Prenatal Massage Benefits

Massage therapy during pregnancy is a wonderful investment to include with your prenatal care. Swedish techniques are traditionally used to calm the central nervous system. Studies show that prenatal massage can:

• Reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels
• Decrease hip and pelvic pains
• Relieve natural but unfortunate muscle aches and joint pains as your body makes room for the baby
• Stimulate the lymphatic system to help with swelling
• Improve digestion
• Reduce sciatic nerve pain
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller
• Improve overall mood

Prenatal Massage also allows the mom-to-be time to relax, clear her mind, and stay in tune with her body. Regular massage therapy during pregnancy has been shown to improve labor outcomes and newborn health.

Massage Benefits

Anyone can benefit from massage therapy. Here are a couple other health benefits for all members of the family:

• Enhance sleep quality
• Decrease stress and anxiety
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation
• Reduce spasms and cramping
• Relieve migraine pain