More women are becoming interested in prenatal massage to help make a pregnancy easier. It's important to know the benefits and risks of prenatal massage.

Prenatal massage is designed to relieve the discomfort and stress of pregnancy while making special adjustments to normal massage practice because of the changes pregnancy makes in the body. Prenatal massage therapists are specially trained not only in the techniques of prenatal massage, but also to recognize signs of prenatal disorders, such as preeclampsia, that can endanger the mother or child.

In general, prenatal massage has far more benefits then risks, but it is still worth considering both benefits and risks before scheduling an appointment.

What is Prenatal Massage Like

In the early stages of pregnancy, prenatal massage is very like a regular Swedish massage, except that the massage therapist will avoid sensitive areas of the body, as well as acupressure points that are known to trigger labor, and will check for excessive swelling or other danger signs.

In later stages of pregnancy, the massage is given with the mother-to-be lying on her side, with bolsters, pillows and cushions supporting the legs and belly for comfort. Some tables, specially designed for prenatal massage, will have a whole cut in the center of the table so the mother-to-be can lie comfortably on her stomach.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Reduces stress levels

Eases back and foot pain caused by changes in posture

Reduces swelling of feet and ankles

Improves skin elasticity, reducing stretch marks

Improves sleep

Improves digestion

Relaxes and soothes baby

Reduces pelvic pain

Additionally, a prenatal massage therapist can frequently recognize early signs of dangerous complications, reducing the risk to both mother and child.

Risks of Prenatal Massage

Dizziness and nausea

Untrained therapist causing injury

Too deep massage of back or abdomen causing spotting or cramping

Inducing labor

Muscle soreness

For the most part all of these side effects can be avoided, as long as the therapist knows what he or she is doing. Nausea and dizziness can occur after any massage, and are not uncommon during pregnancy. Avoid eating immediately before a massage, and get up carefully to avoid problems. Muscle soreness is generally the result of not getting enough fluid after a massage. Drink a lot of water in the first two hours after a massage to prevent this.

When to Get Prenatal Massage

A mother-to-be can get prenatal massage at any point during a healthy pregnancy. In a high risk pregnancy, or when there are medical complications it's a good idea to talk to both your obstetrician and a prenatal massage therapist. Be aware that some doctors who are not familiar with massage may say it is or is not all right to get a massage, without knowing what the real risk factors are.

Prenatal massage can be a wonderful way for a mother-to-be to pamper herself, and ease the discomforts of pregnancy. The risks and side effects of prenatal massage can be avoided with a bit of care. However, in a high risk pregnancy, it's a good idea to consult an ob-gyn before getting a massage.

Shiatsu is a type of massage therapy that was primarily developed in Japan. With its name derived from the Japanese term for "finger pressure," it involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. While shiatsu has roots in traditional Chinese medicine

Uses for Shiatsu

Shiatsu is often used to relieve stress and protect against stress-related health issues.

In addition, shiatsu is said to aid in the treatment of the following health problems: anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, colds, constipation, coughs, depression, headache, insomnia, menstrual problems, migraine, neck and shoulder pain, premenstrual syndrome, sciatica, and sinus problems.

Shiatsu is also said to increase energy, promote recovery from injuries, and stimulate the digestive system.

What Does Shiatsu Feel Like?

When performing shiatsu, massage therapists use their fingers, thumbs, and/or palms in a continuous rhythmic sequence. The finger pads are used to apply pressure throughout the treatment, and each point is typically held for two to eight seconds.

In some cases, the pressure points stimulated during shiatsu may feel tender. Those receiving shiatsu often describe this tenderness as "good pain," but it's important to alert your therapist if you feel discomfort or pain during your massage. Your therapist can then adjust the pressure to make the massage more comfortable for you.

Healing power

Based on traditional 3500-year-old oriental medical wisdom developed in Japan, Shiatsu is a holistic healing art that incorporates the principles of anatomy, physiology and pathology. This alternative medicine consists of finger pressure, stretches and other massage techniques.

According to Chinese traditional medicine, energy – known as chi or qi – moves through the body in well-defined channels or pathways known as meridians. Each meridian line is connected to an internal organ and carries the energy of that organ's optimum functioning. Shitsu practitioners believe energy flow through Meridian Lines has an important influence on the health of the individual.

Like most natural therapies, shiatsu believes that the body is a self-healing organism. Therefore, therapists believe that the manual manipulation of that vital energy called qi can help to unblock the body and thus help the body heal itself.

Imbalance in the energy system, which means too little or too much chi, can cause many sicknesses depending on which meridians are affected. In this scenario, the practitioner treats the receiver to restore balance in the energy system.

By addressing physical and psychological functions with this dynamic body therapy, the practitioner is able to address and balance the underlying causes of a condition.

Even though the word shiatsu translates from Japanese as "finger pressure", in reality, the thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet are used to apply pressure to various parts of the body. Depending on the condition being treated, the pressure can be gentle or firm.

Some of the benefits of this treatment include stimulating circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid, it also works on the autonomic nervous system, helps to release toxins and deep-seated tension form the muscles and can also stimulate the hormonal system. Likewise, shiatsu allows the receiver to deeply relax, stimulating the body's inherent ability for self-healing and regeneration.

Reflexology is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet.

The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex" areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body.

For example:

The tips of the toes reflect the head

The heart and chest are around the ball of the foot

The liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot

How is it different from foot massage?

Foot massage is similar to Swedish massage, the most common type of massage in North America.

People typically use massage oil or lotion and use gentle gliding strokes all over the foot. Reflexology is quite different. While many people find reflexology relaxing, it's based on the theory that certain points on the feet correspond to certain organs and body parts and that applying pressure to the areas can promote health in the corresponding parts.

Why do people get reflexology?

Stress and stress-related conditions

Tension headaches

Digestive disorders

Arthritis

Insomnia

Hormonal imbalances

Sports injuries

Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Digestive problems, such as constipation

Back pain

Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing. Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy. Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.

What is a typical reflexology treatment like?

A typical treatment is 45 minutes to 60 minutes long and begins with a consultation about your health and lifestyle. You are then asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit comfortably in a reclining chair or on a massage table. Otherwise you remain fully clothed. The reflexologist will assess the feet and then stimulates various points to identify areas of tenderness or tension. The reflexologist then uses brisk movements to warm the feet up. Then pressure is applied from the toes to the heel according to your comfort.

In modern times, stress and hard work can rule your life. That is why you deserve to treat yourself with a break. While a short getaway to the Caribbean can be quite tempting and de-stressing, a short trip to the Spa can save you time and money. Indeed, the Spa has countless benefits for the mind and the body that will not only enhance your health but will also improve your appearance.

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Here are some benefits of a Spa:

De-stress: dating back 3,000 years, massage is one of the oldest healing arts. Undeniably, a therapeutic massage will definitely relax and soothe you. Wash away your worries in a stream shower or a hot tub, and even sweat the stress out in a sauna.

Improve your health: your massage therapist will detect which parts of your body are too tense. That way the therapist can teach you how to relax your muscles and also give you tips on how to relax, plus suggestions for a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Benefits for the mind: A trip to the spa will not only relax you, but it will also stimulate you mentally and physically. You might even find yourself more confident and with a higher self-esteem. While a foot scrub can invigorate you, a massage therapy can work wonders on depression. As well, facials, manicures and pedicures also have its psychological benefits.

Weight loss: you can find different approaches to weight loss depending on the spa you go to. Therefore, you can choose which weight-loss program is more beneficial for you.

Detoxification: is a process that purges toxins and excess fluids in the body. Some spas offer juice fasting and colon cleansing, which will help you eliminate bloating and water retention. Once you've purified your body, you will feel like new.

Feel and look young: pampering your body and mind can help deter aging. It is scientifically proven that stress makes you get older at a faster pace. Since a therapeutic massage can help you relax and a relaxed body translates to less stress, your body will retain that youthful essence. At the same time, facials and other skin care services and body treatments can foster a young look and make you feel renewed inside.

Improve blood circulation and manage blood pressure: spa treatments such as hydrotherapy, massage, heat therapy and other body treatments can stimulate blood circulation and regulate blood pressure. In one study by Mayo Clinic researcher Thomas G. Allison, where he found that soaking in warm water helped lower blood pressure.

Improve flexibility and breathing: in some Spas, you can practice Yoga and Pilates which work on your flexibility and breathing.

Regulate sleeping patterns: if your body and mind are free from tension and stress, you should be able to sleep like a baby.

Body aches and pains: massages, hydrotherapy and heat therapy can help reduce pain. Some medical spas even offer therapeutic programs to address arthritis and nerve disorders such as fibromyalgia.