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What is Shamballa ?

   Pregnancy massage is a completely safe, natural, drug-free method of relieving the aches and pains of pregnancy, and the benefits to the developing baby are many. The popularity of pregnancy massage has increased in this generation as the knowledge of the therapeutic remedies of massage in general has grown. Studies in “The Secret Life of the Unborn Child” indicate that babies sense and respond to their mother’s stress level as registered by her increased heartbeat.

     One of the most helpful gifts an expectant mother can give herself is to find a massage clinic certified to offer pregnancy massage in all three trimesters, and find a therapist who is also a certified reflexologist. Pregnancy massage assists all the systems of the body, and works to balance hormone flow as well as helping mom prepare for delivery and ridding the body of excess tension prior to the onset of labor.

     Baby benefits by the increased, oxygen-rich blood flow through the placenta, which helps with cellular regeneration and the removal of toxins as the baby grows. It is also common, once mom can feel the baby’?s movements, to notice the baby moving and responding to the gentle touch of massage.

     Pregnancy massage helps alleviate stress on the weight bearing joints of the hips, pelvis, knees and ankles, and relieves soreness in the muscles that are supporting the additional weight of the baby. Moms can find great relief from sciatic nerve pain, since massage helps to ease pressure and pain to the nervous system.

     Expectant moms appreciate the relaxation skills learned during massage, and can apply certain relaxation techniques throughout their pregnancy and labor. Massage stimulates proprioceptivity, the sense of awareness of their muscles and any tension they might be holding.

     Massage provides a nurturing, soothing touch, which promotes the release of emotional and physical tension, especially upper and lower back stresses, headaches, exhaustion, leg cramps, moodiness and constipation.. Reflexology points on the hands, feet and ears can help ease constipation. Certain acupressure points will be avoided to prevent the onset of premature labor, however once the baby is due, and with the doctor’?s permission, these are the very points can be beneficial to stimulate labor.
 

    Pregnancy massage helps to keep mother’?s muscles healthy and in good condition before, during and after the birth of the baby, reduces edema ( swelling), alleviates insomnia and improves over-all health and well-being, and adds tone and flexibility to muscles. This can help moms with an easier delivery and quicker recovery.

     Once a month is recommended for the first trimester, every other week after the second trimester, once a week in the third trimester, and ideally, twice a week just before delivery to receive pregnancy massage.

     Contraindications for pregnancy massage include: systemic infection, fever, abdominal pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, contagious illness, deep vein thrombosis, pre-eclampsia, any malignant condition, and any unusual vaginal discharge. If any contraindications exist, pregnancy massage can only be administered by the licensed massage therapist by a written note from the client’?s caregiver.

     Expectant mothers should request that only lotion be used for pregnancy massage due to the hormonal changes in the skin, which will absorb lotion better than oil. Although some pregnancy massage clients like aromatherapy, scents should be avoided unless moms specifically request them, since many expectant moms can be extremely scent sensitive and can even exhibit allergic reactions to scents and essential oils they may not have been allergic to before pregnancy.

     Lin Hourihan is the mother of five grown children, six foster children, and five grandchildren. She is the owner of The Massage Clinic in Stratford and Orange offering pregnancy massage in all three trimesters, and the author of ”The Virtue of Virtues.” She resides in Derby with her husband John and her mother, Louise.