Holistic Touch

Pregnancy & Baby

Pregnancy is a miraculous event in which it is vital that the Mother is cared for and her health and well-being is made a priority, incorporating regular massage should support this process.
After the first trimester a monthly treatment will benefit both Mother and Baby, providing relief form aches and pains whilst calming and de-stressing. Our monthly treatment plan is designed to complement other therapies and exercise systems such as: Yoga.

Being pregnant can become a very joyous experience, but at the same time your body is undergoing lots of changes, some may be not so pleasant, at "Holistic Touch" we pride ourselves in being able to offer assistance to the Ladies of York and its surrounding areas. We have undertaken specialist training in "Treating the Pregnant Woman", ensuring that contra-indications are avoided and the comfort and well-being of both Mother and Baby are never compromised.

Relieve that lower back pain and those aching legs, improve your circulation, boost your immune system and increase the lymphatic drainage which helps reduce hand and foot swelling. It also assists in removing toxins from the body and promotes healthier skin. Many of Yorks mums to be have benefited from the relief of aches and pains, as well as experiencing total relaxation and the de-stressing qualities from our treatments.

Treat yourself and your unborn baby to a relaxing, therapeutic full-body massage. Or incorporate Reiki healing with a localised massage treatment or choose one of our other therapies to suit your needs.

A Great way to relax and experience a feeling of well being and peace, knowing that your baby is also benefiting from your ability to unwind.

"This is your time to find some peace and be pampered"

(Pregnancy Massage is not available during first trimester)


If you are interested and would like to know more please email or ring us.


BENEFITS
Increases circulation, & blood supply (which removes toxins and replenishes nutrients to the cells of the body), aids lymphatic drainage, eases tension and aches, relaxes muscles and ligaments, lubricates synovial joints, calms and de-stresses both Mother and Baby,



PREGNANCY MASSAGE THERAPY
-The Treatment

The client will be positioned into Fowlers Position (a supported supine position which prevents the uterus from falling back up the pelvis rim & pressing on the aorta & vena cava which may otherwise decrease blood return to the heart, known as “Supine Hypotensive Syndrome”)
The arms, hands, & upper shoulders are massaged followed by the abdomen, (in a clockwise direction) front of both legs and feet.
The client is then moved in to a Left Lateral Lie position, supported by pillows where greater blood return to the heart can take place. The backs of the legs, back, shoulders and neck are treated in this position. This is an ideal position for access to the lower back, where tension builds.

PREGNANCY FACTS
Skin – Skin changes are one of the ways pregnancy is manifested by the body. This may have an impact upon self-esteem, increased blood flow creates body warmth to the skin which serves to dissipate excess heat generated by the increased metabolism of pregnancy.

Stretch Marks – “Striae Gravidarum” usually appears in the late months of pregnancy, they can be reddish, slightly depressed streaks most common around the abdomen, breast, hips, buttocks & thighs. They occur in approx. 50% of pregnant women and are not dependant upon the colour of the skin or ethnic group type.
Usually after pregnancy the discolouration fades back to normal colour. This process may take three or four months after delivery. Creams containing retina -A are said to assist this process, other skin changes maybe pigmentation changes such as “Linea Nigra” a darkening of the skin at the midline of the abdomen which should also fade after delivery.

“Spider Angioma / Spider Nevi”- may appear on the skin, these are minute red marks with a centre and tendrils branching out. They can appear on the face, neck, chest, hands & arms, and are said to be caused through extra estrogens produced during pregnancy, again they should fade.

Breasts – Striking changes take place in the breasts esp. In the first few weeks, darkening & enlargement around the nipples, enlarged sebaceous glands and the size of the breasts.

Abdominal Wall- The muscles “Abdominus Recti” separate at the midline creating a condition called “Diaslasis”, this results in serve loss of muscle tone, correct exercises after delivery will regains good muscle tone.

Prolonged Lordosis- Lordosis is an abnormal increase in the concave curve of the lumber spine, this is a characteristic feature of pregnancy caused by a shift in the centre of gravity over the low extremities altering the posture, this results in low back pain & instability in the hips, also numbness, aching & weakness in the arms.

Massage will help to alleviate these discomforts, after delivery exercise such as Yoga, Pilates, swimming will assist in re-toning the abdominal and back muscles.
Water Retention – is a normal effect which is equivalent to 6 ½ litres of fluid,
Oedema – normal swelling which accumulates in feet, legs, arms, & hands, as the day progresses, maximising at the end of the day, most swelling goes after a normal nights rest.

Fat Metabolism –in pregnancy is increased, storing more fat, especially in 2nd trimester. This extra fat is said to make extra energy for use during labour.

Blood Volume – Increases, this is partially to protect the Mother & foetus from the effects of decreased blood return while in erect /supine positions. The pulse rate also increases.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - DVT, is a thrombosis in the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, DVT is usually associated with prolonged in-activity. This is one reason why new Mothers are encouraged to be up & about within hours of giving birth. Lifestyle can be a factor such as: use of the birth control pill prior to pregnancy, a job that requires lots of sitting for prolonged period. Symptoms of DVT are; onset of severe pain & edema (swelling), heat & redness around the leg. A test called “Homans Sign” can be carried out if there is any concern.

Other Signs - Shortness of breath, Heartburn (“Pryrosis”), excessive salvation (“Ptylism”), gall stones may develop, Haemorrhoids (which is associated with constipation due to compression of the large bowel. Bladder infections are also common.

Discomforts of Pregnancy
Nausea - & vomiting, acupressure points in the wrists may control this and special wrist bands are available.

Fatigue- Get plenty of rest
Round Ligament pain – Sharp pain in the lower abdomen on either side radiating down to the groin area (can last over 5mins.)

Heartburn – caused by acid content of the stomach backing up the oesophagus.

Headaches- are very common in pregnancy

Backaches- due to an increase in the natural concave curve of the lower back, creating a chronic state of muscle spasm.


Baby Directory Click Here


Pregnancy Yoga

Why not also sample the many benfits to be gained from Pregnancy Yoga, classes are available in York. (See the links below.)

Anna Semlyn's Pregnancy Yoga Click Here

Sophie Carr's Pregnancy Yoga Click Here

HYPNOBIRTHING®

HypnoBirthing® teaches the art of using your own natural birthing instincts, through a programme of deep relaxation, visualization and special breathing techniques.
For more details Contact Sally Smith, @Bodyinstincts Click Here

"Reflexology Helped Me To Conceive"

We had being trying to conceive for quite a while, yet after only two visits I was delighted to find I was pregnant. An amazing treatment and so relaxing, I am convinced it helped my situation.

Deborah M.
York

"I have been visiting James now at my mother's recommendation for over 2
years. I initially started with Reiki which I have found to be thoroughly
relaxing and have benefited so much from. The environment is so tranquil
and it is a pleasure to attend for that well earned time to oneself. I have
done a lot of running and James has helped me prepare for half marathons
using his skills in Sports massage. I have attended his Yoga Classes and
also he has practiced Thai yoga and Indian Head Massage on me. I am
currently pregnant and have been visiting Holistic Touch where James has
used a combination of Reiki and light pregnancy massage to help relieve the
pains and tensions naturally associated with pregnancy. James is a very
professional, thorough, attentive and caring person and I always look
forward to my next session

Rebecca G. 31st May 2007, York"