Pregnancy Massage

What Is Pregnancy Massage?
Pregnancy massage is massage therapy specifically tailored to the mother's needs  during her pregnancy. It is also known as pre-natal massage.  Unfortunately, many people still  think of massage as a luxury or something reserved for  special occasions.  In general massage is now recognized as a form of healthcare, and has dozens of therapeutic benefits.   One of the most beneficial times for massage  is during pregnancy.  

Most pregnancy massages last about an hour.  Pregnancy massage is generally done on a regular massage table with the mother-to-be positioned side-lying for comfort.  Some practitioners use a special pregnancy massage table or a specially designed pillow system to position a woman comfortably, however as long a the therapist uses pillows and bolsters to support the clients comfort, these extras are not necessary. 


The most common massage modalities incorporated into a pregnancy massage are Swedish, Deep Tissue (indicated in some areas & contraindicated in others), Trigger Point Therapy.  

Possible Benefits of Pregnancy Massage


A study at the University of Miami School of Medicine suggests that massage during pregnancy can have many positive effects, including: 

• Lowered anxiety

• Decreased back and leg pain

• Improved sleep

• Decreased levels of the stress hormone Norepinephrine

• increased levels of the hormones serotonin and Dopamine (feel good)

• decreased levels of Cortisol (another stress hormone)

• an overall improvement in mood

• decrease swelling in the arms and legs

• relief from general aches and pains in muscles and joints.

Pregnancy massage is a wonderful alternative therapy during pregnancy for back pain, when choices for pain relief, such as most medications, are often off limits. In addition to the many physiological benefits, the human touch can be comforting and provide much needed emotional support during pregnancy. 

Massage Therapists who are Certified in Pregnancy Massage have learned to adapt their techniques to address the changes a woman's body goes through during pregnancy.  Most therapists are trained to avoid deep pressure on the legs, as pregnant women are at a high risk for blood clots there.  While therapists still massage the legs, they use slow light pressure, moving in a direction towards the heart.

One area of controversy is whether it's safe to have a massage during the first trimester due to the potential for miscarriage.  There is little to no research showing that massage in anyway causes miscarriage, however because most miscarriages happen in the first trimester, some massage therapists and doctors advise against first-trimester massage simply to avoid any potential liability issues should a miscarriage occur.  

In general it is important for any pregnant woman to discus this and/or any other alternative or complementary  healthcare with their primary healthcare provider before scheduling a massage.

When to Avoid Pregnancy Massage

There are times when massage may not be appropriate. You may choose to avoid massage or get clearance from your healthcare provider before you try a massage if:

• You're experiencing severe nausea, vomiting, or morning sickness

• You're at high risk of miscarriage 

• You have a high-risk pregnancy such as placental abruption or preterm labor

In these cases, a massage therapist may require written consent from your healthcare provider and/or a liability waiver from you before performing pregnancy massage.

With all of that being said, Pregnancy Massage is one of the safest and best pain relief alternatives for pregnant women with the most added benefits.

What is Reiki?

The practice of Reiki originated in Tibet. The name "Reiki" (rey-key) comes from the technique "re-discovered" by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 20th century. "Re" means "Universal" and it is a general term for spirit or unseen spiritual quality, which serves as channel for "Ki" or "Life Force Energy" (some call it God, Jesus, Buddha, Chi, Qi, Prana, Love Energy, the Universe or similar).  By what name we call it is of the least importance.  As so beautifully described in A Course in Miracles, "We say God IS, and then we cease to speak, for in that knowledge words are meaningless."  

Reiki as a healing treatment, is a natural, energy-based therapy that gently helps to balance the Ki, or life energy, which flows through each and everyone of our bodies.   When trying to understand how Reiki works, its important that we acknowledge the body as more than just a collection of functioning parts. Since everything generates a frequency, the body and its organs have their own energy field which is continually changing. In Reiki and in traditional Eastern Medicine it is believed that all conditions of disease are rooted in this energy system. If our "life force" is low or blocked, we are more likely to get sick. But if it is high and flowing freely, we can maintain our health and well being. 

Reiki is a subtle form of energy work in which healing occurs by the touch (or laying) of  hands.   This gentle, and sometimes ethereal touch, allows the flow of the energy from The Source to the client via the practitioner. While the treatment is very  powerful, it is also very gentle.  Like most forms of healing, the most of its power comes from the practitioners' intention.  

Potential Benefits of Reiki
When the flow of the Ki, or  "Life Energy" is disrupted, weakened or blocked, emotional or health problems can occur. Imbalances can be caused from many situations occurring in our lives, such as; emotional or physical trauma, negative thoughts and feelings  including fear, worry, doubt, anger, anxiety, negative self-talk, toxicity, nutritional depletion, destructive lifestyle, relationships, neglect of self, and lack of love for oneself or for others, from emotions that are not expressed in a healthy way... and so on. 

 Some Of The Health Benefits of Reiki:

Promotes relaxation and helps the body release stress 

It accelerates the body's self-healing 

Aids sleep

Reduces blood pressure

Can help with accute injuries and chronic conditions (Ex: asthma, headaches, PMS etc.)

Useful in the breaking of addictions or bad habbits  

Can relieve physical pain

Removes energy blockages, adjusts the energy flow of the endocrine system bringing the body into balance and harmony (Based on the principles of Eastern Medicine)

Helps the body to recover after surgery and chemotherapy

Supports the immune system

Helps spiritual growth and emotional balance                                                                                                                           

What is a Reiki session like?

Your Reiki practitioner will start with a short questionnaire and/or consultation to determine your primary goal for your session.  You will generally lie down, fully clothed on the massage table.  One of the primary purposes of a Reiki Session is relaxation, so your practitioner will take extra care to make sure the room setting is peaceful and serene.  When we are relaxed, stress-free, we are able to restore our body's natural ability to heal itself.  Some practitioners may use a pendulum, crystal or their hands to asses the energy of your Chakras.  The practitioner will begin laying their hands on or slightly above your body in a specific set of hand positions, which they will hold for 3-5 minutes each.  Sessions can last anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.   

During the session, the most common feeling expressed from recipients of this treatment is a euphoric deep relaxation.  There are also common claims of feeling warmth, tingling, sensations of tension release.  

After your session, make sure to drink plenty of water, and allow yourself quiet time to enjoy the full benefits. 

How often should you have Reiki? 

When working on a specific issue, Reiki session should be scheduled weekly or bi-weekly. Expect each session to be different.  Note some practitioners add to other vibrational techniques such as crystals, chimes, or aromatherapy.  Long term practice of whole-body Reiki can restore the condition of the body.