Pregnancy Massage - The Magic of Touch

Wonderful, Amazing, Magical... As you lay your hands on the belly of a Mom-to-be, you are greeted by an elbow, foot or a little derriere. The power of pregnancy massage is a gift, given and received by all "three" parties involved -- massage therapist, Mom-to-be and baby in utero.

Pregnancy massage can be an incredible tool to help ease the aches and pains throughout each phase of pregnancy. It is wonderful way to relax and nurture the women's everchanging body while the baby grows and the Mom-to-be experiences common hormonal imbalances.

Pregnancy massage is a very important part of many cultures. Indian rubbing has been a tradition traced back to ancient times. The Eskimos have long supported the Mom-to-be with massage, continuing up to the birthing itself. Now with the support of numerous studies, pregnancy massage is becoming an increasingly accepted practice in the United States.

Pregnancy massage can be beneficial in so many ways. The massage reduces stress and promotes relaxation, alleviates muscular discomfort, improves circulation, stabilizes hormone levels, provides emotional support, enhances self esteem, helps maintain skin elasticity and so much more.

Along with the massage itself, the pregnacy massage therapist can show the Mom-to-be various ways to be comfortable with different pillows and different positions. In the class, students and the Mom-to-be will learn different points on the body that are very healing, and others that are important to stay way from. Many aromatic oils can play an important role during pregnancy. Just walking into a room filled with aromatherapy can make the Mom-to-be feel immediately relaxed and put a smile on her face.

Imagine a pregnancy massage being a life changing event -- for a massag therapist. This happened in a recent class I taught. A student said to me "what's this?", meaning the massage. Putting his hand on the Mom-to-be's belly he was met with a foot, elbow or head. He was blown away, "The baby is right there!", he said as he continued to lay his hands on the mama's belly. He just kept feeling the movement and the energy. He was in awe.

With the conclusion of the class, there was a sea of smiles. The Mom's-to-be were relaxed and felt great, the students were just amazed and learned so much, and one can only imagine what the "little ones inside" were feeling. Studies show the babies respond to touch in utero, benefiting along with mom. This truly is the magic of touch, given and received!!

Roby Jill