benefits of prenatal massage
helps keep blood pressure in check
helps to relieve depression and anxiety
improves local and general blood circulation
increases muscular elasticity and joint flexibility
helps to prevent and control the growth of varicose veins
flushes the body of waste and toxins through the 'mechanical
cleansing' of the lymphatic and circulatory systems
helps to alleviate the discomforts of cramping, knotted, tense, and
stiff muscles, headaches, backaches, sciatica, swelling, sore feet
and ankles, and nausea
the beneficial effects of nurturing touch on baby's physical, mental,
and emotional growth and development begin in the womb
stimulates glandular secretions & helps to stabilize hormone levels
brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of mum and baby
certain types of massage can contribute to an easier birth
prevents the loss of muscle & improves muscle tone
helps mum to sleep more easily and deeply
mum feels cared for and nurtured
baby feels what you feel
the practice & form
"There is but one temple in the universe, and that is the Body...
Nothing is holier than that high form.
Bending before [humanity] is a reverence done to this Revelation in the Flesh.
We touch heaven when we lay our hands on a human body."
-- Frederich von Hardenberg, 1772
Never is this more true in my practice than when I hold space for
mother and baby. Many of the most moving experiences in the
course of my practice as a bodyworker have been in prenatal
massage sessions. This is truly a sacred celebration of creation.
Countless studies over the past century show that loving touch not
only communicates safety and caring, but also supports the
systems that balance, cleanse, and heal the body.
Touch actually 'educates' the nervous system, creating and
strengthening neural pathways and inviting the nervous system
into deep relaxation. This is true for both mother and baby.
My love of prenatal massage began long before my formal training
in the techniques. My experiences as a student of prenatal
massage clinic fostered this love. It continued
as I massaged my own wife throughout her
pregnancies, massaged the bodies of our
unborn children in her belly.
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