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Pregnancy Massage / Reflexology
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Treatment during and after pregnancy is beneficial, palliative and preventative. Toks offers: She has a C.P.D. in all the above and completed a postgraduate
course in the theory and practice of reflexology (relative to pregnancy, labour and postnatal care). Ku, Ke, Chu
= Cycle of Life Conception, pregnancy and birth are all powerful forces in nature. The constant need for humans to
reproduce themselves keeps the world moving following the old Buddhist philosophy of Ku (death), Ke (life) and Chu (middle
way). There is thus a constant renewal of life. Man is constantly renewing him/herself. Paradigm Shifts Pregnancy creates lots of
paradigm shifts in a woman as she goes through all the changes, the delivery and child care. It changes
a woman on all levels: her past, present, future. Stephen
R Covey, author: The Severn Habits of Highly Effective People, on pg 9 writes: "The term paradigm shift was introduced by Thomas Kuhn in his highly influential landmark book, The
Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Kuhn shows how…every significant breakthrough …
is a break with tradition, with old ways of thinking, with old paradigms." Toks believes that pregnancy is
a break with tradition, wtih old ways of thinking and with old paradigms. Changes
to the Body: Internal, External & Emotional The first signs of pregnancy are tiredness,
missed period, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, constipation, mood swings (weepy and sad one minutes
and on top of the world the next), and changes in taste and smell. Internal changes (hormonal, circulatory, respiratory and metabolic) take place to support the pregnancy.
Some circulation changes include blood levels increase; heart beats faster, anaemia and changes in blood pressure.
Respiratory organs find it more difficult to breath and short of breath as the growing baby prevents the lungs from
fully expanding. The metabolism will change as there is constant hunger, especially late at night, as your
sugar level drops as the baby feeds nutrients from the mother’s blood. New hormones are made specifically
for pregnancy by the placenta and developing baby; while existing hormone production is raised dramatically. Hormones
include human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), progesterone, oestrogen, human chorionic somatonammotropin (HCS), calcitonin,
thyroxine (T4 & T3), relaxin, insulin, oxytocin, erythropoietin, cortisol and prolactin. External changes to the body of a woman are fuller breasts, growth of hair and nails, weight gain and skin changes
(pigmentation, dry, stretch marks, itchy). Other changes are hirsutism (excessive hair on the face, abdomen
and chest); linea nigra (a line running from the navel to pubic hair that darkens during pregnancy) or choasma (darkening
of the skin on the face during pregnancy). There will be accompanying complaints such as morning sickness,
fatigue, dizziness, fainting, haemorrhoids (piles), wind, bloating, heartburn, insomnia, shortness of breath,
back pain, constipation, fluid retention, swelling, varicose veins and cramp in legs. HOW CAN TOKS HELP A PREGNANT
WOMAN? Life styles change as a result of pregnancy. Many women
stop drinking, smoking and taking recreational illegal drugs to keep their baby healthy. Live vaccines
such as polio and typhoid should not be routinely administered to pregnant women because of the possibility of harming the
foetus. Prescribed medications have to be labelled “safe to take while pregnant”. A healthy
environment means being aware of the effects of everyday hazards such as household products, insecticides and pollution.
Working habits and routines have to be changed to minimise stress and avoid hazards. The need to
travel safely, eat and reset well with proper exercising is critical to maintaining a healthy pregnancy. The need to be relaxed
and not be stressed is important: finding a way to be calm and relaxed is vital to the development of the
baby and mood of the mother. Services to Relax & Calm the Pregnant Woman Many pregnant women have found different ways to help relax their mind, body and spirit. Some choose
yoga, Pilates, meditation, swimming or massage such as pregnancy massage or reflexology for pregnant women. Massage
specially adapted to suit the needs of pregnant women is soothing physically, mentally and emotionally. Toks
offers various services that can help during these stressful times. Pregnancy Massage and Maternity Reflexology during pregnancy and labour is a wonderful way to soothe the mother and
child after the first trimester i.e. 3 months. The massage touch should be gentle, nurturing and soft promoting
a soothing relaxing feeling of warmth and safety for the mother to be. It is a wonderful way to feel pampered
and taken care of. Massage is a wonderful way for the mother and baby to relax. Once
the mother is relaxed the baby is relaxed. A calm relaxed happy mother usually gives birth to a calm relaxed
happy child. What part of the body is worked on? Pregnancy Massage may include a full body Swedish massage which is light and soothing.
Sometimes only some parts of the body are worked on e.g. scalp, face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, hips, legs
and feet. In Pregnancy Reflexology only some parts of the feet and sometimes the hands are worked
on. Toks is trained in various massage modalities to know when to use a technique and when not to. Oils Oils may or may not be used. Toks tends to use Sweet Almond
Oil which is very safe to use in pregnancy. It is nourishing and moisturising for the skin and also easily
absorbed by the skin. Some mothers have suggested they want to use their own oils or creams that are safe
for the baby and mother. Some just want baby oil to be used. Toks prefers not to use
strong aromatherapy oils during pregnancy massage. Room Set Up Toks believes in keeping treatments simple and effective in a room that is safe, warm and private
with nice music and maybe incense burning. Some mothers prefer no music and no incense. The
room setup and treatment is adapted to suit the needs of the pregnant lady to help her feel comfortable. Position of Pregnant Woman: In the early days of her pregnancy she lies face down on her tummy if she is not
uncomfortable. In the middle and later months of pregnancy she may sit on a chair or she may lie side ways
propped with pillows (on the floor or on a couch if the couch is big enough for her). After 22 weeks it
is safer she lies on her side as laying on her back restricts blood vessels and is not safe for her or her baby.
She is completely covered and only the part being worked on will be revealed. Toks does not like
massage couches with holes in them as she believes they put pressure on the abdomen and may cause stretching of uterine ligaments.
When
is it safe to receive massage? You can
receive massage from a qualified pregnancy massage practitioner at any time; however some massage practitioners prefer to
give massage after the first trimester because of the high risk of miscarriage during this time. The first
trimester is 3 months or 12 weeks into the pregnancy. Depending on a persons condition massage is great
before pregnancy, during pregnancy, during labour to cope with childbirth and after delivery. It allows
one to unwind and feel peacefully serene. When
is it not safe to receive massage while pregnant? CONTRA-INDICATIONS Make sure you speak to your doctor / midwife before you have
a massage. Tests mentioned above identify women at risk to receive a massage highlighting conditions that
may not support being massaged while pregnant. Here are some of them: high risk pregnancy,
pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia, pre-term contractions or consistent Braxton-Hicks contractions, high blood
pressure, deep vain thrombosis, extreme severe swelling or sudden severe headache. This list is not conclusive
so please check with your doctor and midwife and let your massage practitioner know your condition before you start a session.
Sometimes a written letter is necessary from the doctor / midwife before the practitioner gives a massage to a pregnant
woman. What Should I Do After a Massage? If it is safe
and OK for you to have a massage while pregnant then have one and experience it for yourself. Remember
that after each massage you drink a lot of water to help flush out toxins in the body. Do not eat
a big meal immediately after a massage. Make sure you get up from the massage slowly and gently.
No sudden quick movements. This is meant to relax you and calm you not hurry you along.
You may feel dizziness or nausea but that happens to men and women who are not pregnant!! It is
usually the body’s way of eliminating toxins. In a home visit Toks tends to leave her pregnant ladies
sleeping or resting for 30 minutes minimum after the session; as she quietly leaves the home. Duty of Care There is a strong emphasis
on duty of care for the pregnant woman, within the medical world as well as among practitioners. “Women should have the
opportunity to make informed decisions about their care and treatment, and should always be treated with kindness, respect
and dignity. The views, beliefs and values of the woman, her partner and her family in relation to her care and that of her
baby should be sought and respected at all times. Also, good communication between healthcare professionals and women is essential
and every opportunity should be taken to provide the woman and her partner or other relevant family members with the information
and support they need.” Published by NICE, 26 March 2008. Antenatal
Care: Routine Care for the Healthy Pregnant Woman |
Benefits of Massage for Your Company and Staff One Hour £110 "Six months ago my life was at its peak, I was healthy, confident and full
of life and was ready to start a family. However, suddenly this was shaken after receiving a blood test result. My whole world
turned upside down and I decided to improve my health & wellbeing and that is when I met Toks for a lymphatic massage.
I've been seeing Toks since, and she has helped me regain my health and vibrant personality and confidence that had disappeared.
She has worked very effectively with my energy levels and has performed lymphatic, nurturing and Thai massages, healing, removal
of toxins, mentoring, assisted with my deep breathing & relaxing techniques, and has provided me with the energy and confidence
to think positively and plan for the future again. This has resulted in a very timely and planned pregnancy. Thankyou
very much Toks." 12 months later: "My baby is fine and
healthy just like you said. The delivery went well just like you said. Thank you Toks." Surinder
Basra BENEFITS
of Receiving Pregnancy Massage / Maternity Reflexology Treatment during pregnancy is beneficial,
palliative and preventative. Internal Benefits Nourishes the skin as it looks healthier, better, younger and ‘happier’.
Improves skin elasticity. Reduces stretch marks and edema. The face appears relaxed
and softer. A soft gentle smile appears on the face. The eyes feel relaxed and brighter. Sleep
better. Nerves are calm – less mood swings. A reduction of swellings and
fluid retention; as well as sinus congestion. Greater vitality and smiling face. It
helps with urinary tract problems i.e. when you find it difficult to urinate or when you have cystitis. Creates ME-TIME, private time.
Promotes deep breathing and clear thinking, creating a feeling of ‘fresh air’ and ‘newness’.
The stabilising of hormones helps to lessen muscle tension and headaches. Helps reduce insomnia,
worry and anxiety. It really helps with stress levels associated with negative feelings and emotions such
as feeling scared, helpless, inadequate, frightened, sad, ugly, unattractive, not sexy, superstitions, stuck, fear (e.g. of
labour, her own death or her baby’s death). It helps to regulate eating habits. Encourages clear thinking
and mental reasoning. Silences the clutter and worry in the mind. Helps to induce inner
silence and peace in the mind. Decisions are made which empower the mother e.g. get a massage and
have some me-time. Her energy and mind is boosted and soothed. Clears headaches and improves quality of
sleep. Muscles are relaxed: posture and flexibility are improved. Pregnant
women become better aware of their posture. They become more flexible. The specialised massage relaxes
the lower back and abdomen muscles of the mother enabling the baby to more as it grows; giving both a relaxing feeling.
It also reduces the swelling of arm, hands, legs and feet of the mother and has been known to relieve varicose veins.
Reduces or removes muscle tension and pain held in the body while the mother is carrying her child. The
pain may be anywhere in the hips, pelvic area, joints, knees, elbows, wrists, ankles, foot, legs, calves, arms, neck, shoulders,
back or breasts. The bodily pain, tiredness and constipation are usually due to the
weight of carrying the growing baby. Pregnancy massage helps with all of this as well as helping to carry
the baby to term. Reflexology can be used to induce labour at the time of labour and help shorten labour
time….. After
giving birth the woman’s body goes through many changes in a matter of days. As there is little recovery
time for the woman she may feel overwhelmed…. She has to be on alert looking after her child….and on her feet……her
body and feet get tired…. Mothers need nurturing and emotional support as they adjust to being a mother. A mothers needs to
come back into her own self and her own body. Some take easy to exercising to loose weight and some do
not. Some enjoy motherhood with the changes naturally and some do not. Some know the importance of having
ME time and some do not. Some ask for help and some do not. Finding time for ONEself is finding time to KNOWself and REJUVENATEself.
Massage is one way of finding time for ONEself: it is rejuvenation time. It is ME TIME and only
Me. Massage after pregnancy helps to alleviate the pain, complaints, and emotional issues such as postnatal depression, anxiety
and fear of being a mother. The mother develops an inner strength, feels more able and fitter to cope as
she continues her personal life journey with her new born child. As mentioned earlier massage does have
lots of internal, external, emotional, mental and physical benefits. Assuming the woman has received emotional, physical, mental
support and reassurance during her pregnancy she would have had a lot of things sorted out and she would be used to the process
of being pampered and taken care of. How can Toks Help after Birth? Each woman is an individual in her
own process and Toks is very much aware of this; taking this into consideration when she is treating each woman separately
and individually. Her various services have proven
to be beneficial for many mothers and women. Sometimes booking talking time before a massage helps with
emotional issues. Toks has found that most women need to talk before a massage so an extra hour or two
is incorporated into the session to support the woman in her process. Toks listens without judgement but
with a lot of understanding. Many women express that they feel that she understands what they are saying
and that someone is listening for the first time. Definition
Collins English Dictionary & Thesaurus describes of
the following words: Initial Consultation, Pregnancy Condition In UK, once the woman is pregnant, there is an initial consultation [on medical,
social, family, social, previous pregnancy history] to determine the pregnancy condition. Depending on the results of the
consultation, the doctor or midwife may decide certain pregnancy conditions require tests to be carried out: such as having
a history of domestic violence or drug abuse, being diabetic; or having had a miscarried or stillbirth. Tests All tests for Pre-conception,
Antenatal and the New Born require the consent of the mother and partner and / or family. Before conception
the mother to be may commence folic acid. Pre-screening information is given as soon as possible.
Pre-conception test can be carried out. During antenatal care there are many tests
that can be carried out. Various scans can be done such as dating scan, Nuchai Translucency scan and detailed
ultrasound anomaly scans. Blood tests can be carried out for sickle cell, thalassaemia, for early/later
Down’s syndrome, for haemoglobin, group, rhesus & antibodies, for syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV and rubella.
When the baby is born there are tests that have to be done a minute and 5 minutes immediately after
birth known as the APGAR score. A physical examination is carried out in 72 hours followed
with another one in 8 weeks time. Other tests include newborn blood spot and hearing screen.
Conception Pregnancy is a miraculous beginning to life. The date of conception is often not
know exactly so pregnancy starts from the first day of the last menstrual period, which is usually a fortnight before conception.
At conception the baby inherits genes and chromosomes, half from the egg and half from the sperm. Usually
9 months later a woman goes into labour and gives birth to her child. |
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