I am excited to announce that I recently completed an advanced certification training in maternity massage therapy.  My instructor, Carole Osborne Sheets is widely recognized as one of the pioneers in prenatal massage.  Needless to say, it was an awesome experience to be her student and learn this work that is vital to our mothers. 

Massage opens a door to rest, relaxation and body awareness as a mother’s body changes and prepares for birth.  Mind body and spirit all benefit from this ancient nurturing practice. 

Massage helps to promote physical, mental and emotional integration. As you lie on the table and surrender to the rhythmic movements of the massage, the music and warmth, the brain releases hormones that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system inducing a calming and grounded state. 

Weight gain and a growing baby contribute to compression and fatigue in the weight bearing joints. As the body changes, nurturing touch can bring relief and comfort. Deep tissue massage helps to reduce musculoskeletal pain and strain.  Swedish and lymphatic massage can help with edema. 

Making time for massage also gives mom an opportunity to spend quiet time in rest with her growing baby.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to scan the body and become more keenly aware of the subtle and not so subtle changes that are taking place.  When we understand what is happening to our bodies, we can receive these changes more readily.  An increase in body awareness can lead to a more mindful approach toward body mechanics and posture, which can in turn make for a more comfortable and grace filled pregnancy and delivery. 

It’s an honor and privilege to work so closely with women during such a powerful time.  I look forward to facilitating this journey and holding a safe space for everything that comes with bringing new life into the world.  

Getting the Most Out Of Your Massage

Wanda Pierce, Certified Massage Therapist

In these economic times, it has never been more important to receive massage.  At first glance, it may feel like a luxury we can’t afford, but if we can quiet the mind and relax the body when we are under stress, we are better equipped to navigate through the challenges we face. As we search for ways to stretch the household budget like Silly Putty over the Sunday Funnies it’s also important to learn how to get the most out of what we pay for.  A 60-minute massage can feel like 15 minutes if our mind is somewhere else.  Like a bad date, it can also feel like an eternity if we aren’t comfortable.  Here are some tips on how to savor every second of your next massage. 

1.     Arrive early.  This will ensure that you get the full time you’ve paid for.  It also gives you some time to settle in, have some tea, use the restroom and absorb the calm atmosphere.  Rushing to a massage is like watching the last half of a good movie.

2.     Communication is key.  Be clear with your massage therapist about what you want from your massage before getting on the table.  In addition to injuries and preferred pressure, it is often useful to share what is going on emotionally.  A good massage therapist will take your input into account and customize a session that’s right for you.   

3.     Make sure the room feels just right.  Goldilocks knew all about this!  Confirm the temperature is to your liking, the music is at the right volume and the face cradle is just where it needs to be.

4.     Focus.  Keep your attention on the session, not your next errand or earlier phone conversation.  Stay present to the areas where your massage therapist is working.  The plates will still be spinning when the massage is over, but you will be better equipped to keep them spinning if you let your mind take a break while you are on the table.

5.     Breathe!  It may sound obvious but most of the time, we don’t use our lungs to their full capacity.  Mindful breathing, like a magic wand helps with focus and also serves to shift the nervous system into a much more relaxed state.  Start by inhaling to fill the belly, following up into the rib cage and finally to the collarbone.  Exhale slowly, finding a rhythm that works for you.  An easy rule of thumb is to count 5 counts in, 5 counts out.

6.     Pre pay or have your check written out ahead of time.  Finances are stressful, particularly in these times so if you take care of it beforehand, you can relax and forget about it afterward.  No one wants to do math after a great massage.  If a tip is appropriate, have that set aside in advance so you can float out without calculating anything. 

7.     Smell the flowers. Take some time after your massage before returning to your regular day.  Enjoy a cup of tea somewhere and watch the world go by or go home to your favorite chair and marinate in the goodness!   

When daily obligations fill our lives, it’s easy to overlook the commitment to self -care.  Not only do you deserve some time to recharge, nurture and reconnect with your body, you can’t afford not to.  In the same way we need to tune up our car, we need to nourish our body, quiet our mind and feed our soul to run smoothly in the world.  You’ll be sure to get a lot more mileage out of your session when you follow these simple tips.