Massage for Moms-to-Be

There is something so special, so thrilling, about massaging a pregnant woman. It is an honor and a privilege. It also comes with tremendous responsibilities. Competent and appropriate training in this specialty is essential for the safety of mother and baby. And creating a nurturing, nonjudgmental working environment is paramount to achieving  desired treatment outcomes. It is not advisable to go to a spa or gym where there is no one trained in this special work.

Since stress has negative effects on pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery, one of the main goals of a prenatal massage practitioner is to control and lower maternal stress and anxiety. Common pregnancy-related physical discomforts—such as backaches, nausea, swelling—and any emotional concerns may add to maternal stress levels. Long-term exposure to heightened stress levels can lead to potentially serious health problems, such as suppressed maternal immune function, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Massage and bodywork, when appropriately administered during pregnancy, can have a powerful influence in mitigating the effects of stress.  Massage sedates and restores the nervous system. Proprioceptors of the deeper soft tissues relay messages to the central nervous system about muscle tension and blood pressure. The heat produced by massage signals both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems to balance, correct, and restore these self-regulating mechanisms.

Effects of Stress on Pregnancy

• Delayed infant neuromotor development.
• Elevated maternal heart rate and blood pressure.
• Higher incidences of miscarriage.
• Increased stress hormones.
• Increased labor pain.
• Increased likelihood of (maternal) unhealthy lifestyle habits.
• Low fetal birth weight and premature labor.
• Maternal depression.
• Obstetrical complications.
• Prolonged labor or failure to progress.
• Uterine vasoconstriction.

Effects of Stress on Fetal Development
• Behavioral problems, such as ADD.
• Cleft lip and cleft palate.
• Cognitive delays, such as autism and autistic spectrum disorders.
• Diabetes later in life.
• High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease later in life.
• Hypersensitivity.
• Low birth weight.
• Neuromotor delays.
• Obesity later in life.
• Premature labor.
• Slowed brain development.

Relaxation is further enhanced by the pain-reducing, or analgesic, effect it provides. Blood vessels dilate, waste products get reabsorbed and excreted, tissues become oxygenated, and pain is diminished. Beta-endorphins and serotonin (a neurotransmitter) are secreted during massage and work together to inhibit the central nervous system and produce that “feel-good” response.

Prenatal massage also addresses many of the musculoskeletal discomforts expectant women experience—abdominal pressure, backaches, hemorrhoids, sinus congestion, and swelling can all be relieved or reduced by appropriate prenatal massage. In addition, the emotional and psychological effects of prenatal massage cannot be overlooked or underestimated. The nurturing and respectful touch given by a qualified practitioner helps the expectant mother achieve a sense of peace during an unsettling time. A woman who feels validated and affirmed through someone’s loving touch is also more likely to display better parenting skills, be more attentive to her baby, and touch her child in a loving, supportive manner.

Each time we practitioners massage a pregnant woman, its important to remember the loving work we are doing has a positive impact on both her and her growing baby, not only while the baby is in utero, but throughout the baby’s life. Everything the mother feels is transmitted to her baby through biochemical agents. The experiences she has while pregnant, and the type of birth she has, leave lasting patterns in her baby.


Physical, Emotional, and Psychological Changes of Pregnancy
Pregnancy and becoming a mother is a defining and life-changing experience for many women. It can be an emotional roller coaster ride, especially for first-time moms who may not be aware of all the dynamic changes pregnancy causes to the body and psyche.

Many of these changes are brought on by hormonal shifts, particularly the elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are increased to nearly 10 times their normal levels. Emotional liability, or the ups and downs of pregnancy, and conflicting feelings are part of the experience. But it can be disconcerting for women who expect to feel one way, but actually feel another.

For some women, their growing bodies bring tremendous satisfaction and pride, while others dislike their shape and have a poor self-image. The aches and pains from the common discomforts of pregnancy add to their malaise. Fears and concerns about the pregnancy and impending childbirth, parenthood, and relationships with their partners, families, and friends are also factors in this richly emotional, sensitive time. The support a woman has—or doesn’t have—has a tremendous impact on her pregnancy and labor.
Past traumas can also leave indelible scars on the pregnancies of some women.
Maternal stress has a direct impact on the baby’s health. A study on the effects of maternal stress on the baby indicated that fetal heart rates of stressed mothers stayed higher longer, suggesting a heightened reaction to stress.  These responses to stress have been linked to delayed or stunted fetal development, low birth weight, preterm labor, and higher incidences of cardiovascular disease and diabetes later in life for the babies. The study went on to say that the women who regularly employed relaxation techniques—such as massage, meditation, and yoga—had lower blood pressure and fostered a healthy in utero environment, thereby producing calmer babies.

Stress can affect blood flow to the uterus by as much as 65 percent, denying the growing baby essential nutrients and oxygen, which in turn may lead to low birth weight, preterm labor, and a long, difficult labor for mom. It is important that, in addition to relieving her aches and pains, the massage provides a safe haven of comfort, nurturing, respect, and stress reduction that impacts both the mother and her baby.


When/ Why / How often ?
One of the most common themes I find with pregnant clients is the idea that they come in "once" during pregnancy, usually about the 39th week, maybe seeking relief, maybe on a gift certificate. This is actually a common theme with regular clients as well, who come once a year and/or view massage as a "treat" . While I fully understand there may be economic reasons why, I would like to offer some thoughts on the importance of making massage part of a regular wellness regimen, and it is for these reasons that I offer prenatal massage, labor support and postpartum care, and it makes a wonderful package to help through the entire pregnancy process. Especially the postpartum massage, which may be the most important massage you will ever get.

All the benefits of prenatal massage have been detailed above but what about pre-labor, when the baby is ready. While I am not suggesting that you hire a massage therapist for the delivery room (but you may, and or may want to consider a doula) I am suggesting that this may be a time when you want to make your last pre-delivery massage appointment to help ease the stress and facilitate a smoother delivery. I also offer labor support workshops for couples whereby I can show your partner some techniques to help keep you calmer, relaxed and more focused.


Postpartum
A funny thing happens during childbirth. For nine months your body is slowly and steadily undergoing massive changes in structure, bio-mechanics, and chemistry (hormones). The good news for many is that you have people around you who love and support you. In the delivery room all eyes are on you - but the moment that baby comes, the focus shifts to him/her. Its instant! What about mom? 

In the time it takes for the pregnancy to mature, about 40 weeks, you body has changed. But immediately after birth, ALL the same physical and chemical changes happen in reverse but the process is much quicker. Further, in addition to coping with these ongoing rapid changes, you have a new baby to care for, 24/7. This can be mentally and physically taxing and can bring about new kinds of stresses. In many cases this can lead to "blues" or worse "depression". Because of the massive physical and emotional changes taking places, along with the additional responsibilities placed on a new mother postpartum massage may be the most important massage you ever get.


So, all together, this is a very significant part of your life, why not take care to make it easier on you. Consider a program of 3 to 10 treatments, as your budget allows, that takes you through the early stages, right up through and past delivery, with at least 1-4 treatments devoted to the post delivery stage.


Parts abridged from text by Elaine Stillerman.

Massage for Moms-to-Be

There is something so special, so thrilling, about massaging a pregnant woman. It is an honor and a privilege. It also comes with tremendous responsibilities. Competent and appropriate training in this specialty is essential for the safety of mother and baby. And creating a nurturing, nonjudgmental working environment is paramount to achieving your desired treatment outcomes.  It is not advisable to go to a spa or gym where there is no one trained in this special work.

Since stress has negative effects on pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery, one of the main goals of a prenatal massage practitioner is to control and lower maternal stress and anxiety. Common pregnancy-related physical discomforts—such as backaches, nausea, swelling—and any emotional concerns may add to maternal stress levels. Long-term exposure to heightened stress levels can lead to potentially serious health problems, such as suppressed maternal immune function, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Massage and bodywork, when appropriately administered during pregnancy, can have a powerful influence in mitigating the effects of stress. Massage sedates and restores the nervous system. Proprioceptors of the deeper soft tissues relay messages to the central nervous system about muscle tension and blood pressure. The heat produced by massage signals both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems to balance, correct, and restore these self-regulating mechanisms.

Effects of Stress on Pregnancy
• Dampened effectiveness of oxytocin.
• Delayed infant neuromotor development.
• Elevated maternal heart rate and blood pressure.
• Higher incidences of miscarriage.
• Increased stress hormones.
• Increased labor pain.
• Increased likelihood of (maternal) unhealthy lifestyle habits.
• Low fetal birth weight and premature labor.
• Maternal depression.
• Obstetrical complications.
• Prolonged labor or failure to progress.
• Uterine vasoconstriction.

Effects of Stress on Fetal Development
• Behavioral problems, such as ADD.
• Cleft lip and cleft palate.
• Cognitive delays, such as autism and autistic spectrum disorders.
• Diabetes later in life.
• High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease later in life.
• Hypersensitivity.
• Low birth weight.
• Neuromotor delays.
• Obesity later in life.
• Premature labor.
• Slowed brain development.

Relaxation is further enhanced by the pain-reducing, or analgesic, effect it provides. Blood vessels dilate, waste products get reabsorbed and excreted, tissues become oxygenated, and pain is diminished. Beta-endorphins and serotonin (a neurotransmitter) are secreted during massage and work together to inhibit the central nervous system and produce that “feel-good” response.

Prenatal massage also addresses many of the musculoskeletal discomforts expectant women experience—abdominal pressure, backaches, hemorrhoids, sinus congestion, and swelling can all be relieved or reduced by appropriate prenatal massage. In addition, the emotional and psychological effects of prenatal massage cannot be overlooked or underestimated. The nurturing and respectful touch given by a qualified practitioner helps the expectant mother achieve a sense of peace during an unsettling time. A woman who feels validated and affirmed through someone’s loving touch is also more likely to display better parenting skills, be more attentive to her baby, and touch her child in a loving, supportive manner.
The next time you massage a pregnant woman, remember the loving work you are doing has a positive impact on both her and her growing baby, not only while the baby is in utero, but throughout the baby’s life. Everything the mother feels is transmitted to her baby through biochemical agents. The experiences she has while pregnant, and the type of birth she has, leave lasting patterns in her baby.

Physical, Emotional, and Psychological Changes of Pregnancy
Pregnancy and becoming a mother is a defining and life-changing experience for many women. It can be an emotional roller coaster ride, especially for first-time moms who may not be aware of all the dynamic changes pregnancy causes to the body and psyche.

Many of these changes are brought on by hormonal shifts, particularly the elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are increased to nearly 10 times their normal levels. Emotional liability, or the ups and downs of pregnancy, and conflicting feelings are part of the experience. But it can be disconcerting for women who expect to feel one way, but actually feel another.

For some women, their growing bodies bring tremendous satisfaction and pride, while others dislike their shape and have a poor self-image. The aches and pains from the common discomforts of pregnancy add to their malaise. Fears and concerns about the pregnancy and impending childbirth, parenthood, and relationships with their partners, families, and friends are also factors in this richly emotional, sensitive time. The support a woman has—or doesn’t have—has a tremendous impact on her pregnancy and labor.
Past traumas can also leave indelible scars on the pregnancies of some women.

Maternal stress has a direct impact on the baby’s health. A study on the effects of maternal stress on the baby indicated that fetal heart rates of stressed mothers stayed higher longer, suggesting a heightened reaction to stress.4 These responses to stress have been linked to delayed or stunted fetal development, low birth weight, preterm labor, and higher incidences of cardiovascular disease and diabetes later in life for the babies. The study went on to say that the women who regularly employed relaxation techniques—such as massage, meditation, and yoga—had lower blood pressure and fostered a healthy in utero environment, thereby producing calmer babies.

Stress can affect blood flow to the uterus by as much as 65 percent, denying the growing baby essential nutrients and oxygen, which in turn may lead to low birth weight, preterm labor, and a long, difficult labor for mom. It is important that, in addition to relieving her aches and pains, the massage provides a safe haven of comfort, nurturing, respect, and stress reduction that impacts both the mother and her baby.

When/ Why / How often ?
One of the most common themes  I find with pregnant clients is the idea that they come in "once" during pregnancy, usually about the 39th week, maybe seeking relief, maybe on a gift certificate.  This is actually a common theme with regular clients as well, who come once a year and/or view massage as a "treat"  While I fully understand there may be economic reasons why, I would like to offer some thoughts on the importance of making massage part of a regular wellness regimen, and  it is for these reasons that I offer prenatal massage, labor support and postpartum care, and it makes a wonderful package to help through the entire pregnancy process.  Especially the postpartum massage, which may be the most important massage you will ever get.

All the benefits of prenatal massage have been detailed above but what about pre-labor, when the baby is ready.  While I am not suggesting that you hire a massage therapist for the delivery room (but you may want to consider a doula) I am suggesting that this may be a time when you want to make your last pre-delivery massage appointment to help ease the stress and facilitate a smoother delivery.  I also offer labor support workshops for couples whereby I can show your partner some techniques to help keep you calmer, relaxed and more focused.

Postpartum
A funny thing happens during childbirth.  For nine months your body is slowly and steadily undergoing massive changes in structure, bio-mechanics, and chemistry (hormones). The good news for many is that you have people around you who love and support you.  In the delivery room all eyes are on you -but the moment that baby comes, the focus shifts to him/her. Its instant!  What about mom?  

In the time it takes for the pregnancy to mature, about 40 weeks, you body has changed. But immediately after birth, ALL the same physical and chemical changes have happen in reverse but the process is much quicker.  Further, in addition to coping with these ongoing rapid changes, you have a new baby to care for, 24/7.  This can be mentally and physically taxing and can bring about new kinds of stresses. In many cases this can lead to "blues" or worse "depression".  Because of the massive physical and emotional changes taking places, along with the additional responsibilities placed on a new mother postpartum massage may be the most important massage you ever get.

So, all together, this is a very significant part of your life, why not take care to make it easier on you.  Consider a program of 3 to 10 treatments, as your budget allows, that takes you through the early stages, right up through and past delivery, with at least 1-4  treatments devoted to the post delivery stage.

Parts abridged from text by Elaine Stillerman.

 What’s the secret to feeling calm, focused, and at peace?

Perhaps monks provide a clue.  Buddhist monks appear to be peaceful and present all the time. How do they do it?

I will tell you.

For thousands of years, Buddhist philosophy has focused on how to reduce human suffering and keep the mind in the present moment.

Some of the basic principles are true for us and we can adopt them into our modern life.

Adopting some or all of these habits, or trying to part of the time (it's a work in progress) may help keep you present, find more peace, reduce stress and even lead to more happiness in your daily life.

Habit 1 – Stop Chasing "Things"

Did you know that the Buddha was born a prince? Yes, he could have spent his life in a big, beautiful palace where everything is done for him.

But he didn’t.

He abandoned everything when he realized the empty nature of materialism.

2300 years later, Buddhist monks continue to do the same. They keep material possessions to a minimum and only hold what they need to live their life. Usually this will all fit in a small backpack.

They completely declutter their life. This is called Minimalism.

Habit 2 – Do for Others

In many Buddhist circles, monks learn to do things not for themselves, but for the whole world. Happiness is one of the most elusive words to define, yet it is very easy to comprehend. Much has been written about the pursuit of Happiness and what makes people truly happy, and one theme that really seems to apply is "doing for others"  Material things do not make you happy. In fact they do the opposite. Every time you acquire something, it pushes the goal a little bit further, so is something you can never attain!  This endless pursuit actuality insures long term chronic unhappiness (although there are VERY short bursts of happiness at the moment of acquisition, which usually fade very quickly...leading to to feel how?  (post your responses please)

When you can develop a kind of selfless attitude and MAKE time to do something for others, it offers a tremendous sense of satisfaction and well being.

The less you focus on you and your personal problems, you get less emotional about small things and your mind becomes more calm.

This is called inner decluttering: making room for others and dumping selfish habits.

Habit 3 – Meditate

One of the main reasons you become a monk is to have more time to meditate. Most monks wake up early and meditate for 1 to 3 hours and do the same at night. This kind of practice changes the brain. If you’ve read any articles on the benefits of meditation, then you know what I mean.

You don’t have to adopt this kind of rigorous schedule, but what if you worked into your day 15 to 30 minutes of meditation? And one of the BEST things I have read about meditating, and also the most frustrating for beginners is this -  Do not worry about emptying your mind. You can't its impossible, or nearly impossible without mountains of practice. Instead, let the thoughts enter, and give them space to exit.  They come they go.  Just try not to hold them or obsess.  Allowing space for your thoughts to come and go IS meditating.  So forget what you read about emptying your mind.  That is only sort of right and impossible for most to achieve.

Habit 4 – Following the wise

In western modern society, we have an unhealthy relationship with old age. Everything is youth centric. But for Buddhist monks, and in fact many cultures see elder people as having wisdom. They seek elder spiritual guides that can help them on their path.

If you look around, there are always insightful people to learn from. Older people have more experience which means they can offer countless life lessons. Some of best insights on life can be obtained from interviews with people on on near death, when asked what they regret.  Read those!   Make changes now.  We only get one go-around.

Habit 5 – Listen. Without judgment.

See the 2 periods? These are actually 2 different concepts, sort of.
Our brains naturally judge others. You don't have to look any further than social media to see how rampant and out of control this is.   But according to Buddhists, the point of communication is to help others and ourselves suffer less.

Criticizing and judging doesn’t help. This ties into Habit 2.  Don't make yourself feel better by putting someone down. Make yourself feel better by lifting someone. Try it.

Listening is an ART. So many of us don't listen at all. We are busy pre-planning our answers while we’re listening ! So try to make the main goal to simply take in all that they are saying. (how often do you do this??)

It leads to more mutual respect, understanding and chances for progress in the conversation.

Habit 6 – Change is the only law of the universe

According to Buddhist master Suzuki, a crucial principle we all need to learn is to accept change:

“Without accepting the fact that everything changes, we cannot find perfect composure. But unfortunately, although it is true, it is difficult for us to accept it. Because we cannot accept the truth of transiency, we suffer.”

Everything changes, it’s the fundamental law of the universe. Yet, we find it hard to accept it. We identify strongly with our fixed appearance, with our body and our personality. And when it changes, we suffer.

However, Suzuki says we can overcome this by recognizing that the contents of our minds are in perpetual flux.  Everything about consciousness comes and goes.  Worry exists only in the mind, as a complex orchestration or random neurons firing in specific patterns.  Consciousness and reality are really ONLY in your mind and they are in constant change.  Realizing this in the heat of the moment can diffuse fear, anxiety, anger, grasping, despair. For example, it’s hard to stay angry when you see anger for what it is.

This is the essence of Zen. That the moment is all that exists.

Habit 7 – Living "The Moment"

As humans it can be tough to simply embrace the present moment. We are able to contemplate the past, and think about the future.  Think about it - what is worrying?  It is paying the price of the present moment for something that exists only in your brain! When you worry, your brain is wrapped around something that hasn't happened, and may never happen.  If it does, deal with it as it is unfolding.

But mindfulness encourages us to return to the present.  Practicing mindfulness enables us to get better at redirecting our thoughts back to what we’re actually engaged in.

It takes practice. It takes a willingness to want to improve.  Start by reading and practicing these basic habits and notice the change.

Aloha

Ke Ala Hoku – Pathway to the Stars

If you're new to whole body healing, I would like to invite you to consider experiencing this journey for yourself.  

All styles of Lomi  massage integrate some form of movement, chant (mele), prayers (pule) as well as the core intention of aloha.

Aloha is one of the most misunderstood words.  Most people consider it or use it as a greeting, like hello.  However, Aloha like many Hawaiian words can have multiple and deeper meanings.  It can be used as a greeting but is also a word of love.  Not in the sense of romantic love.  But in the sense of happiness, contentment, acceptance.

ALOHA — to love is to be happy with
Love is such a powerful state of consciousness. When love is experienced, it is a feeling that requires something to be happy about. It can be a physical manifestation of energy such as a person, tree, etc. or it may be completely subtle and nonphysical such as the love for existence. This requirement of having something else be a part of the love equation, demonstrates the interconnectedness with all that is.

Love is fundamental to the healing process; acceptance is fundamental to the healing process. To accept; to be happy with; to embrace; to create harmony – is aloha. You don’t need to agree with someone on a personality level, however offering acceptance for who they are and for yourself in relation to them will create harmony and allow for the natural flow of healing energy and love.

Working with intention, the giver uses intuition and breath work to connect the mind, body and spirit during this massage. The form is fluid and rhythmic, using deep and gentle flowing strokes with the forearms, connecting the giver and receiver in a beautiful “dance.”

These patterns create an immense outpouring of energy, lulling the receiver into a deep meditative state of bliss. The focus is on quieting the mind of its chatter, letting go and allowing your deepest Self to receive unconditionally.

Each journey is unique, each transformation is nurturing and enlightening when you remain open to receiving.  Some clients experience a complete sensation of "nothingness". This is great! 

For others it is a powerful release of pent up emotions – this is also normal and beautiful.  Modern life is stressful, and the demands placed upon people build up, and over time become toxic. 

For many, they describe it as a wave that carries them away.  If you reach this deep restorative state, it is wonderful - this is what Kahu Abraham Kawai'i and indeed other  Hawaiians refer to as Ke Ala Hoku, or "Pathway to the Stars".

To be able to allow yourself to attain that deep state of tranquil meditation and receive healing from head to toe is a not a common theme within our culture and modern living.

Here's what others have said about this beautiful work:

"I wish you could teach classes in my area. This work is just amazing and absolutely worth the drive."

"What ever you've learned here is truly a sacred thing. I am honored to be on your table each and every time."

"If I had to use one word to describe the experience it would be; magical, thank you”

Are you ready for your own journey of Ke Ala Hoku ?

Aloha