Prenatal & Postnatal Massage in Toronto
If you have been searching “prenatal massage near me” and are in the Toronto area, Alive Holistic Health Clinic provides pregnancy and postnatal massage among our wide array of services.
Pregnancy massage is a wonderful experience, one that helps you relax as you feel the stress dissipate from your body. That said, before you decide to undergo massage therapy it is important to talk with your doctor and choose a massage therapist who is highly qualified and comfortable treating pregnant women.
What are some of the benefits of prenatal massage?
While pregnancy is an exciting time for most women, it also brings about common discomforts that can interrupt your joy and happiness. Swelling (edema), headaches, lower back pain, leg cramps and other pain is not unusual. Some pregnant women suffer from insomnia or sleep disruption caused by pain or their expanding girth. Pregnancy massage relieves many of the aches and pains, promoting overall health and wellness while relieving the anxiety and depression you may experience due to hormonal changes. Massage works to increase oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine levels, relieving many of the aches and pains with the body’s own natural pain killer. It may also help alleviate the morning sickness and fatigue many women experience during the first trimester.
Postnatal Massage
Postnatal or “postpartum” massage should be a top priority in your after pregnancy self-care regimen. After all of the excitement and joy during your pregnancy, your little one has finally arrived. While you will no doubt be in awe of the little life you have created, you will also find yourself worn out physically – and perhaps even emotionally.
Back and shoulder pain, fatigue, anxiety, swelling, muscle soreness, postpartum depression; these are just a few of the physical and emotional factors you may experience in the days and weeks following birth. Postnatal massage is extremely beneficial for all of these conditions and many more. Anxiety and depression are not uncommon after delivery, and postnatal massage works to relax muscles, ease away anxiety, lower stress hormones and increase circulation so that you feel better physically, mentally and spiritually.
Other benefits of postnatal massage include better sleep and easier breastfeeding. Good sleep is essential for your body to heal following pregnancy and the exhaustion you may feel from labor. Massage promotes relaxation and helps ease fatigue, helping you sleep well and get the rest you need for all of the new duties of motherhood. If you plan to breastfeed, postnatal massage makes it easier by increasing levels of the lactation hormone prolactin, promoting milk production, reducing breast pain, and helping you to relax. The massage can also help relieve the extra tension on the neck, arms and back while carrying, holding and breastfeeding you new bundle of joy.
Maternity massage is good for mothers and mothers-to-be in so many ways. Women today want to be healthy and feel their best during every phase of life, including during pregnancy and following childbirth. Pregnancy massage enhances your physical health while reducing stress, improving blood circulation, balancing hormones and so much more. Enjoy a heightened sense of overall physical and emotional well-being during the most exciting moments of your life. Contact Alive Holistic Health Clinic now to learn more about prenatal and postnatal massage in Toronto.
Additional Research:
International Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 115, No. 10, October 2005, pp. 1397-1413.
Field, T. (1999). Pregnant Women Benefit From Massage Therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mar;20(1):31-8.
Field, T. (2004). Massage Therapy Effects on Depressed Pregnant Women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jun;25(2):115-22.
Howell ,Julie, NMT, PMT, Prenatal Health Through Massage Therapy: For Women and Their Babies.
