PREGNANCY MASSAGE
Is pregnancy massage different?
Yes, it is different from a general massage when not pregnant. Make sure you find a recommended pregnancy massage specialist, who knows which pressure points to avoid, during pregnancy. The therapist must also be aware of the baby’s needs and reactions.
Book a couples massage and enjoy this emotional connection, taking time out to nurture the 3 of you!
But I can’t even lie on my tummy?
Body position during prenatal massage is important in order to maximise the effectiveness of the massage and to fully gain its benefits. Many health and massage professionals recommend a side-lying position for pregnant women during massage.
Current research supports the use of standard massage tables, rather than those which have a hole cut out to accommodate the pregnant belly. “Cut outs” can allow the abdomen to dangle unsupported and cause stretching of the uterine ligaments. However if cut out tables or pillows are used, these should not be utilised for extended periods of time e.g. 10-15 minutes is the maximum recommended timeframe.
Lying on your back is not recommended past the first trimester so your positioning will be restricted to side lying. The massage therapist should have a range of pillows and foam cut-outs to support your belly and avoid extra muscular strain.
Benefits of pregnancy massage:
- When done effectively, has been proven to reduce stress hormones within a pregnant woman’s body
- There is often an improvement in general mood following a massage.
- Pregnant women often find a massage rejuvenates their energy because it gives them an opportunity to rest and completely relax.
- For some, it may relieve nausea and heartburn.
- Relieves the everyday discomforts of pregnancy such as an aching neck, sore back, and heaviness in the pelvic bones, leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet and oedema (fluid retention).
- Leads to muscle relaxation and relief of joint pain. Pregnancy massage can be particularly helpful for women who experience sciatic nerve pain.
- Pregnancy massage can provide an opportunity for women to completely stop what they are doing and focus on the pleasure of having someone else do something just for them.
- Improved sleep due to feeling less muscle tension and generally less uncomfortable.
When to avoid having a pregnancy massage:
- If your midwife or doctor have advised against it.
- Some massage therapists have a policy of not doing pregnancy massages within the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. This is because of the increased risk for miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of gestation.
- If you are in a high risk pregnancy category or have previously had a premature labour.
- If you have PIH (pregnancy induced high blood pressure)
- If you have pre-eclampsia, or sudden swelling with retention of fluid. If you experience severe headaches.
Karen Hyams offers a mobile pregnancy massage service, where she will come to your home – very indulgent
Karen combines a variety of techniques which are both gentle and effective.
They are soothing and relaxing, whilst also working deep to
enhance your body’s natural ability to adjust and heal itself.
What is craniosacral therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle bodywork practice that employs a light touch to correct and harmonise the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system includes the
bones of the head (cranium), the dura mater (the connective tissue surrounding the brain), the spinal dura (the connective tissue surrounding the spinal cord) and the
sacrum.
The goal of craniosacral therapy is to release and correct restrictions in the craniosacral system, to promote functioning of the central nervous system and flow of the
cerebral spinal fluid.
It can be very effective in dealing with stress related headaches and lumbar pain or sacro iliac issues relating to posture, pregnancy or birth trauma.
Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic dysfunction and accompanying pain and restriction of motion.
Gentle pressure is applied and stretching to the connective tissue of various parts of the body which, when inflammed over a long period, can thicken and cause pain, irritation and further inflammation.
Each client receives a combination of remedial or relaxation massage of these techniques and depends on what your body requires and what you enjoy.
Contact Karen: 0419 945 649
www.karencomestoyou.com.au
