How Massage Can Help Induce Labor

Induce Labor
Induce Labor

How Massage Can Help Induce Labor

Pregnancy is one of the most difficult times a woman could ever experience, aside from giving birth itself. Sometimes, it’s just difficult to push to let the baby out. This is where natural techniques like induction massage come in. Before discussing the benefits of induction massage in inducing labor, it is important that you know what an induction massage is.

An induction massage is a method or technique used to induce labor through massage. It is an alternative for women seeking natural ways to encourage labor especially if they are afraid of acupuncture. This type of massage is suitable for mothers-to-be who are suffering from anxiety, stress, and fatigue. An induction massage can relax you and bring you back on track to labor.

The next question is when should you undergo an induction massage? The best time for it is during full-term pregnancy. A full-term pregnancy is defined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as the five-week window period before a child is born. The few days leading up to labor can be a very uncomfortable and stressful time for the mothers-to-be, this is where an induction massage comes in to make things easier for them. Like any other procedure, it is important that you are selective who is going to perform it and how it is performed because during this five-week window period before a baby is born, the child’s liver, lungs, and brain are still continuously developing. Make sure that the procedure is done by an expert in that field to get the full results and avoid any form of injury. Also, do not have an induction massage until you reach the five-week window of your pregnancy.

Learn how an induction massage is perform before undergoing one. A licensed massage therapist will use safe massage techniques such as a deep-tissue massage with firm strokes pressing deep into the muscles, a Swedish massage that employs long strokes to muscles and gives attention to joint mobility, and a shiatsu massage wherein pressure and tapping on acupressure points will be conducted to stimulate the natural energy or qi of the body.

If you are wondering if the massage therapists will touch your abdomen, well, it depends. There are massage therapists who opt not to massage the abdomen. On the other hand, there are those who do massage the belly part but apply very light pressure only.

Massages are generally very good for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. When you are pregnant, a good induction massage can help in alleviating joint pain, relaxing your mind, giving you renewed energy, alleviating stress, and helping you maintain a healthy pregnancy. These benefits are discussed in detail below.

How Massage Can Help Induce Labor

An induction massage improves circulation.

If you are pregnant, blood volume in your body increases dramatically to as much as fifty percent. Blood flow that reaches your legs usually becomes sluggish. Moreover, levels of anticoagulants in your blood that are designed to prevent hemorrhaging during delivery rise naturally. Due to all of these circulatory changes in your body, you are at risk of having blood clots in your lower legs specifically in the calves or inner thigh. With this, massage experts will use very light and slow strokes on your legs. They also avoid any deep massage and applying strong pressure on your legs because this may dislodge a blood clot. In addition to this, they avoid deep-tissue massage, deep acupressure, shiatsu, cross-fiver, and percussive tapping on the legs. All of their massage strokes will aim to move to the heart.

The massage helps in body pain.

Induction massage methods utilize designed rhythmic movements that work deep into the body to boost circulation and relieve the strain in your muscles and joints. It works by easing sciatic nerve pain and reducing swelling.

As your stomach becomes bigger, it is likely that you will have sciatic nerve pain because of the pressure placed on the muscles of your lower back and the pelvic floor of your uterus. This pressure will move down the legs which results in swelling and additional pressure is placed on the nerves. An induction massage can release tension within your muscles which will help by easing swelling and relieving your pain.

Joint pain is very common as your baby grows because too much pressure is placed on the main blood vessels in your body because of poor circulation. The heaviness of your uterus can also cause the joints to swell and your legs to hurt. An induction massage can help by stimulating the soft tissues and reduce the fluid retention within your joints.

It improves your posture.

Maintaining a good posture and alignment is also important in reducing body pain. Doing this is difficult as your baby becomes bigger and bigger and you will notice later on that the extra weight you are carrying everywhere can cause you to have poor posture. This can cause other problems such as joint pain and muscle spasms because of the heavy pressure applied to them. By undergoing an induction massage, it helps by improving muscle flexibility and tone, which will make your body more suited to take on the additional weight.

It relaxes the mind and gives renewed energy.

An induction massage is a good way to alleviate stress. A research conducted by the University of Miami School of Medicine reveals that an induction massage has numerous beneficial effects such as lowering of anxiety. In another study, researchers were able to discover that this type of massage is capable of elevating levels of serotonin and dopamine which are collectively called the feel-good hormones. An induction massage can also contribute to decreasing the levels of cortisol which is an indicator of stress. Overall, this massage can improve your mood and state of mind. Researches have also shown that, for many pregnant women, an induction massage has other great benefits. It can boost the immune system’s ability to fight off viruses and tumors and improve sleep.

The massage can make more space for your baby to come out.

An induction massage can help in releasing your sacrum and pelvic area so that more space is created for your baby to come down into your pelvis. This is very important for easier child delivery.

The massage can stimulate the release of specific hormones that causes labor.

Undergoing this method can stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system to encourage labor. This is made possible as the massage decreases the levels of stress hormones in your body and elevates the natural hormone, oxytocin, which is the main hormone responsible for childbirth and mother-child bonding. Moreover, the massages let your body have a deeply relaxing state and at the same time, stimulate points in your body that allow it to do whatever it is meant for it to do.

If you are still wondering if a massage during pregnancy is safe, then it is best that you ask for advice from your doctor. Just in case you decide to have an induction massage, make sure that you get someone who has a license, experience, and specializes in this type of massages. Also, never go through any massages while you are still in your first trimester. Though a massage cannot cause a miscarriage, the risk is high during this period.

Just do not forget that prior to undergoing any induction massage sessions, it is important that you inform and discuss this with your doctor. If you think you will be needing an induction massage because of the benefits that it can offer, then go for it.

Schedule a consultation

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.

Schedule a consultation

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.

7 Signs Your Anxiety Is Getting Worse

Anxiety
Anxiety

7 Signs Your Anxiety Is Getting Worse

Anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by healthy thoughts of anxiety, fear, or worry. These are enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. Anxiety disorders can be of various types like panic attacks, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Most people experience anxiety at some point or other in their lives. Some of them take several anti-anxiety pills to eradicate or distract the anxiety for a specific period. Another great, natural alternative is Lazarus Naturals, which is safe, healthy and very effective as a measure against anxiety. Extreme life events like moving, changing jobs, or having financial troubles, anxiety is generally a very normal response. It can help us assess any danger, keeping us engaged and motivated to take care of ourselves and the environment around for the best of our interest.

However, when that anxiety crosses all its limits and becomes excessive to interfere with your daily lives, it could be signs of a recurring anxiety disorder. This weakens your ability to think clearly and pragmatically evaluate risks. Instead, they make you unduly frightened, hostile, or irritable, and your body uncomfortable, which can favorably affect the mood.

Anxiety is a manageable immediate medical intervention, and to get help for such issues; we should be aware of the common signs indicating that our anxiety might worsen. Experts believe that a certain level of anxiety is helpful as it helps humans remain aware and focused. Following are the main symptoms that can mean that your anxiety is getting worse.

1. Sleeplessness

Sleeplessness or insomnia is strongly linked to anxiety. Having trouble falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night and the inability to go back to sleep are significant signs of anxiety. Additionally, insomnia due to anxiety is distinct since racing thoughts often become a vicious cycle.

2. Excessive Worrying

One of the most common anxiety symptoms is disproportionate and excessive worrying that spirals out of control. Worries out of anxiety are more substantial and unnecessary to the triggered everyday events. They are severe and intrusive, making it difficult to control, concentrate, and accomplish any daily chores. Such disproportionate worries are usually a symptom of panic disorder or social anxiety disorder.

Anxiety

4. Restlessness

Irritability or restlessness is another symptom seen to be most prevalent among children and teens. People with such symptoms are always on edge to respond to any danger that might not be present. This may result in a disproportionate response to stimuli, such as being bothered by things that never triggered them before, like frustrating social situations.

5. Intensely Agitated

Intense anxiety affects your body differently with feelings such as sweaty palms, shaky hands, racing pulse, and dry mouth. This happens when your sympathetic nervous system begins to function past its optimal capacity while your brain prepares your body to respond appropriately to a threat. It also intensifies your heart rate and heightens your senses. People with recurring anxiety might experience this kind of provocation for extended periods.

6. Self Consciousness

Anxiety symptoms also include the occasional heightened level of self-consciousness or awareness. This might increase with everyday situations or mainly when the person is in the spotlight. They may feel like they are ‘spinning out of control’ in their lives or ‘drowning’ in stress. Even regular interactions with friends or family become difficult for them making them nauseated and too conscious.

7 Signs Your Anxiety

7. Changed Eating Habits

Since your body reacts and behaves differently while having anxiety, your eating habits tend to change. According to experts, overeating and under-eating are both signs that suggest a trial to relieve anxiety. However, addressing the feelings causing a change in your habits is vital for your mental health.

Schedule a consultation

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.

Schedule a consultation

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.

The Importance of Getting a Body Massage

Body Massage
Body Massage

The Importance of Getting a Body Massage

There are days when stress overtakes everything. Emotions are high, and everything feels so tight, pressure keeps building and you feel like you’re about to explode! Everyone needs some time to themselves in order to stay relaxed, and to feel free. Body massages, such as a Swedish massage, at the day spa are a great way to get that decompression time. Definitely worth the money, as an investment in your personal health and well-being. A spa break is the best way to take care of your body and soul. Massage has been shown to have a major beneficial effect on a person’s physical health in addition to their emotional well-being. When things are looking their worst, and the week seems to be conspiring against you, a spa is the perfect way to combat the negative energy and rebalance yourself.

Massages help to relieve pain and ease tensions, and also strengthen muscle tissues. Hot stones, and aromatherapy several methods that are available to make the experience fuller and richer. There are many types of massage available at a spa, some of these, such as Thai, involve stretching the body and muscles to help relieve tension, increase blood flow, and improve flexibility. Others can improve your body’s own natural healing mechanisms which can make you healthier and more resistant to disease; Craniosacral therapy and Lymph Drainage therapy are two such methods.

Getting a massage at a relaxing spa is a way to relax your body and mind, recharge your energy, detoxify yourself, and feel good about taking care of your body. It’s not only a break from your work life, from the stress of daily life, from fighting traffic, it is a way to de-stress your body and enjoy the feelings of being pampered and have someone else absorb your stress and tension. Massage also is proven to release Serotonin, the “Happy Hormone”, it makes you just feel good. Your mind, your body, your soul will all be in harmony with a trip to the spa. Used by professional athletes, and the girl next door, the spa is definitely the place to release muscle tension, to ease stress, and to stimulate a healthy immune system.

Schedule a consultation

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.

Schedule a consultation

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.