Arvigo Maya Massage is offered at our CNY Fertility & Healing Arts Centers as part of The Fertile Secret™ treatment option protocol. It is a modern adaptation of ancient Mayan healing techniques that adds modern knowledge of anatomy, physiology and herbology. Through noninvasive massage, this technique gently manipulates the muscles and connective tissue that hold the pelvic organs in place. The intention is to reposition the pelvic organs so that any blockages and congestion are removed. When blockages and congestion are resolved, the body can self-regulate, heal and regenerate. In addition, physiologically, there is increased blood flow, the functioning of the lymphatic system and nervous system are optimized, and life creating energy is maximized. Both female and male fertility can be enhanced by applying these massage techniques.

Specifically, Arvigo Maya Massage benefits fertility in the following ways:

FOR WOMEN: Increases blood flow to the reproductive organs.    Nourishes follicles with fresh blood supply and oxygen. Helps to break down scar tissue and adhesions. Helps cysts to dissolve.    Helps to resolve blockages in the fallopian tubes. Re-aligns uterus, as in the case of a prolapsed or "tilted" uterus. Relieves stress and anxiety, releasing emotional blockages. Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients. Helps to regulate the menstrual cycle (addresses cramps, heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, reduces clotting). Restores healthy menstrual flow in amenorrhea.   Improves, tones and cleanses the uterine lining. Helps to prepare body to carry a healthy pregnancy, a key ingredient in the case of frequent miscarriage.

FOR MEN: Increases blood flow to the reproductive organs.    Regulates enlarged prostate. Improves sperm (count, motility and morphology). Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients.

**For more information on this topic or to schedule a maya abdominal massage therapy session call the CNY Healing Arts location nearest to you. Syracuse: 315.671.5755, Rochester: 585.244.1280 or Latham: 518.724.5750. visit our website for more information www.cnyhealingarts.com.

The Basics of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

What it is: ICSI is a cutting-edge technique that is used with in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to help increase chances of a successful cycle. By injecting a sperm directly into an egg, instead of waiting for natural fertilization as with IVF, ICSI may potentially offer a solution to your infertility.

Who it treats: At the CNY Fertility Centers, ICSI is utilized with all couples who do not oppose the process. Those who are more likely to benefit from ICSI with IVF treatment either suffer from unexplained infertility or have undergone an IVF cycle that resulted in low or no fertility. It is also helpful for conception if the male's semen sample does not fall within "normal" parameters. Medical conditions that affect the quality or quantity of a man's sperm include poor sperm motility (athenzoospermia), abnormally shaped sperm (teratozoospermia), and low number of sperm in ejaculate (oligospermia). ICSI can even allow a man who has had a vasectomy to fertilize his woman's egg.

How it works: Since ICSI is always accompanied by IVF, the treatment begins by planning for that procedure. In preparation for IVF, the woman will take fertility drugs in order to stimulate healthy follicle production. After careful monitoring and assessment of the follicles, eggs will be retrieved from the woman's ovaries.

Following egg collection, ICSI treatment will differ from IVF. Instead of placing the sperm and egg together in hopes of natural fertilization, an embryologist will inject the man's sperm directly into the harvested egg. The fertilized egg then develops in an incubator for several days before being transferred back into the woman's uterus in the form of an embryo.

During ICSI, it is preferable to extract sperm from a semen sample, as it is less invasive. If this is not possible due to a medical condition or past procedure, an embryologist may use needle aspiration by inserting a very gentle, hollow needle into the testicles to immobilize and retrieve sperm. If neither of these options is possible, a testicular biopsy may be performed under anesthetic.

** Call us at CNY Fertility Center today if you would like more information on Hysteroscopy at 800.539.9870 (toll free).

Every month we offer Support Groups at our 3 CNY Fertility Center locations as well as other support events.

Please visit our website calendar to view all of our current support offerings - click here.

Please email Lisa Stack, CNY Support Coordinator, with any questions: Lstack@cnyfertility.com

To register for this months Interactive Support Webinar on Thursday, Dec 16th 6-7:30pm please visit the following link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/475436161

Enjoy this support offering from the comfort of your own home as well as the Evening Meditation and Relaxation webinar on Dec 28th 7-7:30pm. Registration link below: