MASSAGE DURING PREGNANCY
Back Massage : Let the beneficiary sit. Place left hand of the masseur over her forehead and right hand palm across the neck. Release the hands after few seconds. Massage shoulder blades and upper back with oiled fingers and with thumb do kneading movements. As a next step apply oil all over the back and do Eflluerage movement. Do the stroking from the base of the neck to lower back twenty times. Stroke across the back should start from the lower back and from the right hand side. Stroke out from inside of the body towards the loins with gentle upward movement with alternate hands. From lower back to the neck massage with thumbs upward on each side of the spine. This should be done four times.
Abdomen : Let the woman lie on back. Utmost care should be taken while pregnant woman lies on back. While lying on back exertion of extra pressure on blood vessels due to the overweight of the foetus takes place. This may cause damage to the blood vessels. To avoid such an eventuality, support head, neck and back with cushions or pillows. The strokes applied should be light and gentle.
After applying oil on the abdomen glide the palms from either side of the waist directed against navel. The hands should be lifted when they reach the navel. This process should cover the entire abdomen. Thereafter the flat of the hand should move clockwise. Repeat the process 5 to 6 times.
Legs : Place a cushion or pillow below the knees and apply the oil and stroke the legs with Effleurage movement from ankle to knee. Then massage from shinbone to calf. This is to smooth the muscles. Massage the scalp and neck in clockwise movement as finishing process.
Blends Suggested
Based on the pregnant woman’s physical and mental conditions any pair of the following essential oils in a ratio of 2 : 20 drop of essential and base oil may be used:
Lavender and Sandal. Neroli and Frankincense. Lavender and Chamomile Sandal and Ylang Ylang
The woman with pregnancy induced hypertension or diabetes should consult an aromatherapist before embarking on the aromatherapy
