Benefits of Pre-Natal Massages

I just finished giving a pre-natal massage – my wonderful client asked a few questions that I thought would be worth sharing.

There are several differences between regular and pre-natal massages. The first, and most obvious, is that most pregnant women can’t lay on their stomaches. While there are some tables with belly holes and various contraptions to make mommas feel more comfortable laying face down, I prefer to do a side-lying massage. The face up part of the massage is quite similar, although I usually offer a few pillows to prop up the mothers’ backs, so they are laying on an incline. And I offer a pillow to place under their left hip – to roll the baby to the side and take pressure off the vena cava to prevent supine hypotensive syndrome. (Translation: low blood pressure while lying on your back.) There are also various points along the body that shouldn’t be rubbed directly for long periods of time, aside from these changes, the massage remains mostly the same.

My client was curious to find out how long into her pregnancy should she receive massage. The answer is, massage is beneficial throughout all stages of pregnancy – I’ve massaged women on and past their due dates! Below, I’ve listed general benefits of pre-natal massages as well as benefits trimester by trimester.

General Benefits
reduces fatigue
reduces headaches
reduces muscle discomforts such as spasms, leg cramps, and stiffness
keeps skin supple to help prevent stretch marks
assists muscles in preparation for labor and delivery
helps control blood pressure
relieves pain associated with pressure on sciatic nerve
strengthens the immune system
improves lmphatic and blood circulation, the latter increases tissue oxygenation
reduces insomnia
reduces stress anxiety and depression
enhances self image
helps mom relax between contractions during labor
reduces postpartum stress and depression

During the 1st Trimester
reduces stress and soothes the nervous system

During the 2nd Trimester
improves mm elasticity and skin elasticity
increases circulation and lymphatic drainage
helps increase body awareness and proprioception

During the 3rd Trimester
helps alleviate back pain
eases straig on weight bearing joints
decreases swelling

 

The ABC’s of Moles

It’s summer time and everyone is showing a little more skin to the sun. Ever wonder if that mole is something to be concerned about? Here are some tips to help you out.

If you see any of these irregularities in the spots on your body, it’s time to get them checked:

A: Asymmetry – Your spot doesn’t look the same on both sides.

B: Border – Your spot has uneven or blurry edges.

C: Color – Your spot darkens or lightens, or shows varying colors.

D: Diameter – Your spot is larger than ¼ inch in diameter.

E: Evolving – Your spot changes in size, shape or condition.

Have a friend or partner keep track of how it looks. If your mole shows any signs of the ABC’s, get it checked out by your dermatologist.

For more information, check out this page on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s website.

 

What about Corn Syrup?

I know this post is somewhat off topic – it’s still in line with my desire to promote health and wellness but off topic in regards to massage. For those of you who don’t know, I love to eat and I love to cook!

Everyone is talking about high fructose corn syrup – both sides of the argument are pitching their spin and Saturday Night Live did a really funny parody of the commercials. With everyone shouting that they’re right, how do you know who do you believe?

I came across this article by Deepak Chopra, it talks about the dangers of corn syrup and it’s potential to lead to liver disease. It also talked about similar dangers that sugar in general has and the research regarding the two.

I hope that this helps to provide some clarity on the sugar debate.

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel affects about 5% of the population – with the amount of time we all spend working on computers, texting, and so on, it’s no wonder that so many of us are feeling this pain!

There are several causes for wrist pain, which I’ll cover at another time. For today’s post, here are some yoga moves you can do at your desk to help relax those tight muscles and bring more blood flow to those tired wrists.

Click here to try these stretches today!

 

Outdoor massages!

One of the best parts of summer in Colorado is the weather. It’s sunny and warm, but not hot or humid. The weather is usually stable, so we don’t get too much rain. There are few, if any bugs. All in all, it’s pretty hard to beat. Like most people living in Crested Butte, I love to spend time outside. That’s why I’m always excited when I get a chance to do a massage outside when client’s have me do an outcall massage at their accomodations. Last Saturday, I considered my self very lucky – I was able to do all my massages outside!

To lay on a massage table in the shade and feel a cool breeze against your skin. Or to hear the baby robins chirp from a near by nest or a hummingbird fly by ~ at the end of the massage, it’s hard to know who feels more relaxed, me or the clients!

Do you have a great space at your place where you would love to receive a massage? Let me know!

 

What happens to your muscles during a massage?

Why is it that so many people tout the benefits of massage? What exactly is happening to your muscles to make them feel better?

Massage affects us through so many of the body’s systems, much more than I ever realized before becoming a massage therapist. Muscles act like sponges, to an extent. When your muscles are tight, they are similar to a sponge being wrung out. When you receive a massage, it allows the muscles to relax and fresh blood with oxygen and nutrients to flow back in. This creates the refreshed feeling in your muscles in the days after.

 

Advice from the Dalai Lama

I came across this over at healing lifestyles and spas . I enjoyed reading it and wanted to share.

The Dalai Lama also offers several, general pointers that provide solid guidelines to live by to receive good karma and a life of happiness. You may have already heard a few:

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the urgent situation. Don’t bring up the past.
4. Be gentle with the earth.
5. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

 

Alexander Technique

Check out this piece I heard on NPR this morning. It’s about the Alexander Technique – I’ve only read about it, but it seems interesting. With so many people out there suffering from chronic back pain, it is always interesting to learn about a different type of bodywork that might help.

 

Is sitting bad for your health?

I just read this article in Outside Magazine  - the author talks about how sitting can lead to negative health problems, even if you exercise regularly. Very interesting and worth reading!

 

Food rules

This article was posted in the New York Times a while back. I LOVE it! Check out these food rules and see what you think.