Pregnancy Massage

Step 1 – Arrival & Consultation

A typical body massage session lasts for about one hour, treating specific areas such as backs, shoulders, lower back, legs and necks or any areas giving discomfort, aches or pains.

The environment is important to the massage. The room will be warm and peaceful with careful consideration given to the lighting, soft music and essential oils diffused to add to the experience.

On the first visit clients complete a consultation, where they are asked a number of questions concerning general well-being, injuries and medical conditions that the therapist should know about, in order to determine if there are any contra-indications (physical conditions that would prohibit or limit a massage treatment).

The client is asked to undress ensuring their modesty is protected, at which point the therapist will leave the room and the client will be asked to lie on the treatment couch under a large towel. During the session, the therapist will use the towel to expose only those parts of the body to which treatment is being applied. No body part or area will be massaged without the client’s permission.

Step 2 – The Treatment

Neal’s Yard Massage oils, as well as lotions, creams and talc can be used; oil is the most commonly used medium. There are a variety of base oils available as well as Neal’s Yard essential oils which will be blended with the base oil. The choice of the essential oil will be suitable to use on Pregnant Mothers.

A good oil will nourish the skin and allow a free-flowing movement as it enables the hands to glide over the area. The oil will be applied to the area to be massaged ensuring good coverage. The therapist will begin the techniques by starting with the effleurage(stroking) technique to warm up the muscles before any pressure is applied. The therapist applies long, smooth strokes over the body, using firm but gentle pressure to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, increase flexibility and encourage relaxation.

The therapist will be able to feel where the tension areas are and adapt the treatment accordingly by using various techniques to reduce the adhesions or tension knots that are present in the muscles.

Step 3 – Finishing Up & Aftercare

The therapist will sense responses but will also ask the client about the depth of their pressure ensuring that it does not cause pain, an effective massage should not cause pain. If in discomfort or pain, the client should feel free to ask the therapist to modify their treatment.

The therapist will finish the treatment and quietly check that the client is comfortable and offer a glass of water. The client will be asked to take their time getting up and the therapist will leave the room whilst the client gets dressed. On the therapist re-entering the room the client and therapist will discuss how the treatment went and the therapist will give after-care advice.

People are very aware of the value of massage in combating the stresses and tensions of modern living. We recommend Pregnancy massage for Mother’s to be from the start of their second trimester onwards, it will help with the ailments listed below

Pregnancy massage can:

– Alleviate stress and aid relaxation
– Ease muscle tension, stiffness, reduce muscle spasm
– Improve joint flexibility
– Aids deeper and easier breathing
– Improves circulation
– Reduces blood pressure
– Strengthens immune system
– Supports rehabilitation
– Encourages peace of mind
– Relieves mental stress
– Promotes deep relaxation
– Clearing congestion in the head

I completed my VTCT Level 3 qualification in Swedish massage(QFC) fulfilling a personal passion for Health and well-being and Holistic therapies. I have over 3 years study and practise and am experienced, qualified, insured to treat a broad range of ailments and injuries. I have continued my personal development and add to my skills accessing further training in various massage techniques.

I am registered and regulated with the Professional body The Federation of Holistic Therapists. I adhere to their codes of professional conduct. I am fully registered and insured to practice all of the advertised treatments.

As well as treatments I also run a weekly Meditation class to help people learn techniques to cope with the demands and stresses of everyday life and I host a monthly Sound Bath with Sound healer William Lee.

I was born in Ludlow, Shropshire. I studied BA Social Sciences (Hons) Psychology at the University of Westminster. I worked for 19 years with Children in Care providing care and later coordinating a County wide Mentoring scheme in Lancashire for a National Children’s charity.

I retrained as an Holistic therapist at Preston Therapy Centre in Lancashire which saw me fullfill a lifelong interest in Complementary medicine.

I advocate a healthy lifestyle and practise yoga, tai chi and arabic belly dance classes every week as well as walking and meditating. I am an Independent Consultant for Neal’s Yard Remedies, you can visit my online shop.