Prenatal massage
Studies indicate that prenatal massage -- massage therapy performed during
pregnancy -- can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle
aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Warm oil relaxation massage which aims to
relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation through mild
pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body.
Hormone regulation : Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone
levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered, leading
to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health, when massage therapy was
introduced to women’s prenatal care. In women who received bi-weekly massages
for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress
hormones”) were reduced and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low
levels of these hormones are associated with depression).
These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer
complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such
as low birth weight. The evidence points strongly to maternal and newborn
health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal
care.
Reduction of swelling : Edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy, is often
caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels
by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce
collection of fluids in swollen joints, which also improves the removal of
tissue waste, carried by the body’s lymph system.
Improvement of nerve pain : Sciatic nerve pain is experienced by many women in late
pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back.
The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and
lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage
therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on
nearby muscles. Many women have experienced significant reduction in sciatic
nerve pain during pregnancy through regular massage.
Other potential benefits of prenatal massage in our Victoria spa:
•Reduced back pain
•Reduced joint pain
•Improved circulation
•Reduced edema
•Reduced muscle tension and headaches
•Reduced stress and anxiety
•Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
•Better sleep
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