow of blood, lymph, and nerve connections. Just a few extra ounces sitting on blood and lymph vessels can cause havoc throughout the different systems in the body. By shifting the uterus back into place, homeostasis