Pregnancy Massage

(light to medium pressure)
Whether it’s a treat for yourself or a loved one my Pre-Natal and Post-Natal massage can be great value. I use Neal’s Yard Covent Garden Mother Massage oil which has been specifically designed for expecting mothers. A nourishing massage oil for new mothers and all mothers-to-be. This nourishing oil with organic soya and almond helps to tone the skin and prevent stretch marks. Combined with essential oils chosen for both their beneficial properties on the skin as well as their gentle aroma therapeutic benefits on the mind, creating a confident sense of calm and well being.

Studies show that women who receive regular massages have fewer complications during their pregnancy and labour and that their babies are more settled and content, suffering fewer baby ailments. Although pregnancy is a wonderful time, many changes take place in the mother’s body as the baby develops. This can put strain and pressure on the joints, ligaments and organs causing some pain and discomfort which massage can help alleviate. In addition research also shows that the baby can greatly benefit from massage as endorphins (feel good chemicals) are released by the mother during massage that are passed onto the baby. The treatment will be carried out in a side-lying position when working on the back and neck, working one side at a time, with a short face and head massage to finish off leaving you feeling very calm and relaxed.

During your initial consultation we will discuss your pregnancy and if your are suffering with any symptoms or ailments. If you are classed as ‘low risk’ the massage can commence without any prior consent from your GP/Midwife. If you are a ‘high risk’ pregnancy then I can issue you with a letter to give to your midwife asking them to advise if there is anything that I should me made aware of prior to your treatment commencing.This is general practice to ensure expecting mothers get the best possible treatment.

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The effects and benefits of Massage have been well researched and documented with controlled studies.  Research performed by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine and International Journal of Neuroscience shows that 45-minute massage increases serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin that help to balance and elevate the mood.  Serotonin and dopamine are both neurotransmitters.  Lowered levels of either serotonin and dopamine have been linked with depression, anxiety and overall lethargy.  Increased levels, as with massage, will bring about a feeling of emotional well-being and balance. Oxytocin, commonly referred to as the “cuddle hormone,” has been shown to release while cuddling, as well as while in massage.  While it is technically a hormone, it tends to act like a neurotransmitter making a sweet little neuropeptide that makes you feel warm and soft on the inside.

A more recent study looked more at the physical benefits of massage.  This study was done with 400 adults who complained of moderate to severe low back pain, lasting 3 or more months. These adults were divided into 3 groups. The first group received a weekly full body massage. The second group received a more targeted massage that focused on specific muscles of the low back and hips. The final group did not receive massage, but instead were prescribed pain medication and muscle relaxants.  After 10 weeks, participants in both massage groups reported a greater average improvement in pain and functioning than those who received medication. The type of massage, either full-body or focused, yielded equally beneficial results.  At the end of the study, 36-39% of the massage recipients reported that the pain was nearly or completely gone, while in the medicated group only 4% reported that significant decrease in pain level.

Some benefits of massage:-

• Relaxation. Massage both calms the nervous system and relaxes muscular tension.
• Reduces Stress.  Many of us live demanding lives, both over scheduled and over-worked.  Stress can manifest in the body with increased muscle tension and sometimes pain.  Stress can manifest in the mind with increased worry or anxiety. Massage helps to clear the body and mind of unwanted responses to stress.
• Increase Flexibility.  Massage will elongate the muscles, open the joints and decrease swelling, all of which will ease movement and increase flexibility.
• Improve Posture. While postural imbalances have many sources, including overworked muscles due to repetitive strain, overcompensating muscles to ease stress on overworked muscles, prolonged sitting, or injury, Massage helps to ease the muscular holding that underlies postural imbalance.
• Improve Blood Circulation. Massage dilates the blood vessels and widens the membrane pores in the body, improving your body’s ability to deliver fresh blood to muscles and organs.
• Endorphin Release to Improve Mood.  Research shows increased serotonin and dopamine in massage recipients, improving their mood and feeling of emotional well-being.
• Flush out Metabolic Byproducts.  As massage stimulates circulation, it flushes out lactic acid and uric acid that build up in muscles due to overuse.
• Increase Range of Motion. Incorporating stretching and range of motion techniques, will open and lubricate the joints for increased range and more fluid motion.
• Support Healthy Immunity. Because Massage also encourages the flow of lymphatic fluid, it increases lymphocytes, immune cells that are produced in the lymph nodes.
• Increase Nutrient Supply to Muscles.  By increasing circulation, Massage increases the blood supply and nutrients to the muscles.
• Increases Energy.  Increased circulation also means more oxygen delivered through the body, resulting in a boost in energy.
• Improve Sleep.  Studies show that getting a massage increases serotonin levels in the body, so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
• Relieve Headaches.Many headaches or migraines are a result of stress and/or poor circulation. Massage relieves the stress associated with tension headaches and improves circulation.

The significant benefits of Massage make it clear that a regular massage regimen is more than a luxury, but indeed an important ingredient in the cultivation of physical and emotional well-being.  Maybe you just want a “relaxation” massage.  But know, that in your relaxation, you are also taking care of both your body and mind in fundamental yet important ways.

• £3565min - full body