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.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, including a deep tissue sports massage as part of your treatment regimen can speed up your healing time. Especially prevalent in persons with:

• Flat feet
• High arches
• Low arches

Oft times, one of the primary symptoms is severe pain when you take the first few steps in the morning. Continued trauma to the bottom (plantar) surface of the foot is thought to be the primary cause of plantar fasciitis; some examples of repeated trauma:

• Running
• Sitting for prolonged periods with heel elevated
• Spending long periods of time on your feet

These types of ‘trauma’ place the fascia under stress and cause the collagen in the ligament to degenerate. Previously believed to be an inflammation process, plantar fasciitis is actually  repeated micro-tears in the plantar fascia that “overcome the body’s ability to repair itself.” (American Association of Family Physicians)

Other anatomical indicators that can make a person prone to plantar fasciitis:

• Overpronation – feet roll inward
• Tight/short calf muscles
• Legs of differing length
• Extreme lateral tibial torsion – ‘in-toeing’ or ‘out-toeing’
• Femoral anteversion – inward twisting of thigh bone
• Obesity
• Elderly patients that have lost the ability to heal properly or quickly

MEDICAL TREATMENT

There is no quick fix for plantar fasciitis; as the primary cause of the problem is from repeated trauma, it is often difficult to conform to your doctor’s recommendations. After all, if you work on your feet all day, and the advised course of action is to stay off your feet until the pain resolves  - chances are you will continue injuring yourself more out of need than desire. The same situation follows for athletes that suffer from this painful condition. In addition to resting the feet:

• Plantar Fascia Taping Technique – by supporting the fascia with strips of tape, stress is reduced to the plantar fascia and the area is able to rest
• Cold Therapy – ice can be applied for 20 minute intervals to help reduce inflammation and to reduce painful symptoms
• Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint – placed on the foot (feet) at bedtime, the night splint gently stretches the calf muscle and fascia to avoid the areas tightening up over night
• Stretch Therapies – gentle, continued stretching exercises are necessary to provide long term recovery and reduce incidence of  recurrence

SPORTS MASSAGE FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS

As the main cause of pain with plantar fasciitis is the inability of the foot fascia to relax, a sports massage by a certified technician in Everett, Lynwood, Mukilteo, Lake Stevens and Snohomish is highly recommended. Be certain to indicate your diagnosis of plantar fasciitis to your massage therapist – there is a definitive plan of action to help re-stretch the fascia:

1. With patient laying face down on massage table, bend the knee such that the bottom of the injured foot is facing the ceiling
2. To stretch the fascia, gently bend all 5 toes toward the massage table while simultaneously kneading the sole of the foot with the thumb of your other hand – in a stroking motion from the heel to the ball of the foot. Note: never hold stretch more than 2 seconds!
3. After stretching both effected feet, have patient perform a series of 10 dorsiflexions – holding each for no more than 2 seconds. This motion – flexing the toes to reduce the angle between the top of the foot and the shin – stretches the interior calf muscle (Flexor digitorum longus). As the client is dorsiflexing, the therapist  should apply pressure along the flexor digitorum longus to break up any adhesions or scar tissue formed from prolonged muscle tension.
4. After allowing the patient to rest for a short while, complete treatment with 3-5 minutes of gentle massage to the foot and lower leg.

It has been shown that receiving a professional sports massage for plantar fasciitis at least once a week is extremely beneficial to the healing process. Twice a week is strongly advised for patients that can endure the treatment. While the massage process can be painful – the resultant eventual pain relief is well worth the process!

Are you wondering if massage is safe for your baby? The simple answer is: ABSOLUTELY!!! Infant massage has been practiced worldwide throughout the ages. Ideally, 1 or both parents learn the art of massage to practice the techniques on their child; however, proper instruction is essential. As a perfect learning tool, start by taking your infant to Mukilteo Massage; you can supplement weekly professional massage with a daily session at home.

It has been proven time and again that more contact with your baby is extremely beneficial. Babies who are rocked, breastfed and frequently carried in addition to massage are:

• Happier
• Better able to handle stress
• More Secure
• More trusting

Studies conducted pertaining to infant massage overwhelmingly advocate the benefits. In some European countries, a mother that does not massage her baby every morning is strongly admonished! Among the numerous documented beneficial responses to infant massage:

Stimulation of Growth-Promoting Hormones

The positive effects of a mother’s touch were recognized long ago with regard to dogs and other mammals. Not surprising that the same holds true for humans. When a baby is deprived of touch, production of the hormones required for growth are decreased. Even with injection of growth hormone factor, the babies do not grow – the stimulation of skin-to-skin contact is essential for human growth. This cellular response to touch is astounding!

Promotion of Brain Growth

It is theorized that the intimate touching of massage stimulates production of myelin. Myelin is the protective sheath that surrounds the nerves – which allows nerve impulses to travel more quickly. Ultimately, neurological development overall is enhanced through infant massage.

Aids Digestion

Gastrointestinal health is improved by the increased secretion of digestive hormones. It is thought that babies with colic caused by irritable colon syndrome are relieved with daily massage. This also factors into the advanced growth and neurological development – more calories efficiently consumed helps with overall health and happiness.

Behavioral Indications

Because a caregiver’s touch settles a baby, massage can help your infant sleep better at night. Additionally, babies that receive regular ‘additional’ touching respond more positively to a caregiver’s touch, are remarkably less fussy and are better organized. It would seem that the ability to sleep better likely accounts for the positive behavioral issues.

Improved Sense of Self

The act of massage allows your baby to learn his/her body; understanding very early what parts of the body are sensitive and how those parts feel when in need of either relaxation or stimulation promotes a child’s sense of self. It has been shown that this intimate knowledge of one’s body improves self-esteem and promotes a sense of personal value.

Improved Communication

Regular massage of your baby also benefits you as a parent! With such an intimate connection, both you and your baby learn the subtle nuances of body language. This is especially useful for working moms – a nightly massage re-connects you to your baby on the most intimate level.

Assistance with Special Needs Babies

Any baby that requires neonatal intensive care benefits tremendously from massage. As most of the touching that occurred while in hospital care was painful, it is essential to establish gentle touch that a baby enjoys. In cases where the mother is separated from her baby due to medical complications, massage is a perfect way to establish that ‘overdue’ connection. For ‘uncuddly babies’ – those with special needs and very sensitive – massage can teach them to enjoy being touched.

In addition to the benefits for your baby – imagine how relaxing it will be for you to spend special time with your baby. Always remember:

When baby is happy – everyone is happy!