6 Benefits of Postpartum Massage: Healing Begins With Gentle Touch
Months of carrying that beautiful little bun can leave a mum feeling worn out. To put it simply, bringing a life into this world is not an easy task, and recovering from this magical journey can take a long time. Being thrown into a world of chaos following childbirth, complete with restless nights and constant feedings, does not help fast-track the healing process either.
This is where the miraculous power of touch comes into play. The simple act of massaging the body with potent blends and skillful hands can work wonders on those tense and tired muscles. Relaxing massages have shown to be effective in speeding up the healing process and promoting all-around better health and wellness during the postpartum period.
Below are the 6 major benefits of indulging in postpartum massage therapy :
Benefit 1 – It Can Regulate Hormones
After birth, pregnancy hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone plummet, resulting in an hormonal imbalance. This sudden drop can make mums feel off and out of sorts. A relaxing massage will not increase these hormones, but it can raise the level of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone — responsible for promoting nurturing feelings and behaviours. Furthermore, massage can also lower stress hormones like cortisol and calm the nerves.
Benefit 2 – It Can Relieve Swelling
Aside from hormones, postpartum massage can also bring balance to various bodily fluids. Kneading and skillfully massaging the body can get rid of bloating caused by water retention and edema (swelling) in the ankles and feet. In addition, it can also promote lymph node drainage, which aids in detoxifying the body by releasing lymphatic fluid.
Benefit 3 – It Can Combat Postpartum Blues
For many mums, the fourth trimester can be as stressful and emotionally draining as the previous three. Constantly having to adapt to new changes due to the baby can be a lot to handle. Some mums can even experience postpartum blues and develop symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, crying spells, and so on. For severe cases, it's advisable to seek medical help, but if the symptoms are mild, taking a quick trip to a spa that offers post pregnancy massage can definitely help.
As mentioned previously, massage can stimulate the release of certain hormones, including endorphins, which act as an analgesic, elevating mood and induce a state of relaxation.
Benefit 4 – It Can Lessen Fatigue and Improve Sleep
Quality sleep is a must for a new mum. It not only makes one feel refreshed and rejuvenated but also charges up the mind and body to tackle the many challenges of the days going forward. Therapeutic massage treatments can effectively reduce tiredness by creating a soothing vibe and help in getting restoring, restful sleep every night.
Benefit 5 – It Can Help Mum Lactate Better
Lactating mums can gain a lot by getting postpartum massages. The techniques used in massaging the chest area can stimulate breast tissues, triggering an increased milk flow. It can even break up lumps and ward off mastitis caused by clogged milk ducts or bacteria entering the breast.
Benefit 6 – It Can Improve Posture and Reduce Stretch Marks
During pregnancy, the growing belly causes the lower back curve to increase, thus altering the body posture. Targeted massage can realign the back and help mums regain their old posture. Stretch marks, on the other hand, will not go away completely. However, massaging the affected area with healing blends can break up the scar tissues and lessen their appearance.
Conclusion
It is true that time heals all wounds, visible and invisible, but getting a postpartum massage and experiencing a euphoric state of relaxation, even for an hour, can certainly accelerate the healing journey for new mums. Are you convinced that postpartum massage works? If yes, schedule an appointment with Hermosa Co today to regain control of your mind and body.
– The Hermosa Co.
