Antenatal (pregnancy or prenatal) massage aims to deeply relax tense muscles and ligaments, reduce stress and anxiety associated with impending labor, and relieve pain for the mother to be. Body pain is very common during pregnancy since the expanding womb and weight of the fetus puts pressure on the lower abdomen, back and shoulders. The treatment is always tailored to the specific needs of each trimester. This deeply relaxing massage reduces water retention and morning-sickness as well as enhancing muscle and joint function and improving circulation and general body tone. 

Baby Reflexology & Massage

Babies are especially responsive to reflexology. Many mothers will instinctively rub their children’s feet and hands when their child is cranky, crying, or uncomfortable. Reflexology works very well for most babies.  Reflexology is effective and safe, it is based on the principle that reflex points found on the feet and hands correspond to specific organs, muscles, bones and body systems.

Babies’ feet have undeveloped arches, and their skin and bones are usually fairly soft making reflexology an effective and fast modality for babies. By applying gentle pressure to congested areas in the feet, blockages can be released to restore the flow of energy to the whole body.  Results for babies are often experienced immediately and can soothe a cranky baby or help to relieve tummy pains or constipation.

Reflexology with children can begin at birth and can be used as a valuable tool to dissipate children’s stresses in a nurturing way. As your baby gets older and begins walking the use of reflexology can also be combined with checking the development of the feet. Children’s feet should be checked regularly to avoid problems caused by ill-fitting shoes such as: flat feet, corns, toe deformities; as well as looking for infectious conditions such as: athlete’s foot and warts.

Reflexology is particularly beneficial for babies who have experienced a difficult birth such as forceps or ventouse. Tiny bones of the skull will have experienced great pressure as a result of the use of these instruments, and it has been found that these bones can be marginally misaligned. Reflexology can help to correct this in the gentlest of ways. You can use reflexology as a natural healing therapy for acute illnesses as well as a preventative maintenance tool for good health.