Alternative Benefits of a Pregnancy Massage

Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. Pregnant women have often received ambivalent responses from the health community regarding the safety and purpose of massage during pregnancy. Modern investigation and research is proving that prenatal massage therapy can be a very instrumental ingredient in women’s prenatal care and should be given careful consideration.

Although most massage training institutions teach massage therapy for women who are pregnant, it is best to find a massage therapist who is certified in prenatal massage. The APA does work with any massage therapist, so it is important to ask about qualifications.


The benefits of prenatal massage or massage during pregnancy:
Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.

Massage therapy addresses different needs through varying techniques, one of which is called Swedish Massage, which aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation through mild pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body. Swedish Massage is the recommended prenatal massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.

Hormone regulation
Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health, when massage therapy was introduced to women’s prenatal care. Hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress hormones”) were reduced and dopamine and serotonin levels (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression) were increased in women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks. These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence points strongly to maternal and newborn health benefits when relaxing, therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.

Reduction of swelling
Edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy, is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints, which also improves the removal of tissue waste, carried by the body’s lymph system.

Improvement of nerve pain
Sciatic nerve pain is experienced by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many women have experienced significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through regular massage.

Chocolate-Pumpkin Tart Recipe

It's my favorite time of year! With pumpkins, fall colors, crisp weather and all the wonders that the season has to offer I thought I would share a delicious pumpkin treat. This was found on marthastewart.com




Ingredients

Serves 10

* 20 chocolate wafer cookies
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan
* 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
* 1 1/2 cups cooled Sugar-Pumpkin Puree or canned pure pumpkin puree
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
* 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
* 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, pulse cookies and sugar until finely ground. Add butter; pulse until crumbs are moistened. Using the bottom of a dry measuring cup, press crumbs into bottom (but not sides) of a 9-inch removable-bottom tart pan. Place tart pan on a rimmed baking sheet; bake until set, about 12 minutes.
2. Pour chocolate onto warm crust; spread with a spatula. Freeze until chocolate is firm, about 5 minutes. Brush sides of tart pan with butter; set aside.
3. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin, egg, cream, sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin-pie spice, and salt. Pour filling into prepared crust; bake on a rimmed baking sheet until set, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool 1 hour at room temperature; refrigerate 1 hour (or up to 1 day).
4. Unmold tart (if sides stick, gently loosen with a knife). With two thin metal spatulas, transfer to a platter.

Light Pressure Massage is most beneficial for overall well-being.

Exciting news for the entire spa industry! When the New York Times runs an article about a new study showing that “a single session of massage caused biological changes,” it is time for our industry to celebrate!

Here is the scoop. Researchers, from a division of the National Institute of Health, conducted a study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in which one group of adults was given a deep-tissue massage and another group was given a light massage. Blood samples were taken before and after these 45-minute massage. The participants who received the deep-tissue massage displayed (among other favorable results) decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and an increase in white blood cells, an essential part of the immune system. Those who received the lighter massage had an even greater decrease in cortisol and increase in white blood cells, as well as an increase in oxytocin, a hormone associated with contentment. The study was published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

I found it amusing that the article mentioned the researchers’ reactions to the results as “a surprise.” Well…it’s certainly not a surprise to any of us in the industry, nor to most people who have had a massage and felt the physiological effects.

Kudos to the National Institute of Health for conducting this study. Now, if they could just relate this to the fact that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stress helps account for two-thirds of family doctor visits (other studies show the percentage even higher), we would no doubt have people lining up outside of our doors to receive massages!

We found this facinating article through Spafinder.

Kitten Massage

Too cute not to share, enjoy the weekend!

Dispelling Myths of Pregnancy Massage: 5 Common Myths About Pregnancy Massage

Here at Elements in Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach we are very excited to begin our "Belly Friendly" program. With the Belly Friendly program we are initiating a Prenatal Massage Menu that will cater specifically to our mom-to-be clients. Along with our specialized prenatal massage menu we are offering 3 products for purchase that help prevent stretch marks, breast sagging and relieve weary legs and feet. For more information about the products and Belly Friendly Menu please call our studio at (714)965-2700.

As our excitement built we began doing a lot of research on prenatal massage. Here is an article we found (expectantmothersguide.com) that sums up some myths for prenatal massage.

Myth #1: I can't receive a massage during my first trimester because it may cause a miscarriage.
Here's the Fact: You absolutely can receive a massage anytime during your pregnancy, even during labor and especially post partum. You can even receive deep tissue, except for the abdominal muscles. There is no physiological reason to skip massage in the first trimester. Some day-spas will refuse to see a woman in her early pregnancy simply because the statistical chance of her miscarrying is greater and they wish to avoid any liability the woman may, in her distress, place on them. At this state, however, the uterus is still only the size of a plum and therefore protected by the bony structure of the pelvic cavity. Massage produces endorphins, lowers catecholamine (stress hormones) and can lower blood pressure. This is reason enough to schedule a massage during the first trimester. Begin your pregnancy with a happy and healthy mind and body!

Myth #2: Massaging my feet will send me into labor.
Here's the Fact: Absolutely untrue. If this were the case, women all over the world would go into preterm labor from simply putting on socks! While it is believed that acupressure points on the ankle, feet, shin and hands can bring on labor, it must be specific work with the set intention of stimulating the uterus, not just simply massaging the feet to relieve swelling and joint pain. A trained pregnancy massage therapist knows these points and would work specifically and accurately, very close to the due date and/or during labor to stimulate uterine contractions. Pregnant women need their feet massaged! Gentle Swedish massage helps tremendously with edema and joint pain and is safe for all women who have not had or are having pre-term labor.

Myth #3: I really miss sleeping face down. Sidelying position won't be as relaxing.
Here's the Fact: Actually, sidelying position is just as comfortable if not more due to the special ergonomic cushions that allow your spine to be in perfect position to relax all your back muscles. If you receive a massage face down, even with table holes or pillows, your low back is still compressed and does not receive the appropriate massage. (After all, aren't you primarily coming in for a massage to relieve back pain?) The hole is never one-size-fits-all, so you will either hang through and strain your uterine ligaments or it will cause pressure on the sides of your belly.

Myth #4: I can't receive deep tissue massage.
Here's the Fact: As a fetus grows in utero, the woman's muscular and skeletal systems instinctively adjust to her new center of gravity. The muscles used to keep you upright need to work harder, therefore creating adhesions that are most successfully relieved through deep tissue massage. You may have heard that "toxins" are released into the body when you receive a massage (especially a deep tissue massage). This is true in the fact that waste products are released from the tissue, but it is minimal and does not cause harm to the mother or the baby. The certified prenatal massage therapists are specifically trained to administer the appropriate deep tissue massage to the muscle groups that need attention.

Myth #5: It's best to wait to get a massage towards the end when I feel really uncomfortable.
Here's the Fact: Why? By the time you feel really miserable, it will take several sessions to unwind. Stay on top of your discomfort and start receiving massage as a part of your prenatal wellness now! You may be surprised to know that your developing baby benefits from prenatal massage as well. Research shows that pregnant women experienced reduced anxiety, improved mood, reduced back pain, and increase sleep after receiving massage.[1] The massaged women had fewer complications in labor and fewer premature babies. While research is ongoing in this area, it may be that massage is effective in lowering the stress-related hormone cortisol, which is one indicator of premature babies. There is belief that maternal stress on the fetus actually changes the way the baby's brain is developed. Studies show that expectant moms with high stress levels have aggressive, emotionally underdeveloped children, whereas moms who actively work to decrease their stress have babies who are easily calmed and children who socialize well with others.[2] Since massage therapy is one way to reduce stress, one could conclude that prenatal massage can have a positive effect on the development of your baby. We often hear our clients say their babies are low-key and easily soothed, leading us to coin the phrase, "massage babies are mellow babies."[3]

BONUS MYTH BUSTER: Most women don't realize you can receive massage within days or weeks after birth. Post Partum massage helps with milk production, alleviates muscle strain due to labor and delivery, balances hormones which can help decrease the onset of post partum depression, reduces fatigue and facilitates a speedy recovery.

Note: Certain conditions may require your doctor/midwife's approval before you receive massage. These include: undiagnosed pregnancy induced hypertension, previous pre-term labor, severe (pitting) edema, or other conditions your doctor deems "high-risk".

The Lymphatic System and Why it is Important

I found this article on the naturalnews.com website and found it to be very educational. The lymphatic system is largley affected by massage. Read on to learn about what it is, how it works and what you can do to keep it healthy.

The lymphatic system is one of the most overlooked systems in the body, despite the fact it plays a central role in your overall health. Keeping your lymphatic system in top shape is an important aspect in maintaining a healthy life.

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that runs through your entire body. Lymph nodes are strategically located throughout the system for optimal performance, and are clustered in areas like the underarms, abdomen and neck.

What does the lymphatic system do?

Your lymphatic system performs the vital function of cleansing the fluid that surrounds the cells in your body by removing impurities and waste products. This process not only protects your body from toxins, but also allows cells in the body to function at their best.

What happens when the lymphatic system can't function properly?

An unhealthy lymphatic system can have a serious impact on your health. Poor lymph function is associated with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, aches and pains, bloating and poor digestion. Studies have shown that an unhealthy lymph system can contribute to cellulite, fat deposits and obesity as well.

How can you keep your lymphatic system healthy?

Drink plenty of water. The lymphatic system depends on a constant supply of fluid, so it's very important to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep it functioning at its best. Purified or filtered water is the best choice.

Choose healthy foods. Preservatives, artificial sweeteners, refined grains, excess sugar, chemicals and processed foods all put strain on the lymphatic system. Choose foods that are organic, whole and natural as much as possible.

Eat your fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables supply the lymphatic system with important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients. The chlorophyll in green vegetables is especially beneficial to the lymphatic system.

Get your essential fatty acids. Healthy fats are necessary for the proper function of the lymphatic system. Good sources of essential fatty acids include pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, almonds and avocados.

Stay active. When your muscles move, they essentially massage the lymphatic system and promote the flow of fluid through your lymph vessels. Regular exercise like stretching, yoga, daily walks and strength training are all great ways to keep those lymph juices flowing.

Practice deep breathing. Like exercise, deep breathing promotes the movement of fluid through the lymphatic system while providing it with fresh oxygen.

Take echinacea, wild indigo and goldenseal. These herbs support immunity and help cleanse the lymphatic system. These should be used as part of a cleansing period lasting for about 2-4 weeks, one to three times per year.

Get a massage. Massage stimulates the lymph nodes and helps promote fluid movement in lymph vessels. Lymph drainage massage is especially supportive of the lymphatic system.

Relax in a sauna. A weekly hour in the sauna or steam bath can facilitate detoxification and take some pressure off the lymphatic system.

http://www.naturalnews.com/026500_lymph_lymphatic_system_health.html

Bob Intro YT.mov

This is Bob, he is the Chief Growth Officer for Elements Therapeutic Massage. The Big T Network is a Channel they have created to keep everyone updated in what Elements is doing. This video explains what Elements is all about.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the belief that specific points of the feet are closely related to other body parts. It is also known as “Zone Therapy” because each zone on the foot correlates with a specific part, gland and organ. A reflexologist will massage the feet in a way that helps restore balance and maintain equilibrium. Today, reflexology is used as a therapeutic treatment for a full range of conditions, including back pain, sports injuries, migraines, and arthritis. Stress and tension release is the most common condition that people today treat with Reflexology.

The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as:

"A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body."

What Kind of Massage do you Need Right Now?

Choosing from a menu of massage techniques may sound like a heavenly dilemma (so many techniques, so little time …). But the choice you make is a weighty one — and it’s not just about your preferences for light or deep pressure, but also your health and physical condition right now.

So how do you know which massage therapy technique is best for your health concerns and priorities? Here’s how to know your options so you can get the greatest therapeutic benefit from your massage.

Swedish massage

Best for: Relaxation, stress relief, first massage

The most common form of massage therapy in the U.S., Swedish massage is designed to warm up the muscle tissue to release toxins, tension and soreness. The strokes are longer and slower than with many other forms of massage. It’s usually done using the hands, sometimes with the forearms. Swedish massage can be done using lighter or deeper pressure, but the strokes are long — from the shoulders to the low back and back up, for example, or from wrist all the way up the arm into the neck and then back down again.

This form of massage is typically very relaxing and is an ideal technique to experience if you’ve never had a massage before.

Deep tissue massage

Best for: Chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, recovery from injury

Deep tissue massage is a combination of various techniques used to increase the level of pressure applied to the body. It’s often done more with the forearm or elbow to help exert more pressure into the tissue. Two of the most common specific forms of deep tissue massage:

· Petrissage is a massage movement that is much like kneading bread; the therapist uses this technique to get the blood flow into a traumatized area of the body. It’s typically applied in a specific area of the body rather than used as a full-body treatment.

· Friction is another technique that produces heat and helps bring more concentrated blood flow to an area.

· Tapotement (tah-pōt-ment´) is often described as karate chopping but can be done in other ways as well, such as using the fingertips or with the hands cupped. The main characteristic of tapotement is a rapid, rhythmic tapping motion, usually with a higher intensity of pressure applied to the tissues than with many other forms of massage.

Most deep tissue techniques are done at a slower pace, with lots of communication between the therapist and the client. The therapist should check in with you during the treatment by asking, “With this pressure would you like me stay here or go deeper or lighter?”

There might be a certain level of discomfort — what we call ‘in a good pain range’ — for deep tissue massage to be effective. But it should not feel too uncomfortable. It’s similar to stretching — it may not feel very good to start, but if you breathe and hold the stretch, it starts to feel better.

Trigger point work

Best for: Highly localized “knots” where the body holds tension;

Trigger point work is designed to get into those little knots. It’s often done using the thumb, knuckle or elbow to apply static pressure to those points. The therapist can feel that knot to detect when it’s loosening up and is trained to know what a muscle is supposed to feel like normally versus what it feels like when it’s “in knots.”

Common trigger points — like that nagging area between the shoulder blades — are associated with the fact that toxins commonly accumulate in certain places in the body. When the therapist locates a trigger point and applies pressure, that pain will often “refer” or travel to another part of the body. For example, if the therapist applies pressure to your hamstring or back of your leg, you might feel it in your lower back.

Trigger point work will help get an injured client’s muscle tissue back to a more normal state, but the initial massage may be about getting everything around that injured area more relaxed. Sometimes a client’s tissue can’t take the deeper pressure work, or the client doesn’t like the feeling of the deep tissue work – it may be uncomfortable for some clients.

Hot Stone Massage

Best for: easing muscle tension without deep pressure; maximizing massage time

A hot stone massage might look and feel too good to be therapeutic, but these stones do in fact serve a clinical purpose.

The shape of the stones themselves enable the therapist to use special techniques that can deliver more therapeutic benefit — benefits you’ll really feel.

A therapist might use the rounded edge of a stone around the shoulder blade or in the low back or neck area to really relax the tissue between the muscles and the bone.

Then there’s the heat, of course. Beyond the “ahhh” factor of feeling those hot stones go to work on your aching back or neck, the stones transfer heat into your body. Thus allowing the therapist to work more effectively.

Still, you want the longest session you can get with a hot stone massage. The stones are pre-heated to 125 degrees at the time your session begins. You want an 80- or 110-minute hot stone massage to get the greatest benefit.

Prenatal Massage

Best for: Decreasing swelling, relieving aches and pains, easing the physical and emotional stresses of pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, it’s very important to work with a therapist who’s trained in prenatal massage. Prenatal massage training includes instruction in specific modifications used to help protect the baby, relieve symptoms like edema (swelling) and low back pain that are common during pregnancy, and make Mom more comfortable both during and after the massage.

Prenatal massage is typically done with the client lying on her side, or on her back with a wedge to support the back and knees to take pressure of the baby off the mom’s internal organs.

The therapist also needs to be trained on certain aspects of prenatal massage such as pressure points that may have the possibility of triggering contractions. Research doesn’t necessarily prove that, but you want to make sure the therapist is knowledgeable in this area.

Sports massage

Best for: Preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.

Sports massage is designed mostly for pre– or post–sports event work. For example, you might get a sports massage the day of or the day before an event such as a half-marathon to get the body really ready for the activity.

Sports massage is typically not as relaxing as other forms of massage — the generally more fast-action than Swedish massage; the techniques the therapist uses to apply pressure to the body move at a faster pace. Aided stretching is also a common sport massage technique; and it’s used to help get the lactic acid buildup in the muscles to dissipate.

But you don't have to be a professional athlete to get a sport massage. It's ideal for anyone who’s physically active — as well as someone who’s just starting out with a new workout program, running their first 10K or marathon, or doing anything else that’s outside their normal activity routine. Especially if you’re more of a novice athlete, a pre-event sports massage can make that a better event for you. And for regular marathon runners, there are specific techniques used to help a body that’s been through that kind of intense event.

Right technique, right therapist

The majority of massage therapists are trained in Swedish and deep tissue massage. Some have had advanced training in other techniques, and everyone has techniques in which they’re especially skilled or experienced. So a high-quality therapeutic massage provider will look at your health history, goals, challenges and lifestyle to match you with the therapist who’s best for your situation. You don’t want to just get put in a time slot – you need to be matched to the right therapist for you.

Your preference for light or deep pressure is another reason you want to be matched to a therapist vs. just a time-slot technique. Massage therapists’ level of pressure is not determined by the therapist’s stature, size or strength, but by how they leverage their body weight to do the deep bodywork.

Many people believe a male therapist is stronger than a female therapist and assume they’ll get a deeper massage, but that’s really not true. There are a lot of petite female therapists who know how to leverage their body weight and provide a deep tissue massage experience. So remember, gender doesn’t determine the type and depth of massage you will get.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage, our therapeutic approach is designed to match you with the therapist and the specific technique that’s best for your unique health and wellness situation. We specialize in customizing each massage session to the specific needs of every client. Therefore we often incorporate techniques from each type of massage to ensure that you receive the best and most appropriate treatment.

We also use a proprietary numbering system that indicates the level of work a therapist does. Level 1 is light pressure and Level 4 is deep pressure. Some conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, or diabetes are not appropriate for some massage techniques. Please consult your physician before beginning any massage therapy program.

Prenatal Massage and What to Expect

It's Prenatal Massage season! During Spring and coming into Summer we see a lot of moms-to-be at our studio. With a specially trained staff we are happy to deliver a tension relieving massage to our pregnant clients.

The best and safest time during a pregnancy to get a prenatal massage is during the end of the second trimester and throughout the third trimester. We advise our clients to speak with their doctor if they feel the need to have a massage during the first trimester. Above is a video of what to expect when getting a prenatal massage. We do not own this video but thought it may be a benefical source for those who do not know what to expect.