A look back at 2009... ~February- I studied the traditions of Maya Spiritual healing in Belize. ~July-Completed my 50 case studies of Maya Abdominal Massage. ~August- studied the advanced ATMAM techniques for pregnancy -preconception through postpartum ~September- I completed my certification training for ATMAM ~October- I got married! I now go by the last name of Loomis.
Uterine Positions: (side view) Color Guide for Images: Pink: Uterus Yellow: bladder LT. Brown: Rectum dotted line: proper position of uterus
Retroverted Uterus:
Anteflexed Uterus:
Retroflexed Uterus:
Retrocessed Uterus:
Other positions not shown are varying degrees of uterine prolapse and a left or right leaning uterus.
Do you know where your uterus is?
Have you ever been told during a pelvic exam that your uterus is tipped? Tilted uteri are so common, many women have no idea they have one and doctors rarely mention it except in passing. So, what if your uterus is tipped? Well think about this, your uterus weighs about 4 ounces when you’re not menstruating and can double in size to eight to ten ounces right before and during your period, so that’s a lot of extra weight on your rectum, bladder, blood vessels or nerves depending on which way she (your uterus) is tipped. The uterus is positioned between the bladder and the rectum (scroll down and see images in the column to the left). So if she is tipped forward or you could experience frequent urination. If she is tipped back she may be leaning up against the rectum and you may experience pencil thin stools, foul smelling menses and/or constipation. Imagine if you are trying to conceive a baby and toxins from the rectum are seeping into your uterus!
The uterus may also lean to the left or the right causing many issues as well.
Signs of a displaced Uterus
Menstrual
Dysmenorrhea or painful periods
Late, early or irregular periods
Dark think blood at the onset/end of menstruation
Headache or migraine with menses
Dizziness
PMS/Depression
Excessive bleeding during menses
Difficult menopause
Pregnancy
Chronic miscarriages
Premature deliveries
Weak newborns and infants
Difficult pregnancy/ incompetent uterus
Fertility challenges
Ovulation
Failure to ovulate
Painful ovulation
Urinary
Frequent urination
Bladder infections
Incontinence/urgency
Circulatory
Varicose veins of the legs, hemorrhoids
Tired, weak legs
Numb legs and feet
Muscular-skeletal
Sore heels when walking
Low back ache
Symptoms of congestion
endometriosis
uterine polyps and fibroids
uterine infections
vaginal yeast
painful intercourse
undiagnosed pelvic pain
constipation
Causes of a displaced Uterus The uterus is suspended in the pelvis by ligaments. If the ligaments and connective tissue are stretched or shortened due to trauma the position of the uterus will be affected. Causes of a displaced uterus:
Repeated pregnancies too close together, difficult deliveries
Carrying heavy burdens just before or during menstruation
Carrying your child on your hip for prolonged periods of time
Barbara (Plichta) Loomis, LMT is a certified ATMAM practitioner and trained in ATMAM advanced pregnancy care, preconception through postpartum. Barbara has been a licensed massage therapist for over twelve years and often combines ATMAM with Chi Nei Tsang (Chinese abdominal massage), craniosacral therapy, and flower essence therapy. To find out more about her services please visit her website at www.nurturance.net or contact her directly at 503-341-0663.
Connecting to Facebook
