Levisagewellness Blog

The birth of a child is an astounding miracle – unless you’re 2 week overdue and have tried everything to induce labor! It seems that every pregnancy is regaled with the claims of how best to ‘get that baby out!’. Everything from hot chili peppers and castor oil to orgasms and driving over railroad tracks – each region is rich with its own solution to this age old dilemma.

There is at least 1 tried and true method to help induce labor – massage! Even midwives and prenatal nurses have acknowledged the benefits of reflexology massage. Some prenatal programs have even begun including this method as part of the training for their nurses.

re·flex·ol·o·gy/ˌrēˌflekˈsäləjē/Noun

1. A form of therapy practiced as a treatment in alternative medicine in which the soles of the feet are massaged:  designed to stimulate the blood supply and nerves and thus relieve tension

2. Massage of feet or hands based on the belief that pressure applied to specific points on these extremities benefits other parts of the body

3. A method of massage that relieves nervous tension through the application of finger pressure, especially to the feet

This is the general definition of the practice of reflexology; specifically, it has been proven throughout history that various ailments definitely benefit from this technique.

INDUCTION OF LABOR

Always putting the baby’s safety first, never practice the labor inducing massage before your 38th week of pregnancy; even better, wait until the 41st week! The following points have proven to be the most effective in starting contractions:

• Inside Heel – apply firm but gentle pressure to the inside of each heel – this spot is very sensitive! As the diagram shows, this point is the reflexive point for the uterus – and can cause the uterus to contract.
• Arch of Foot – just in front of the heel, this extremely sensitive region is reflexive to the bladder, which is connected to the uterus. Apply pressure to this point on either foot during labor to relieve contraction pains.
• First & Second Toes – about 1 finger width below the base of you big toe and the one next to it, although extremely tender provides a degree of comfort during labor as it affects the thyroid. Prior to labor, you may feel your uterus contract while applying pressure to this spot.

The most effective reflexology point for inducing labor is the ‘Thumb Point’. To induce labor (after 38 weeks gestation), firmly press the center of  1 of your thumbs for a minimum of 3 minutes; release and repeat with other thumb.

This area is connected to the pituitary gland, which produces oxytocin. Uterine contractions are induced by the release of this naturally occurring hormone.

As you reach – and surpass –  your due date, be certain to add reflexology massage to your labor inducing repertoire. Everett massage is the ideal setting for a relaxing maternity massage as well as lessons for your labor coach during the birthing process. While you can attempt reflexology yourself, it is always best to be guided by a professional.

I have always been a fan of massages or getting a massage. It is my typical way of releasing a week’s tension or stress, plus, it is beneficial for my health as it eases out fatigued and sore muscles. I heard from a friend that there is a new style of massage that guarantees not only relaxation but healing as well. It is called Mukilteo stone massage or commonly referred to as hot stone massage as well. It is not your usual massage, here they take your massage to a new level using therapeutic approach and relaxing techniques using stones. Yes, these stones are the primary tool used in this massage.

This massage is unexpectedly gentle, smooth, and does not require hard kneading from therapists who have the proper knowledge and training. So if you have bits of reservation for those hard point massages but long for a deep-muscle-massage, this would be the better option. These stones are practically made of basalt, a kind of rock that generally retains heat and stays warm during the massage. It is heated first to up to one hundred and twenty degrees (Fahrenheit) just to retain the heat during the whole massage experience. River rocks are commonly used for this massage as they have the quality of being smooth and flat. The Everett Massage therapist would hold the stone first before placing in on your body to avoid burn injuries or scalding and when it is placed on your body, the heat is already manageable.

Stone massage is excellent for people who suffer from back pains, nervous system problems; any arthritis related pains, stress, insomnia, as well as depression. These stones are placed on areas where the massage therapist feels the need for certain pressure. Usually, the massage therapist would start off by the routine oil placed on your back; afterwards, the therapist would glide these rocks and starts to place it on each areas of your body. They even have small stones that would fit your palms and toes as well. This massage would normally last for an hour. Stone massage however is not recommended for people with infectious skin diseases or prone to blood clotting.