PREGNANCY
Pregnancy is a Beautiful State of Being
Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful state of life. However, it can be tough and taxing to the body. As a result, many individuals may make pregnant individuals feel fragile, isolated, and even more vulnerable. Interestingly enough, that is not that case at all. Numerous scientific research proves and states that pregnant individuals aren't fragile and actually is suggested that they should incorporate movement and bodywork.
Massage Therapy can greatly benefit pregnant individuals in relieving pain, relaxation, and provide a safe space. One of the most important factor that determine this would be the Massage Therapist's experience and education in Peri-Natal Massage. Thus, this will ensure a beneficial and effective massage.
THE EFFECTS OF PREGNANCY
During pregnancy, there are significant changes that occurs to the individual, physiological, psychological and emotional. There is a huge shift in hormones during pregnancy. As a result, there is a tremendous increase in Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), Progesterone, Estrogen, Oxytocin, Prolactin, and Relaxin. Each play a vital role during pregnancy and can produce many unwanted effects as well. HCG during the first trimester cause morning sickness because of the high levels. Estrogen may cause spider veins. Relaxin helps remodel and loosen the pelvic girdle tissues, softens the cervix, suppresses uterine contractions, thus it may result in joint instability and hypermobility throughout the body.
Art Williams
"I'm not telling you that it's going to be easy, I'm telling you it's going to be worth it!"
THE WESTERN TOUCH
During Pregnancy, there can be many cautions and contraindications. As a result, it is very important to be educated on the various concerns, which may arise. Furthermore, it is even more important to check in with the pregnant individual throughout the massage. Peri-natal massage should aim to deliver a supportive and relaxing massage. Especially, since Relaxin is one of the major hormone that heavily influences the body's tissue during pregnancy. It will remodel the pelvic and even affect our mind sensitivity to how our body will react to certain stimulus. Thus, the Peri-natal massage focuses on the supportive, lymph nodes, and the individual's preferences in every stroke. No Strokes are Wasted! We also work on every states of the pregnancy and even post-natal massage because we understand that the extra support during this beautiful time can make such a wonderful difference in the experience.
THE EASTERN TOUCH
For over 2,000 years, East Asian Medicine (EAM) has used various modalities, especially the use of meridian channels and their points. Pregnancy in EAM is viewed as collection of Qi and Blood that is held in what the Ancients called the Lower Dian Tian. EAM always aim to focus on the individual, which is great because we believe that everyone is different. Every pregnancy experience is different as well. EAM has various patterns, which can portray various signs & symptoms as well as cautions and indications. As a result, there are a few acupuncture points which should be avoided until the appropriate time when it is needed. However, there are also many beneficial meridian points which can be very helpful, such as PC-6 (Nei Guan) during the 1st Trimester. PC-6 has the ability to reduce morning sickness, which is common in the 1st trimester due to the rapid increased of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). Our massage incorporates the EAM theories, which will allow us to provide a safe and effective massage.