Massage and Bodywork isn't only for relaxation.
"Massage therapy has been demonstrated to be effective during pregnancy. Women who received massage therapy reported decreased depression, anxiety, and leg and back pain. Cortisol levels decreased and, in turn, excessive fetal activity decreased, and the rate of prematurity was lower in the massage group. In a study of labor pain, women who received massage therapy experienced significantly less pain, and their labors were on average 3 h shorter with less need for medication. An underlying mechanism we have been exploring is that these effects are mediated by increased vagal activity. This likely occurs by the stimulation of pressure receptors that are innervated by vagal afferent fibers, which ultimately project to the limbic system, including hypothalamic structures involved in autonomic nervous system regulation and cortisol secretion."
In addition to reports of decreased anxiety, depression, reduced pain, and shorter labor with less need for medication, massage can help bring much needed balance and harmony to a growing pregnant body.
The pregnant body craves balance. The soft tissues sometimes need to be released and restored in order to facilitate a better birth outcome. Fascia is a dynamic covering that links the entire body together. When we apply a gentle pressure, it can remind the body to release and shift into balance. This can release or reduce tension or discomfort and it can also allows for more space for baby to get into an optimal position for birth.
Utilizing various massage techniques, stretching, and body positions allows us to gain more mobility and gives us space to breathe, gives baby space to move, and allows for a better birth outcome. Everyone needs massage and bodywork.
Massage and bodywork can be received at any stage of pregnancy. A well trained pregnancy massage therapist will make adjustments for the growing pregnant body and know about any contraindications. Not every certified pregnancy massage therapist is trained in the same modalities or comfortable with massaging in all stages of pregnancy.
My personal and professional experience and education gives me confidence. My ability to listen, truly listen, to both verbal cues and body language gives me the wisdom to facilitate balance and healing.
I recommend to get a massage at all stages of pregnancy. We can discuss your body alignment, holding patterns, and breathing techniques so you can be proactive in reducing risks of imbalances that lead to complications. As your body expands to accommodate a growing baby, massage can help alleviate discomforts and growing pains. Once you're at full term, we can gently palpate pressure points and apply stretching and positioning techniques that prepare the body for labor. Massage and bodywork during labor has also proved to be beneficial in encouraging labor to progress efficiently.
Interested in booking a session with me? Follow this link to learn more and schedule a massage session with me. I'd love to see you.
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