Regular massage can benefit:                                            Return

  • Those who wish to counteract the harmful effects of stress
  • Those who suffer from chronic pain due to overuse or repetitive movements
  • Those who want to improve their range of motion, flexibility, be it a "weekend warrior" or a professional athlete
  • Those who desire to strengthen their immune system and decrease susceptibility to disease    
  • Those who prefer a more holistic, preventive approach to great health and well-being
                                    Benefits of Pregnancy, Labor and Postpartum Massage

Hormonally, a woman's body chemistry alters resulting in new physical sensations, mood alterations and changes in
metabolic function that can affect her as greatly as the structural and physiologic changes

As studies show, massage is a wonderful tool to help women be more comfortable and more balanced during this very
special time of life, in each of its specific phases:  
During Pregnancy
  • Massage reduces tension in overworked muscles and joints
  • Massage increases blood and lymph circulation which supports the work of the heart while reducing
    swelling and blood pressure  (Wakim et al, 1949, 1955) and (Pemberton, 1945)
  • Massage provides emotional support and physical nurturance which leads to touching babies in
    meaningful, caring and effective ways (Rubin, 1979 - Effect of Touch on Mothering Outcomes)
  • Massage relieves muscle spasms, cramps and myofacial pain increasing endorphin levels (Kaada and
    Torsteinbo, 1989) and lowering back pain (Field, et al, 1999)

During Labor
  • Massage develops sensory awareness necessary to relax during the first stage of labor and to recruit
    appropriate muscles during the pushing stage of labor
  • Massage improves the outcome of labor by:
  1. reducing the length of labor
  2. reducing the use of medications including epidurals
  3. reducing the number of Cesarean sections (Kennell & Klaus 1988-1991)
  4. reducing labor complications and prematurity (Field, et al, 1999)

Postpartum
  • Promotes postpartum restoration of abdomen and weight bearing muscles and joints
  • Provides support for the new mother with the physical and emotional challenges of mothering.

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