Pregnancy Massage
"Pregnancy and childbirth can be the greatest and most fulfilling of a woman's experiences. It is important that their contribution to life be a time of strength, joy, and happiness. Incorporating bodywork and neuromuscular massage enables one to reduce physical and mental tension, increase strength and endurance, and experience ease and comfort during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum."
William j. McKenzie, Jr., M.D.
Diplomat American Board of Gynecology & Obstetrics
"During massage, therapists can actually alter the sensation of pain by stimulating skin receptors connected to the brain. Such stimulation helps the mother's body secrete oxytocin, which makes the uterus contract, and endorphins, which reduce pain."
Marshall Klauss, M.D.
Neonatologist, U.C. Berkley
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
1. Therapeutic massage is a completely safe, natural, drug free method of relieving the aches and pains of pregnancy.
2. Massage assists the circulatory and lymphatic systems by promoting the movement of blood and lymph, which assists the heart and reduces swelling.
3. 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. Massage helps to soothe and ease sore muscles throughout the neck, back and hips. Massage helps to ease pressure and pain to the nervous system, including the sciatic nerve.
4. Massage provides a nurturing, soothing touch, which promotes release of emotional and physical tension.
5. Reassurance, nurturing, and relaxation for the mother during pregnancy have shown to have far-reaching impact on her fetus. Studies indicate that babies sense and respond to their mother's stress levels as registered by her increased heartbeat.