Pregnancy Massage

Supporting the pregnancy journey

Alison is trained in Pregnancy Massage in the lineage of Mana Lomi (a Hawaiian bodywork lineage) as taught by her teacher Maka’ala Yates. This is a problem-solving lineage, specializing in alleviating physical discomforts commonly experienced during pregnancy, while also offering the soothing and relaxation that pregnant women often crave and need.

Positioning — Will I be face Down?

Unless you are very early in your pregnancy (first trimester), you will not be face down during the massage. Sessions are offered with the client mostly in a side-lying position, which is the safest (and most comfortable!) position for pregnant women. A seated position may also used to address neck and shoulder tension. Very brief work while supine (lying on one’s back, “face-up”) can address acid reflux and public symphysis pain.

Alleviating discomfort

While a woman at any stage of pregnancy can benefit from massage, this lineage especially emphasizes bodywork during the third trimester, when the woman is most likely to experience discomfort, including the following:
— Sciatic nerve pain
— Varicose veins
— Swelling (especially extremities)
— Neck and shoulder tightness
— Acid reflux  

Stress reduction ~ benefits at any stage of pregnancy

Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to women’s prenatal care. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health.

In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) were reduced, and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression). And you don’t need to receive massage this frequently in order to receive benefits!

Postpartum Support

After giving birth, women can experience hip or low back pain up to many months after giving birth as the body does its best to return to balance after such an extreme experience (giving birth). Additionally, nursing can create patterns of tension and pain throughout the shoulders, arms, and neck. Mana Lomi is very effective at addressing these patterns/problems.

Booking a session

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out through email or phone. If you would like to book a pregnancy massage session with Alison, please click here.