Massage therapy and other forms of healing touch have been used for thousands of years (possibly as far back as 15,000 BC! Yes, really, we can find this depicted in European cave paintings). It's presence has been regarded all around the globe, as a method to address many, various discomforts, ailments, and issues we experience in our bodies.

But, what about pregnancy? Can massage therapy play a role in the journey into motherhood? Before the medicalization of birth, a process which began in the 1700s and peaked in the early 20th century, the journey into motherhood was simply a domestic event guided by midwives (literally meaning 'with woman'). These were women who may have been poor or uneducated but were highly experienced in delivering babies. Within the practice of Midwifery, massage played a role in addressing the position of the baby and speeding up labor, among other applications. Yeah, but that was a long time ago, right? People did lots of ill-conceived things back then... How do we know it's actually safe? Are there any REAL benefits?

Well, lucky for us, we now have a body of evidence-based research as well as an ancient and rich history to demonstrate the safety and many benefits of massage therapy for the pregnant client. Prenatal massage is so much more than a sweet treat for a pregnant mother; it's a process that can improve the pregnancy experience and perinatal outcomes for both the mother and infant! Come back next week to learn what prenatal massage can offer you!