As a pregnancy massage specialist, one of the question I am often
asked by clients is 'is foot massage during pregnancy safe?' There
seems to be a large amount of confusion around this question so this
article hopes to shed some light on the matter.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are a number of acupressure points in the feet and ankle which are believed to help induce a natural labour. This often deters women from receiving a foot massage in pregnancy because they are worried about the consequences of bringing on a premature labour. However, although these points exist and can help overdue women start labour and manage its progression and pain there is no need to fear these points being stimulated in a general foot massage during pregnancy.
To get a response from these acupressure points they needed to be treated in a specific way and with firm pressure over a prolonged period of time. In fact, to be effective, the pressure on the points needs to be almost painful, so you would definitely feel discomfort before accidentally triggering an early labour. The two sides of the body also need to be symmetrically stimulated. The kind of foot massage that you will receive from a pregnancy massage or pedicure will not focus enough on these points to elicit a response.
Nonetheless, it is recommended to seek out a therapist who has training in pregnancy massage. Although foot massage and pregnancy is safe, receiving a specific pregnancy foot massage from a qualified therapist means they not only know the points to avoid but understand the discomforts and symptoms of pregnancy and the best way to treat them.
Numerous changes that occur during pregnancy, such as hormonal and structural changes and weight gain, to name a few, impact on the feet and lower leg causing sore and achy feet, swelling and cramps. For this reason it is disappointing that there is confusion and anxiety surrounding foot massage during pregnancy as it can actually help to alleviate and manage some of these symptoms.
It's important for women to look after themselves during pregnancy. Pregnancy can be a trying time, and women need to find safe and natural ways to help to reduce their symptoms and maintain a healthy physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Thankfully pregnancy foot massage can be added to the list of safe treatments, and it's a wonderful way for expectant mothers to enjoy a bit of 'me time'.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are a number of acupressure points in the feet and ankle which are believed to help induce a natural labour. This often deters women from receiving a foot massage in pregnancy because they are worried about the consequences of bringing on a premature labour. However, although these points exist and can help overdue women start labour and manage its progression and pain there is no need to fear these points being stimulated in a general foot massage during pregnancy.
To get a response from these acupressure points they needed to be treated in a specific way and with firm pressure over a prolonged period of time. In fact, to be effective, the pressure on the points needs to be almost painful, so you would definitely feel discomfort before accidentally triggering an early labour. The two sides of the body also need to be symmetrically stimulated. The kind of foot massage that you will receive from a pregnancy massage or pedicure will not focus enough on these points to elicit a response.
Nonetheless, it is recommended to seek out a therapist who has training in pregnancy massage. Although foot massage and pregnancy is safe, receiving a specific pregnancy foot massage from a qualified therapist means they not only know the points to avoid but understand the discomforts and symptoms of pregnancy and the best way to treat them.
Numerous changes that occur during pregnancy, such as hormonal and structural changes and weight gain, to name a few, impact on the feet and lower leg causing sore and achy feet, swelling and cramps. For this reason it is disappointing that there is confusion and anxiety surrounding foot massage during pregnancy as it can actually help to alleviate and manage some of these symptoms.
It's important for women to look after themselves during pregnancy. Pregnancy can be a trying time, and women need to find safe and natural ways to help to reduce their symptoms and maintain a healthy physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Thankfully pregnancy foot massage can be added to the list of safe treatments, and it's a wonderful way for expectant mothers to enjoy a bit of 'me time'.
No comments:
Post a Comment