Massage Therapy For The Childbearing Year

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Submitted by Organic Wellness Massage

Pregnancy is an amazing time which holds many changes.  Some of the changes are exciting and welcome, but others are much more of a challenge.  Extra weight gain, postural changes, hormonal imbalances and emotional stress can lead to back, neck, pelvic pain, and fatigue.  Pregnancy massage is a therapeutic bodywork that focuses on the dramatic structural, physiological, and psychological ways a woman is changed and challenged throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.  Massage can help alleviate some of the usual complaints of pregnancy.

Potential Benefits of Massage Therapy During Pregnancy:

  • Alleviates stress on the weight bearing joints (low back, ankles, pelvis)
  • Relaxation
  • Reduces neck and back pain caused by improper balance and posture
  • Eases constipation, gas, and heartburn as general relaxation stimulates intestinal movement
  • Reduces excess fluid retention
  • Slows the progress of varicose veins through enhanced circulation
  • Relieve headaches caused by tension
  • Alleviates leg cramps
  • Develops the sensory awareness necessary to kinesthetically embody the birth process
  • Aids in a speedy postpartum recovery

Experience A Comfortable Pregnancy

In a study by the Touch Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida; and Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, twenty-six pregnant women were assigned to a massage therapy or a relaxation therapy group for 5 weeks.  The therapies consisted of 20-min sessions twice a week.  Both groups reported feeling less anxious after the first session and less leg pain after the first and last session.  Only the massage therapy group, however, reported reduced anxiety, improved mood, better sleep, and less back pain by the last day of the study.  In addition, urinary stress hormone levels (norepinephrine) decreased for the massage therapy group and the women had fewer complications during labor and their infants had fewer postnatal complications (e.g., less prematurity).

Pregnant Couple Massage Classes Available

Learn self-care techniques and general pregnancy massage to support your partner through this wonderful, challenging time. Partners will learn a basic 20-minute massage sequence, including special massage strokes and techniques to maximize relaxation during labor.  Group and private classes available.  For more information, click here.

About your Instructor

Adriana Hutchings, LMP

Adriana’s therapeutic technique combines her knowledge of anatomy with a holistic approach, assisting her clients in achieving optimal health and well being. She is nationally certified massage therapist as well as being nationally certified in pregnancy massage and labor support.  Adriana has been working with expectant couples for over 6 years and received her training from Kate Jordan who is the leading expert in pregnancy massage in the United States.

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