Western massage techniques focus on correcting structural imbalances and tensions through incorrect movement, posture stress and strain. Massage aims to stimulate and lengthen muscles to relieve spasm and tension and encourage relaxation and healing. Sometimes
aromatherapy oils are used with the massage oil. Eastern massage involves stimulating points to encourage the flow of energy along the body's meridians, similar to
acupuncture, acupressure or Shiatsu.
Massage is a very popular natural therapy and is often incorporated into other forms of health treatments. Massage aims to deeply relax the body to reduce tension and stress and relieve depression, fatigue, insomnia as well as health problems such as back pain, headaches, muscle strain, digestive and circulatory disorders. The use of
baby massage is also gaining popularity to treat irritable and restless babies, colic, constipation, hyperactivity and certain illnesses.
If you are more than 28 weeks pregnant, you may need to be massaged lying from side to side. Some practitioners have a special pregnancy table with a cut out insert for the pregnant woman's belly to allow her to lie on her front safely and without discomfort.
If you need to lie on your back for a prolonged period of time, a small, flat pillow can be placed under the right side of your body to tilt the uterus off the large vena cava vein, leading to the heart. This prevents the blood supply to your body (and baby) from being diminished. Many women feel faint and breathless when this happens. You can read more in
sleeping or lying on your back.
A masseur should be qualified in therapeutic massage as well as any special variation on this technique (eg. Shiatsu). They should be recognised by a professional body and have experience in massaging pregnant women. In Australia, baby massage is often taught by midwives and physiotherapists at hospitals. There may also be independent baby massage instructors in your area.
Naturopathy