is designed for women who are pregnant, and they can receive this massage at any point in their pregnancy. Our pregnancy massage therapists have had specific training in this field. The client receives the session in a side-lying position with pillows and bolsters provided for support and maximum comfort. The treatment consists of specific features of tissue sculpting, Swedish massage, joint mobilization, foot zone therapy, and connective tissue work to alleviate many of the physiological, musculoskeletal, and emotional stresses that can accompany pregnancy.
Massage during pregnancy increases blood and lymph circulation, thereby relieving swelling in the legs as well as hands. It alleviates strain on weight-bearing joints and myofascial structures to provide relief from muscle spasms and cramps. It can also relieve pain from varicosities. This treatment provides general stress reduction, allowing women to approach labor with more confidence and less anxiety.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Reduces swelling in hands, feet and ankles Lessens sciatic pain
Eases muscular discomforts in areas like the low back & neck, calf cramps, it also helps with tension and tightening that can be experienced throughout the body Tones lose muscles relaxes tense muscles and can help increase flexibility.Helps with relaxation
which in turn can decrease insomnia Increases blood and lymph flow which can help increase the elimination of toxin
through the circulatory and lymphatic systems, this can also help with fatigue. Increases oxygen in the blood, sometimes on up to 10-15% after a massage. Strengthens the immune system Stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers, into the brain and nervous system. Helps relieve anxiety or depression Helps increase blood circulation, which in turn delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the mother and baby. Can be used during the birth as well as after making both experiences easier and more comfortable
Eases stress mothers often feel after the birth Pregnancy Massage Techniques
1. Learn about the floor technique, which is preferable to a mattress because it provides a firmer surface.
Position 2 pillows on the floor to resemble an arrow point and have your wife lie on her side with her armpit between the 2 pillows.
Allow the pillows to support her stomach and back.
Place a pillow or two under her head for support of the neck and for proper spine alignment.
Keeping the bottom leg straight, bend the top leg and place a pillow or two under it.
2. Learn about the kneeling technique, which provides support to her belly while relieving pressure.
Have your wife kneel by the bed with her shoulders supported by the bed.
Place a pillow or two under her knees for comfort and be sure her belly is free from pressure.
Always let your wife determine her comfort level.
3. Relieve back pain by massaging with your unclenched fist on either side of the spine.
Begin at the nape of your wife’s neck and continue gently massing down to the hips.
Then begin gently moving back up the neck on the opposite side of the spine.
Incorporate both sides of the spine into the massage technique while staying clear of the spine itself.
4. Assist in reducing strain on the buttocks by massaging a soft fist gently into the bone at the base of the spine.
Use your fist to gently press in and down, tiling the pelvis just slightly as you do so.
Avoid moving down far enough to involve touching the tailbone.
5. Alleviate tired legs by gently rubbing the outer part of your wife’s legs.
Use small circular motions and begin where the foot meets the calf.
Slowly work your way up to the thigh and finish where the thigh meets buttocks.
Always work from the foot up and avoid massaging the inner thigh to help relieve swelling in the legs.