Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal or Pregnancy Massage is a fantastic way to increase the health and well-being of an expectant mum, during one of the most physically transformative phases of her life.
Medicinal Massage is now, very pleased to offer prenatal massage with a specialized pregnancy bed, allowing mum to lie face down no matter how far along she is.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
There are a multitude of benefits for pregnant women, both physiologically + emotionally.
Nerve Pain
An increase in weight places a greater load on muscles and joints, often leading to nerve pain. Sciatica is common especially during the later stages of pregnancy. By releasing the muscles that certain nerves travel through, a therapist can bring great relief to nerve-related symptoms.
Positive effects on hormones
Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to women’s prenatal care. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health.
In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) were reduced, and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression).
Reduction of Swelling
Massage (and in particular lymphatic drainage) has a positive effect on edema (increased retention of fluid), by increasing circulation within the lymph system and stimulating surrounding soft tissue.
Body Aches
Because of the increase in weight around the belly, a pregnant women’s center of gravity changes. This places a larger load on certain muscle groups and structures, causing aches, pain, and stiffness. Massage can relieve these issues, reducing pain, headaches, and sore spots.
Improves Sleep
Sleep can often be disturbed at various stages of pregnancy. By activating the autonomic nervous system (rest and digest) massage can aid in getting to sleep, improving the actual quality of sleep, and leave mum feeling rested and rejuvenated.
Thanks for reading,
Helena
