Grof’s third basic perinatal matrix is called the “death-rebirth struggle.” It is associated with the phase of labor, when the fetus passes through the birth canal, experiencing intense pressure, struggle, and transition to liberation.
The walls of the uterus continue to contract, the cervix is open and movement occurs against resistance.
Manifestations in massage:
1. The woman may experience muscle tension in the pelvis, abdomen, or thighs, followed by relaxation. At this stage, the carpopedal spasms of the previous stage subside—the arms and legs are less tightly twisted.
2. This matrix is often associated with struggle, movement, or, conversely, the prohibition of struggle and movement. Sometimes, for some reason, the woman begins to impersonate an experienced lover and engages in habitual, automatic movements.
3. Massage can facilitate the release of pent-up emotions, which corresponds to the culmination of this matrix—after the struggle comes liberation. This can manifest as tears (“I can’t remember the last time I cried like that”), trembling/vibrating throughout the body, deep breathing, or a feeling of relief as the woman “surrenders” to the process.
4. Massage can activate memories of birth, especially if there is a feeling of “passing through a bottleneck.” This can be experienced as a process of embracing one’s own power. Or it manifests itself very clearly as an inability to accept one’s own strength, to demonstrate strength and self-reliance in everyday life, and a tendency to cling to others (such clinging leaves the massage therapist with nail marks or bruises in the shape of five fingers).
5. This matrix is often associated with a powerful release of energy. This can manifest as a sharp surge of excitement, accompanied by an internal conflict between desire and fear. This is the very moment when you should NOT lead a girl into desire. You need to grasp this energy and stretch it throughout her entire body. Ignite it—the movements of the Fire element—and stretch it. Fill her entire body with energy.
Because of this "should NOT lead," girls who don't read the massage description and come looking for pleasure are left very dissatisfied at this stage.
Other details of the massage are described in the online course about yoni massage.
