Why pregnancy massage is essential for every expectant mom
By Guiomar Campbell, Certified Shiatsu Therapist
When I was pregnant with my first child it was a wonderful experience and I felt very proud of my body. My mother was visiting from Brazil and we were especially delighted with my beautiful pregnant belly. At about 8 months, I began to experienced severe sciatica pain on the left side of my body. It almost felt like I was walking with a stabbing knife in my hip. It was very difficult for me to relax and let go of the fear that something was wrong with my body. I refused to take drugs and was very determined to fight the pain naturally, but still had no results. The only relief I had was when my mother applied heavy pressure on my sacrum. I wished at that time to glue her hands on me forever but it was not possible so I decided to seek professional help. I ended up seeing a shiatsu therapist who knew exactly what my body needed. It was the best choice I made, a life-saver.
She repeatedly applied sustained pressure along my spine, sacrum, and legs, gave me lots of pillows and support and I was able to relax and stay connected to my baby. The sharp pain was gone, and although I still experienced mild discomfort, it was more manageable and I was feeling calm.
Why do pregnant women get back pain?
Back pain occurs as a result of the growing uterus, incorrect posture, weight gain, and stress.
As the baby grows, the centre of gravity changes, creating shifts in posture. Poor posture combined with long hours standing and excessive bending has a tremendous effect on joints, ligaments and muscles. Some women experience discomfort around the lumbar and sacrum area, while others may experience sciatic pain. Shiatsu massage addresses this by stimulating powerful acupressure points on muscles surrounding the inflamed nerves and ligament.
Why is pregnancy massage important?
Medical research has shown that massage actually reduces stress hormones in the body and helps the mother to-be to adapt to the constant changes and stress of a growing belly.
Two groups of women were tested during their second trimester of pregnancy. The first group practiced relaxation exercises and the second group were massaged twice weekly for five weeks. When two groups were compared, the women who had had massage reported better sleep and improved moods, and their labours had fewer complications, including fewer premature births. The studies also show that when women receive nurturing touch during late pregnancy they touch their babies more frequently and lovingly.
Shiatsu massage for pregnancy
The pregnancy massage is specially tailored for pregnant women and focuses on the most common sore spots in their bodies. It is performed by a knowledgeable shiatsu therapist who understands not only the technique but is also trained to recognize signs of prenatal disorder.
Special attention is paid to posture and position in bed, and the therapist works with a woman’s centre of gravity, relieving unnecessary stress on her muscles and joints.The therapist will use light, long, holding pressure on specific points along the spine and lower body paying special attention to the belly and inner legs.Specific stretching techniques maybe applied to prepare women for labour.
Prenatal Shiatsu massage is indicated at any point during a healthy pregnancy and if there are any complications it’s a good idea to talk to your obstetrician or your midwife for advice.
Guiomar is a Shiatsu Therapist at Lifecycles Wellness and the creator of Guia’s Life Blends, massage oils for Reproductive Health.
By Guiomar Campbell, Certified Shiatsu Therapist
When I was pregnant with my first child it was a wonderful experience and I felt very proud of my body. My mother was visiting from Brazil and we were especially delighted with my beautiful pregnant belly. At about 8 months, I began to experienced severe sciatica pain on the left side of my body. It almost felt like I was walking with a stabbing knife in my hip. It was very difficult for me to relax and let go of the fear that something was wrong with my body. I refused to take drugs and was very determined to fight the pain naturally, but still had no results. The only relief I had was when my mother applied heavy pressure on my sacrum. I wished at that time to glue her hands on me forever but it was not possible so I decided to seek professional help. I ended up seeing a shiatsu therapist who knew exactly what my body needed. It was the best choice I made, a life-saver.
She repeatedly applied sustained pressure along my spine, sacrum, and legs, gave me lots of pillows and support and I was able to relax and stay connected to my baby. The sharp pain was gone, and although I still experienced mild discomfort, it was more manageable and I was feeling calm.
Why do pregnant women get back pain?
Back pain occurs as a result of the growing uterus, incorrect posture, weight gain, and stress.
As the baby grows, the centre of gravity changes, creating shifts in posture. Poor posture combined with long hours standing and excessive bending has a tremendous effect on joints, ligaments and muscles. Some women experience discomfort around the lumbar and sacrum area, while others may experience sciatic pain. Shiatsu massage addresses this by stimulating powerful acupressure points on muscles surrounding the inflamed nerves and ligament.
Why is pregnancy massage important?
Medical research has shown that massage actually reduces stress hormones in the body and helps the mother to-be to adapt to the constant changes and stress of a growing belly.
Two groups of women were tested during their second trimester of pregnancy. The first group practiced relaxation exercises and the second group were massaged twice weekly for five weeks. When two groups were compared, the women who had had massage reported better sleep and improved moods, and their labours had fewer complications, including fewer premature births. The studies also show that when women receive nurturing touch during late pregnancy they touch their babies more frequently and lovingly.
Shiatsu massage for pregnancy
The pregnancy massage is specially tailored for pregnant women and focuses on the most common sore spots in their bodies. It is performed by a knowledgeable shiatsu therapist who understands not only the technique but is also trained to recognize signs of prenatal disorder.
Special attention is paid to posture and position in bed, and the therapist works with a woman’s centre of gravity, relieving unnecessary stress on her muscles and joints.The therapist will use light, long, holding pressure on specific points along the spine and lower body paying special attention to the belly and inner legs.Specific stretching techniques maybe applied to prepare women for labour.
Prenatal Shiatsu massage is indicated at any point during a healthy pregnancy and if there are any complications it’s a good idea to talk to your obstetrician or your midwife for advice.
Guiomar is a Shiatsu Therapist at Lifecycles Wellness and the creator of Guia’s Life Blends, massage oils for Reproductive Health.
