Stress in the workplace is common for many of us. But how wonderful is it when your corporation helps to give you balance by helping to lower the stress. Many corporations have realized lowering stress does not only benefit their employees, but also benefits the company itself. Studies have shown that happy, healthy employees contribute to a company’s success. Decreasing stress and increasing energy have positive effects that reverberate throughout the entire organization. With on-site chair massage our job is to help your company keep its competitive edge by ensuring the well-being and health of your employees. Please see some of the advantages below.

Advantages of workplace massage for employees:

• Immediate Stress Relief
• Improves Alertness
• Relieves Tension in Tired Muscles
• Increases Productivity
• Enhances Employee Loyalty and Morale
• Lowers Anziety and Hostility
• Relieves Fatigue
• Enhances Creative Thinking
• Improves Problem Solving
• Strenthens Immunity

Advantages of Workplace massage for the Company Include:

• Increases Performance and Productivity
• Reduces Employee Absenteeism
• Enhances Employee Loyalty and Morale
• Energizes Employees and Increases Motivation to Return to Work
• Helps to Recruit Top Talent
• Improves Overall Company Health
• Tax Deductible as a Business Expense and Employee Benefit
• Reduces Worker’s Compensatioin and Insurance Premiums

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The body of a woman is complex and amazing. With having such a complex system there are often special needs of a woman that a man would not require. For example, a woman may find herself having trouble conceiving, overwhelmed with pain from pregnancy, or facing the battle of breast cancer and may look to others for help. Massage therapy is the natural friend that many women lean on in such instances. It is a drug-free approach to difficult women’s issues and a way for women to de-stress.  Stress is the common factor in many painful times and massage has been proved again and again to help. In this report we will look at three topics (Infertility, Pregnancy and Breast Cancer) and see how each is helped with massage. We will dive into incredible statistics and studies that show the advantage to adding massage to such life events. Finally, we will take a glimpse into actual accounts from women who went through such life challenges and found massage therapy to help. Let us begin with the rising topic of infertility. According to The National Vital Statistics Report, April 1999, “The peak childbearing years for women in the US are between the ages of 25 and 29. More women are having their first child later in life. In 1970, 11,704 women had their first child between the ages of 35-39. That number jumped to 44,427 in 1986. By 1997, the number leapt to 88,501. Little more than 2,400 women had their first born child between the ages of 40 and 44 in 1970. By 1986, the figure doubled to 4,419. Yet in 1997, more than 15,550 women in this demographic gave birth to their first child.” The number continues to rise as time goes on and the rise is matched by the number of fertility clinics. Women find themselves focusing on their career in their 20’s, working hard to reach higher goals than their mothers may have had. Once women enter their 30’s their focus changes to children, but their body is already undergoing changes and they may have a harder time conceiving. In 1995 the US Department of Health and Human Services found that 6.1 million, 10% of married couples had impaired fecundity (either infertile or had problems conceiving or carrying a child to term) in 1995. Massage Therapy helps with infertility through preconception massage or also known as fertility massage. Fertility massage combines cranial sacral work, pituitary stimulation, jaw release, acupressure points, castor oil packs, and reflexology to open, cleanse and balance the body in preparation for conceiving. It also breaks up adhesions in the pelvis girdle supporting optimal blood and nerve flow. Its use of meridian points, pelvic rocking, jaw release and reflexology are all included to support conception. But a major component of this type of work is stress relief. A recent study by Wasser, Sewall, and Soules in the journal of Fertility and Sterility suggested that psychosocial distress contributes significantly to the etiology of some forms of infertility. Negro-Vilar in the journal of Environmental Health Perspectives, reported that Environmental factors are often invoked as contributing to many cases of unexplained infertility. These are just two studies out of several that are now suggesting an apparent link between stress and infertility. Another major stress that a woman may go through in her lifetime is pregnancy. A woman’s body goes through tremendous changes during pregnancy, when rapid weight gain causes a change in her center of gravity and her posture. As her abdomen grows, the curve of her lower back increases and her knees rotate outwards. These changes put extra strain on the muscles of the hips and lower back. Because of these changes, pain tends to develop in the muscles of the neck and back and in load bearing joints in the hips. Walking becomes more difficult during pregnancy. Women develop a waddling gait which William Shakespeare called the “proud walk of pregnancy”. All of these conditions are more common in older mothers and women with less muscle tone.Major benefits from receiving massage during this time include: increasing blood circulation to the mother, the placenta and the baby, reducing muscular tension, improving mood, and promoting better sleep. But the many positive effects also come with the relief of anxiety, stress and depression. After a pregnancy massage women often report that their back pain, symphysis pubis pain, and neck and shoulder pain are greatly diminished. They also report that they sleep better for a day or two. A study reported in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology evaluated massage’s effect on pregnant women. Researchers found that a 20-minute massage, twice a week resulted in reduced anxiety, improved mood, better sleep, less back pain and fewer complications during labor. Field,T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S., KuhPrn, C. & Burman, I., Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy, Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 20, 31-38, 1999. A pregnancy massage is typically done on a woman in her 2^nd or 3^rd trimester, but appropriate pregnancy massage that observes precautions and contraindications can be very beneficial to pregnant women in their 1^st trimester. Pregnancy massage is done in a side-lying position with pillows supporting the woman around her body. Proper positioning is important for the comfort and safety of her and her child. Certain acupressure points on the body are avoided because they are believed to help induce labor. A knowledgeable therapist is important for this reason and should have certification in pregnancy massage. Here is a list of common pregnancy massage myths:Myth #1Pregnancy is an illness Pregnancy is a natural adaptation of the female body that supports the gestation of a baby or babies.

Myth #2Pregnancy massage is the same as massaging someone who is not pregnant. Pregnancy massage affects two or more people – mother and baby or babies! Excellent pregnancy massage requires modifying client positioning and massage techniques for both the mother’s and baby’s safety while focusing on the unique anatomical, physiological and emotional changes of pregnancy.

Myth #3You should only use a light touch or pressure with pregnancy massage. The goal of pregnancy massage is to stimulate a parasympathetic response of the mother’s autonomic nervous system – rest and relaxation – and to reduce the myofascial tension that may contribute to the common discomforts and pain syndromes of pregnancy. Like the rest of us, pregnant women have different pleasure/pain levels. Some pregnant women relax with and enjoy a deeper touch, while others prefer a more moderate or lighter touch. Skilled massage therapists establish good communication with their clients about their pressure and closely track their client’s responses during the session.

Myth #4You should not massage or use reflexology on pregnant women’s feet, because they will go into labor. Pregnant women need and benefit from foot massage and reflexology when the massage therapist observes the contraindicated reflexive zones and acupressure points.

This information was taken from the Cortiva Institute.

This can be a very stressful time for a woman and she benefits greatly from massage. But she is not the only one to benefit, it also helps her child. Pregnancy massage has been studied in the connection of reducing the risk of premature births. With the calming nature of massage it had been known to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the mother and thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful full-term pregnancy.

The Johnson and Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C supported a study that found, “in addition to relaxing the mother, massage might bring into balance stress hormones including cortisol and norephinephrine. Elevated stress hormones can lead to complications during pregnancy including low birth weight and even miscarriage”.

Each massage is different in its own way with clients having unique pain and tension. However, there are common discomforts and changes that link pregnant women together. With each session a therapist learns more about the woman’s specific needs and should address them carefully. Knowledgeable therapists look forward to the opportunity to ease away pain and stress during this time in a woman’s life and more research supports the positive connection.

We have looked at how massage can benefit women during times of pregnancy and trying to conceive, but it also can support women through a difficult battle. This is the battle of breast cancer. Statistics from the American Cancer Society regarding invasive cancers are extremely sobering. At some point, usually in later life, over one in three American women will be affected, and nearly one out of two men. Cancer Facts and Figures – 1998. American Cancer Society. 1998.

The emotional and physical challenges of breast cancer can include relationship changes, muscle soreness, anxiety about the future, and a lowered self-image. Each woman handles the stress differently and may look to alternative health modalities to help ease her. Medications are not always enough for a person going through this painful time. Massage is a natural way for women to get back in touch with their bodies and give themselves the nurturing relief they need.

In Liverpool, England a Nurse researcher, Susie Wilkinson, of the Marie Curie Cancer Center studied the effects of a series of four weekly, full-body massages on the quality of life for patients with advanced cancer. The most common sites of cancer in the participants were breast, lung, gynecological and head and neck. Fifty-six out of the 87 subjects had metastatic disease. Patients were referred to the project primarily for anxiety and tension, followed by pain and depression. Sixty-eight percent of the massage recipients returned their questionnaires. All of them said that relaxation was a positive result of massage. Aside from relaxation, 33 percent reported pain reduction, while 20 percent reported other physical benefits such as decreased edema, increased mobility, and improved skin condition. Wilkinson, S. Get The Massage. Nursing Times. 1996;92 (34): 61-64.

More is on the way…Shannon Grant, LMT, Owner, The Art of Touch Therapeutic Massage Center

Below you will find information separated into three sections; “30’s” “40’s” & “50’s.” Each section has a brief outline summarizing the most common stressors/conditions frequently experienced within each age group. Additionally, you will find that we have provided a brief explanation on how massage therapy can help change or improve each condition and reduce stressors. At the very least, I hope this is a good start for what you were looking for. I am happy to continue providing information in a form most convenient for you. There is also a great deal of information at http://www.amtamassage.org; I frequently go there myself to stay current on issues in the industry.

Fertility and Pregnancy

Parenthood Job Stability Body Changes

How can massage therapy help?Fertility Issues

Fertility Massage offers soothing benefits to support couples conceiving and includes techniques such as:

¨ Cranial sacral work

¨ Pituitary stimulation

¨ Acupressure points

¨ Castor oil packs

¨ Reflexology

In addition to its calming effects, Fertility Massage is a natural way to improve a couples chances of conceiving.

Pregnancy Massage is a wonderful choice for women how have already conceived and in their second or third trimester. This type of massage has different positioning to support the woman and has many benefits including: reducing anxiety, increasing blood circulation to the mother and baby, improving mood, and reducing muscular tension and pain associated with hormonal changes and weight gain.

In the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology a study showed the decreased anxiety and stress hormones (norepinephrine) during pregnancy and fewer obstetric and postnatal complications including lower prematurity rates following pregnancy massage^.1

1. Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C., & Burman, I. (1999). Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstretics and Gynecology, 19, 31-38.

Postpartum Massage is a great way to help steer off postpartum depression. This type of calming massage helps to ease depression, addresses muscular changes that occurred during pregnancy, and boosts energy lost during the process of childbirth.

In a study in Adolescence journal it was found that brief sessions of massage therapy and music therapy we noted to shift the EEG of depressed mothers from greater relative right frontal activation (a pattern associated with depression) to symmetry.

2. Jones, N., Field, T. (1999). Right frontal EEG asymmetry is attenuated by massage and music therapy. Adolescence, 34, 529-534.

Parenthood

Most individual’s in their 30’s are in the prime of their career. When children enter the picture young parents struggle to find quiet time. As great a gift as childrearing is, often times this beautiful gift sometimes creates a hyper stimulated environment for the parents; leaving them with little time for rest. Massage Therapy allows the parents to take a break and enjoy a brief moment to themselves where they can focus on their body and mind. Even an hour helps to ease stress and gives them the rest their body needs.

Job Stablity

Men and women in their 30’s are typically trying to juggle a busy work schedule, exciting social schedules and spending time with family members. Often they may find themselves overworked and overstressed, making it difficult to concentrate. Massage helps clear your mind and improves focus because it relieves stress, improves alertness, and reduces the likelihood of pain from repetitive stress syndrome and chronic headaches. As the world we live in becomes increasingly stressful ,both physically and emotionally, we are left with two choices; either we avoid stress, or we learn how to deal with it effectively. It is, of course, impossible to avoid stress, and therefore the only real solution is to find ways to manage the stresses and strains we encounter each day. One way is the use of massage therapy.

Body Changes

In our 20’s we may have run a marathon one day and then spend the night out on the town. As we grow into our 30’s, recovery time from physical activity takes longer. Massage is a great addition to any fitness programs and helps speed the recovery process by relaxing tight muscles and relieving muscle ache and stiffness.

“One of the most common setbacks for athletes is delayed-onset muscle soreness, more commonly known as DOMS. This refers to muscle pain that typically develops several hours post-exercise and consists of predominantly eccentric muscle actions–especially if the exercise in unfamiliar. Recent studies have concluded that sports massage may help reduce and prevent the often-painful and debilitating effects of DOMS in athletes. An Australian study involving 5 healthy men and women who performed a variety of new exercises, has concluded that massage played a key role in easing DOMS, showing that massage was effective in alleviating DOMS by approximately 30% and reducing swelling. Massage can reduce this though the improved blood and lymphatic system circulation that assists in the removal of metabolites and other toxins.” (http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=8824)

Also, as metabolism begins to slow at this age massage therapy increases the parasympathetic nervous system function which helps us “rest and digest.” It also lowers the hormone cortisol which has been linked as a cause of increased fat production.

“Massage of the abdomen will, of course, help to overcome problems of constipation and encourage proper elimination. Anyone who has experienced a period of constipation knows that our whole sense of well-being begins to be affected by this condition. Treatments which support the healthy functioning of the liver and spleen are also recommended.”© Eileen Bristol R.M.T.
(Excerpted from Lilipoh)

Debt is a burden at any age and at 40 many with children begin planning on how to pay for college or reducing credit card balances; managing debt becomes more of a stress builder. Stress builds quickly and we may feel buried in bills, having a hard time concentrating on anything but debt. Massage therapy helps by reducing stress and allowing the individual to take time to regroup. Once stress is lowered we can focus our attention better on future plans.

“Sandwich Generation”:

In our 40’s individual typically have more responsibilities and their personal time is first to be cut from their busy schedules. Often times those in their 40’s are considered a part of the “Sandwich Generation.” Mom’s and dads find themselves stuck in the middle taking care of children and simultaneously taking care of their own parents. Sacrificing personal time causes us to feel stressed and unfulfilled. Massage therapy helps this situation by creating an environment completely focused on relaxing and self reflection. Stress has also been known to make some individuals feel physical pain. Massage therapy can help ease muscular pain allowing us to return to our responsibilities.

“The mind, which before massage is in a perturbed, restless, vacillating and even despondent state, becomes after massage, calm, quiet, peaceful and subdued; in fact, the wearied and the worried mind has been converted into a mind restful, placid and refreshed.”

~ Dr. Stretch Dowse, Eminent Victorian Physician, 1887.

Body Changes

Cellulite, skin losing elasticity, and slower metabolism are common bodily changes in the 40’s. All are helped with massage therapy. Though massage does not remove cellulite, it does provide a temporary solution by spreading the layer of skin the cellulite resides on. Massage also helps to enhance tissue elasticity and promotes well nourished skin.

“Losing weight gradually, undergoing courses of lymphatic massage, engaging in daily skin-brushing and taking regular exercise should also be the initial choice of treatment. When giving yourself a massage, use a string glove, loofah and essential oils.” Copyright © 2001 What Doctors Don’t Tell You (Volume 12, Issue 9)

Health Issues

Improving immune system function is a great bonus of massage therapy. As we age we require more “maintenance” in this area. The massage therapist will help to increase blood circulation as well as lymph circulation, giving our immune system the boost it needs.

“People who recognize a weakness in their immune system often wonder if massage can be helpful. The answer is yes! However this is not a situation such as a muscular strain that can be relieved in a treatment or two. When we address immune system problems we must speak to the patient’s whole being, striving to restore harmony and a feeling of wholeness. This can help to restore the self-balancing capacity. Regular massage sessions provide significant benefit beyond the immediate the relaxation we enjoy. Numerous scientific studies show positive results from regular massage treatments. In one study by Gail Ironson, M.D., HIV positive men were given 45 minute massages five days a week, for a month. They showed an increase in serotonin and an increase in natural killer cells, viewed as the first line of defense in the immune system. This is testing a very narrow aspect of the human immune system, but it does lend scientific credibility to a therapy which is widely recognized as therapeutic, based on experience.” © Eileen Bristol R.M.T.
(Excerpted from Lilipoh)

50’s Stressors:1. Menopause 2. Retirement Approaching3. “Empty Nest” Syndrome4. Health Changes

How can Massage Therapy help?

Menopause

A woman is flooded with changes that occur when she is going through menopause. Some of the negative side effects are memory loss, dry skin and hair, insomnia, digestive issues, and a lowered body self esteem. For memory loss, massage can help by giving women the calm focus that comes through relaxing and staying present during a massage. Dry skin and hair is helped because through moving the skin it increases circulation to the skin, which promotes vibrant skin and enhances tissue elasticity. Insomnia is helped by teaching clients how to slow down, focus on their breath and preparing them to do the same in the evening before they sleep. With digestive issues, as we have stated before massage therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This system allows us to “rest and digest” and improves our metabolism. And finally with body self esteem, massage therapy is a safe environment for women to receive safe, nurturing touch which in turn helps boost their comfort with their own bodies.

“Massage can be extremely therapeutic for women who feel anxious. Gentle touching either by a trained massage therapist, your relationship partner, or even yourself can be very relaxing. Tension usually fades away relatively quickly with gentle, relaxed touching. The kneading and stroking movement of a good massage relaxes tight muscles and improves circulation. If you can afford to do so, I recommend treating yourself to a professional massage during times of stress. Otherwise, trade with a friend or partner. There are also many books available that instruct people how to massage themselves.”(Excerpted from The Menopause Self Help Book)

Retirement Approaching

As retirement approaches we may get nervous and unsure about what the future holds. It is easy to lose focus on our own happiness and health. Massage therapy reminds receivers to relax, calming their nerves, helping them to focus, and increasing their overall feelings of well being.

Empty Nest Syndrome

This is a time in an individual’s life where they may have children that have moved away, or going to school, and the house feels “empty” to them. Personal interaction is very important during this time period. With the hour or hour and a half each person spends with their massage therapist they are getting the benefit of caring touch and kind personal interaction.

“In the view of Traditional Asian Medicine (TAM), mind and body are interconnected and inseparable. Therefore, extreme emotions can not only cause a disharmony in the functioning of the internal organs of the body but imbalanced organ functions can cause a specific, exaggerated emotional affect. It can be reassuring to realize that body and mind are interrelated — to know that one’s emotional state has a physical basis, or that distressing physical symptoms may be caused by an emotional state. To see this relationship clearly is helpful in deciding upon an effective course of action to restore harmony to body/mind.”

Originally published in Massage & Bodywork magazine, October/November 2003.
Copyright 2003. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

Health Changes

In our 50’s our health may take some new turns. Many of which are helped with massage therapy. For example, massage therapy helps speed recovery from muscle aches and stiffness. Also, massage therapy increases energy levels by freeing toxins and scar tissue that may have slowed energy through the body. It also aids the immune system functioning by helping to “pump” lymph drainage.

“It is important to consider that much illness arises out of imbalance rather than because of a specific thing. By restoring balance, many of the maladies that afflict modern humans can be remedied. This idea is based on research and borne out by clinical experience. Therapeutic massage can be a valuable part of any effort to boost energy and restore balance. Massage can improve immunity, promote circulation, improve digestion, reduce muscle tension, reduce the stress response, stimulate the elimination of metabolic toxins that build up in body tissues, and stimulate the nervous system.”

Source: Tired of Being Tired, by Dr. Michael A. Schmidt

Massage therapy benefits every age group and as our body changes the needs for massage may change. It is important to discuss with your therapist what specific changes you are looking for. They may include more energy, less pain, or overall well being; all very important changes that can be initiated through the gift of touch.

Shannon Grant

Owner

The Art of Touch

Therapeutic Massage Center

244 14^th St. NE

Atlanta, GA 30309

(404) 602-4054

As I sit at my computer to type this article I notice my position. My arms just a bit too forward to be comfortable, my neck and chin poke forward to focus on the screen, and my shoulders roll forward then down to relax into my posture. And I think to myself – how do you people do this all day!

I am a Massage Therapist and have seen hundreds of clients who suffer from the pain caused from being in this position all day. And I often tell them to sit up, pull their shoulders back, and stretch as much as possible. In a perfect world this advice would be enough to make those pains go away, but I know these regimens are not always enough. Sometimes we have so much on our minds that our body posture is not the priority. It is when our bodies start to “talk” to us in small ways that we need to listen. The tightness you feel in your neck will most likely get worse if you don’t address it. That knot in your shoulder will most likely get bigger as the stress at work increases. And the thumb cramps and wrist tenderness will most likely stay longer if not addressed now.

When your body starts to “talk” to you about its needs, massage therapy will help keep it quiet. Massage therapy – specifically deep tissue massage – releases the build-up of tension in your body. I will save you from the long list of benefits of massage therapy which include improved circulation, sleep, and alertness (sorry had to give a few). The major benefit for you is that you can continue to work hard and have a healthy outlet to release the tension caused from sitting like that…by the way please sit up.

We would love to be able to work on that injury from the crazy days that has built up a good amount of scar tissue, but even if you are short on time, a 30 minute massage would benefit. Not only will your body thank you, but also your mind. Studies done by the University of Miami’s Touch Research Institute showed that massaged adults exhibited enhanced mental alertness, completed math problems in significantly less time and with more accuracy, and exhibited lower job stress after a five-week period. Now doesn’t that sound better than the sugar filled snacks our co-worker brought in for energy?

Looking at our body positioning all day is not realistic, but receiving intervals of massage therapy to keep it at bay is realistic. Listen to your neck, shoulders, wrists and fingers that are calling to you for relief. I hope to talk to you soon about how we can help.

Shannon Grant

Owner

The Art of Touch, Therapeutic Massage Center

244 14^th Street NE

Atlanta, GA 30309

(404) 602-4054

www.theartoftouchmassage.com

I have never been pregnant, but I am truly amazed and in awe with women who are pregnant. The way their bodies are able to transform to meet the needs of their child is perfect. I hope to understand this first hand someday, but until then my desire to learn about pregnancy is fulfilled through pregnancy massage. I have been a massage therapist now for 6 years and have done hundreds of pregnancy massages. Each massage being very different with the client having unique pain and tension. The common occurrence of low back pain, nausea, and sciatica were often expressed on my massage table, but more issues were listed. I have keenly listened and researched the uncommon issues. Some of these included anxiety, carpal tunnel-like pain, and sleeplessness. The more I researched and focused on how pregnancy massage could help such issues, the more I grew with loving pregnancy massage.Before a pregnancy massage I am always sure to make sure the client has proper medical care and we discuss basic information about her progression. Working together to answer all of her questions along with my own questions about her health was a vital part of the process. One thing I have noticed during my time as a massage therapist is the amount of confusion about pregnancy massage. Most clients yearn for the chance for relief, but are unsure about the positioning of pregnancy massage and want to make sure it is safe. My hopes are to explain what makes pregnancy massage different (besides the pregnant woman of course) and also shed light on some of the myths that have surfaced.When a client comes in for a pregnancy massage we have them fill out a client intake form, filled with useful information the therapist can use to plan the session. This will alert the therapist to medical conditions and problem areas. The therapist will explain the steps of the massage to the client as I will explain to you. Our guest will have their own room with a massage table with no face rest. This is because pregnancy massage is done side-lying with 3-4 pillows supporting the woman’s legs, abdomen, arms and neck. The therapist leaves the room to allow the woman to undress and relax under the sheet and blanket of the massage table. When we re-enter we create the “nest” of pillows around our client. Most women take pleasure in this relaxed, safe positioning that they do not have to manipulate themselves. Once beginning the massage, a therapist will usually lightly compress the back and legs to make an initial connection. The therapist then undrapes the back, keeping all other areas of the body covered. As he or she massages with their unscented lotion they carefully check in with their client about the pressure. Pregnancy massage does not necessarily mean light pressure massage. Those trained in pregnancy massage understand that some women relax with a deeper touch. There has been a misconception of pregnancy massage that the entire session should be light pressure to avoid any complications. A knowledgeable therapist will know the areas that should be avoided with deep tissue (for example the abdomen and the medial aspects of the legs), and will continue on other areas of the body with appropriate pressure. An advanced therapist also understands the background of energy meridians going through the body and where to avoid trigger point work. This means that the therapist would avoid holding sustained pressure with their thumb, or elbow on areas such as the inner web of the hand (between your thumb and index finger). These areas were taught to us through our education and have a basis with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Please ask the therapist about these areas to make sure they have had adequate training. These areas of the body do not need to be avoided all together, just avoided with deep sustained pressure. The therapist will be able to work on one side of the body at a time, working on the back, neck, face, arms, hips, legs and feet. After one side has been worked on, the client will slowly roll over onto their other side. The therapist will readjust the pillows and then begin to massage the other half of the body, continuously checking in with the client about pressure and comfort level. After a full body massage, the therapist will help the client remove the pillows that are surrounding them and then leaves the room for the client to redress. After the session, our client would receive water and talk about how her body feels after the helpful session. We pride ourselves on our specialty of pregnancy massage at The Art of Touch, Therapeutic Massage Center. Each client is our guest in our bed and breakfast-like environment, and we focus all of our attention on their health and well being. The Art of Touch has been a dream of mine for a long time. I envisioned a place where our guests are at the heart of everything we do and every therapist is extremely knowledgeable and talented. Dreams do come true. I hope this article helped answer any questions about pregnancy massage, but please do not hesitate to call with any more. We hope to be a part of many healthy pregnancies.

Shannon GrantOwner, The Art of Touch(404) 602-4054