Balance Restored offers Prenatal Massage Therapy
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009I 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.