Hands on That Baby Bump: How Pregnancy Massage Helps Your Mind and Your Body Feel Better
Treating yourself to soothing massage sessions during pregnancy is considered a great way for you as an expectant mom to relax and let go of stress, worry, and the aches and pains of pregnancy.
But pregnancy massage does so much more than simply calming you down or reducing your backache.
Ancient forms of pregnancy massage focus on the health of the reproductive system.
One ancient form of pregnancy massage being practiced today is Mayan massage, or Arvigo therapy. This technique specifically targets the female reproductive organs, paying attention to the placement of the uterus and the connective tissue in the pelvic and abdominal regions.
The idea is that gentle external massage and manipulation of the uterine area increases the health and function of the reproductive system. The uterus may be coaxed into a better position, and the increased blood flow to the area that results is good for baby and mom's circulation. The alignment of the sacrum, lumbar, and thoracic areas of the spine during the massage relieves pressure and strain on the spinal column and the back muscles.
Studies prove that prenatal massage is beneficial.
Researchers have noted several key benefits for women who make massage part of their prenatal care. One of those benefits is the hormone regulation that occurs. Hormones that help you feel relaxed and stress-free are increased after a good massage, while hormones associated with stress, like norepinephrine and cortisol, are reduced. This may reduce complications in pregnancy.
Other benefits you may notice include a reduction in edema, or swelling of the feet and hands; an easing of sciatica symptoms; and improved sleep.
Patients claim remarkable results from Arvigo massage sessions.
One massage client couldn't seem to conceive a much-wanted second child. She decided to try having several weeks of Arvigo massage therapy done, focusing on making her reproductive organs as healthy as they could be. She was pregnant within 2 months, and credits the massage therapy with helping her to conceive.
She now swears by the Arvigo techniques, and has returned to her massage therapist to receive postpartum Arvigo massage sessions in order to keep her reproductive organs healthy and pain free.
Pregnancy massage is comforting and safe, but you should always be clear with your massage therapist about how far along you are, any risk factors there are with your pregnancy, any medications you're taking, and any other health issues that may be affected by your pregnancy or a massage session. Contact an establishment like Imagine Wholeness for more information about pregnancy massage.