The Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy is a wonderful time when your body works magic growing a brand-new life inside you. It’s pretty amazing, but it can be painful too. Backaches, sore shoulders, and tender muscles can start to be a problem as your body changes to accommodate your precious cargo, which is why pregnancy massage is something every mom-to-be should consider treating herself to.
There are all sorts of reasons why women turn to massage during pregnancy. It’s a holistic way to pamper yourself with a whole range of benefits. Whether you approach pregnancy massage from a physical, emotional, or spiritual perspective, most good pregnancy massage therapists will combine all three elements for a truly powerful massage experience.
In case you need convincing to pamper yourself, here are a few of the impressive benefits and advantages to be had from pregnancy massage:
- Improved sleep
- Less anxiety
- A chance to connect with your baby
- Improved circulation
- Enhanced feelings of relaxation
- Soothes backache
- Eases water retention
- Relieves other pregnancy aches and pains
- Hydrates skin and enhances skin flexibility
- Reduces stress on joints
- Can provide relief from pregnancy cramps
- Some massage modalities might improve varicose veins and their symptoms.
Prenatal massage is generally a full body massage tailored to the needs of the clients, incorporating Swedish, lymphatic drainage, deep tissue, Reiki, and hot stone therapies into the sessions. These massages are mainly done in the side-lying position, but can also be performed in a semi-reclined position. For some women who might be embarrassed at or self-conscious of their changing shape, chair massage offers a perfect alternative, since they remain fully dressed. Additionally, no oils or lotions are used in chair massage, so the risk of causing nausea from different scents is eliminated.
Women who are having a healthy pregnancy can usually have a prenatal massage at any time – from conception to birth. For those experiencing complications, massage by a certified prenatal massage therapist is usually perfectly safe, but require prior approval from a doctor or midwife.
If you are interested in becoming a massage therapist or are interested in the services offered by our student clinic, visit http://www.school-for-massage.com/massage-therapy/ or contact us at (702) 202-2455
