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Benefits of Massage
Massage Therapy
The stresses in daily life can hamper the natural function of the nervous system, and result in a general lack of health, vitality, and energy.
Massage has been proven to have a nurturing, therapeutic effect and improve health by acting directly on the muscular, nervous, circulatory and lymphatic (immune) systems. Massage treatments can relieve or prevent physical dysfunction and pain, relax tight and tense muscles, improve circulation, reduce overall stress and restore many bodily systems.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Massage Therapy
At Harmony, caring for expectant and new moms and families is our focus, and our expertise. This is not about purely pampering (though, that never hurts, either). Harmony's massage therapists have dedicated their entire focus to becoming experts on how to support the physical health of the pregnancy, for mom and baby, and postpartum healing.
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The hormones of stress or relaxation, and the flow of fluids & lymph through the body have everything to do with the health of the pregnancy, the development of the baby, and the physical and emotional adjustment of mothers in the weeks and months before and after birth.
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Come receive massage by the experts in supporting the needs of your body, mind, and spirit during this time in your life -- don't settle for a spa therapist who "also does" the occasional pre or postnatal!
Why is massage so important during pregnancy?
Prenatal Massage is not just about reducing pain, pressure, and discomfort. It can also serve to increase the health of mom and baby and even improve the labor and birth.
How?
Everyone knows that pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding are controlled by hormones. The hormones of stress or relaxation, and the flow of fluids & lymph through the body directly impact:
- the health of the pregnancy,
- the development of the baby,
- the onset and progression of labor,
- and the physical and emotional adjustment of mothers in the months before and after birth.
This means that just like a healthy diet is important for mom and baby’s health, utilizing massage to maintain a healthy balance of hormones and prevent physical discomforts is crucial to fetal development and minimizing the likelihood of complications and injuries in pregnancy and birth.
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If you wait until you are uncomfortable to schedule your massage, you are missing a huge part of the benefit prenatal massage has to offer!
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Ooh, my aching back (hips, legs,...)
(and what I wouldn't give for a little better sleep!)
Pregnancy (and caring for your baby after the birth) changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. In addition, hormones loosen your ligaments, making your pelvic joints less stable, changing your posture, and pulling your pelvis forward. Add to that the extra weight you're carrying and it is no wonder you may have a lot of discomforts and difficulty sleeping.
A massage therapist who is specifically trained in prenatal and postpartum massage knows where the sore spots are likely to be and may be able to provide a lot of relief tailored specifically to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies.
How does it work?
(I can't lie on my stomach!)
Expectant mothers lie comfortably on their side, supported by lots of pillows in all of the key places, to relax and receive nurturing massage. We do NOT use tables with a belly "cut-out" since these can actually strain the ligaments as gravity pulls the weight of baby, fluid, etc away from the body and puts excess pressure in awkward places. Trust us... with expert pillow placement, side-lying is divine!
Benefits Include:
- Tranquil relaxation, stress reduction, and improved sleep
- Increased blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the womb
- Relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs
- Increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling
- Reduced strain on weight-bearing joints
- Easing of labor pain
- Support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering
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