Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy is a very exciting and precious time in a woman’s life, but, as your body changes, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting, both physically and mentally. Although your body is designed to adapt and thrive through pregnancy and into the post natal period, the huge changes in your body throughout pregnancy can cause discomfort, pain, and swelling especially to the lower back, hips and legs. Regular massage therapy throughout your pregnancy can help to alleviate the problematic symptoms and provide physical comfort and relief, relaxation & reassurance. Here at Papillon We are aware and mindful that every pregnancy is different, every woman's body is different so rest assured that you will not be offered a ‘one size fits all’ pregnancy massage with us! We don't have uncomfortable treatment tables with holes cut out, instead you will lie on your side, supported with a range of pillows and cushions to enable to you be as comfortable as possible.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage Therapy
- Eases muscular discomforts in areas like the low back & neck, calf cramps, it also helps with tension and tightening that can be experienced throughout the body
- Diminish headaches. Stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers, into the brain and nervous system.
- Naturally decrease gas, heartburn, indigestion, and constipation
- Relieve aches in muscles and joints
- Reduce fluid retention. Reduces swelling in hands, feet and ankles
- Lessens sciatic pain
- Helps increase blood circulation, which in turn delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the mother and baby.
- Increases blood and lymph flow which can help increase the elimination of toxins through the circulatory and lymphatic systems, this can also help with fatigue.
- Increases oxygen in the blood, sometimes on up to 10-15% after a massage.
- Helps relieve anxiety or depression by aiding with relaxation which in turn can decrease insomnia
- Strengthens the immune system
Pregnancy backache
- Your posture changes as your baby grows and backache in the lower and upper back and also the hips is common. Massage can help greatly as it will help loosen tight and aching muscles and help relieve tension throughout the back. and hips
Anemia during pregnancy
- Iron deficiency is common during pregnancy due to the increased demands placed on your body. It is a condition in which there is insufficient hemoglobin in the blood.
- A full body massage will help boost blood and lymph circulation, plus help relieve tiredness. By stimulating circulation it will also raise the red blood count therefore producing more haemoglobin.
SPD or PGP
- Symphysis pubis dysfunction or pelvic girdle pain are very common during pregnancy and can be very debilitating. The cause of the pain is from ligaments and joints being softened by the overproduction of hormones. Massage can assist in helping release oxytocin and endorphins, which can help relieve the discomfort and pain.
Circulation - During pregnancy your circulation is working twice as hard as it usually does, so oedema and leg cramps (swelling in the ankles and hands) can be a common symptom of late pregnancy. Massage can be very helpful by helping to boost circulation and encouraging lymph to move around the body, helping to remove toxins and reduce the swelling.
Migraines and headaches - Headaches are very common in pregnancy and an estimated Ten percent of women suffer from migraines in pregnancy. Causes are very often due to hormonal action or by stress on the head, neck and shoulder area as a result of poor posture and general tension. Massage will help relieve tension and improve blood circulation and will have a very soothing effect.
Sciatica in pregnancy - As your baby and your uterus grow, it can also compress the sciatic nerve and women may experience sciatic pain which maybe felt down the back of the thigh, the lower part of the leg and the sole of the foot. Gentle massage can help bring relief by releasing the nerve.
Pregnancy heartburn - Towards the latter stages of pregnancy your digestive system slows, often becoming sluggish, thus allowing time for the baby to absorb vital nutrients. This may cause heartburn and constipation. Stress can make heartburn worse, so a massage will help to ease the symptoms by reducing anxiety and tension.
Stretch marks - As your baby grows, the skin on your stomach will stretch causing tightness, often causing stretch marks. Massage with a good nourishing oil can help moisturise and soothe the skin.
- NB Essential oils should never be used during pregnancy unless it has been uniquely blended for pregnancy by an aromatherapist, as some may not be safe or suitable for pregnancy.
A massage can be a perfect and gentle way to ease away aches and pains. However, it is important that any massage treatment is carried out by a therapist who is qualified in pregnancy massage.
There are times when it is not appropriate to have a pregnancy massage if, for example, you are suffering from any of the following:
High blood pressure
Abdominal pain or cramping or any unusual or unidentified pain
Pre-eclampsia
Diabetes
Morning sickness or extreme nausea
Vomiting/diarrhoea. High temperature or fever. Contagious illness
Heavy vaginal discharge or if it is bloody or watery