Prior to becoming pregnant, I had always been a stomach sleeper. Needless to say, sleeping on my back, tossing and turning from side to side, trying (and failing) to get comfortable every night, for nine months was incredibly difficult. My sleep suffered, I was exhausted, my back hurt and my hips & pelvis ached… It got so bad toward the end that I can actually remember feeling relief each morning, when nighttime was over and it was time to get up! At my baby shower, a friend gifted me a pre-natal massage at a local massage center. I remember feeling so excited to get the Best Prenatal Massage in Asheville, to finally get to lay on my stomach, to put my belly in that prenatal massage table hole and enjoy the deep tissue massage of my dreams… Imagine my disappointment when I arrived at said massage center to find that they did not in fact have a massage table with a belly hole and all they had for me was a lumpy body pillow and lame, light handed massage. I literally cried. I needed relief, so badly.
One would think that attending to the unique needs of expectant mothers is the primary goal of every prenatal massage, however, not all massage centers that offer Prenatal Massage are created equal. So, I did a little research to find the very Best Prenatal Massage in Asheville and have come to learn a little more about the controversy and competing view points within the massage industry regarding the safety of the belly hole and deep tissue massage for expectant mothers! Apparently, there’s a faction of massage therapists and physical therapists who believe that the massage tables with belly wholes could possibly contribute to round ligament pain. This controversial topic is a constant debate among massage professionals but one thing is certain: certified prenatal massage therapists are specially trained to tailor their massage techniques to help alleviate common pregnancy complaints and to protect both mother and child during the massage.
Prenatal massage is unique in its application. During the massage, the expectant mother is carefully supported by cushions and pillows in order to provide superior comfort and protect both she and baby from strain or injury. This cushioned support also helps alleviate extra strain on the lower back and pelvic areas when the pressure of massage techniques are applied. Extra attention is given to the areas of the body that are particularly affected during pregnancy, like the feet and back.
According to Dr. Mark Szostczuk of Blue Ridge Chiropractic, the benefits of prenatal massage are numerous. The gentle kneading massage can be supremely comforting both physically and emotionally to an expectant mother, and the psychological benefit itself can be quite therapeutic. In addition to stress and anxiety reduction, prenatal massage can help reduce expectant mothers’ common aches and annoyances, like swollen ankles lower back pain, leg cramps and headaches.
Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from prenatal massage. However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult their doctor or midwife before beginning a massage therapy program.
Here are a few great options for The Best Prenatal Massage in Asheville:
Blazing Lotus Healing House
Blazing Lotus Healing House (in my opinion – because the belly hole was super important to me) is the top option for the very Best Prenatal Massage in Asheville. According to their website’s prenatal massage description: A pregnant woman’s body is challenged, changed and stressed in many ways. Touch is vital to the mother’s physical and emotional well-being during this precious time. Here at Blazing Lotus, we have a pregnancy bolster that allows the expecting mother to lay face down, comfortably and safely, during all stages of pregnancy. This allows her to receive the maximum benefits from her massage. (SOLD! LOL)
Location:
North Asheville
54 Merrimon Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
Services Details & Book Online:
Fresh Aire Salon & Spa – Kelsey Ruehl
Kelsey is a dear friend of mine (my personal pick) and an incredible massage therapist! Kelsey offers Prenatal Massage at Fresh Aire Salon and Spa! According to Kelsey, she has a table that she puts in a semi-recline position to do face up body work and then she moves pregnant women to their sides, supported by memory foam pregnancy pillows for back and hip work. According to Fresh Aire’s website, their Prenatal Massage is a therapeutic massage designed to focus on the special needs of a mother-to-be as her body changes during pregnancy. This massage helps to reduce swelling and relieve aches and pains, as well as to provide emotional support during pregnancy.
Location:
3A Florida Ave,
Weaverville, NC 28787
Services Details & Book Online:
Prenatal Massage at Fresh Aire
Blossom N’ Roots – Chelsea Ann Gomes, LMBT, DONA
Chelsea offers so many options for expectant mamas massage! (which is music to my ears!)
As a prenatal and perinatal massage therapist and Arvigo® practitioner, Chelsea works with the transforming bodies of women in WNC. She can address specific conditions concerning reproductive and digestive health, as well as preparation and healing from birth.
According to her website, prenatal massage treatments are tailored for mothers-to-be and new moms by tending to the bodies’ growing needs. The session allows the mama to connect, relax and receive a deep nurturing experience. Various cushions and pillows are used to support both mother and baby during these sessions. Positions such as prone, sideline and supported supine are used to address specific areas of need.
Pregnancy Cut Out Table
Enjoy your session being able to safely lay prone. The table is built with a belly cut out that supports all the stages of pregnancy. An adjustable abdominal sling supports the round ligaments in the pelvis to keep expecting clients and their growing bellies comfortable. The table includes breast cut outs that reduce pressure on sensitive breast tissue and is also supportive for those with larger breasts.
Pregnancy Wedges
Used to allow a woman to lay on her back at a 45-degree angle with her ankles and feet propped up.
Body Pillow
Used to support a woman in a side-lying position.
Birth Ball
A woman may sit on the exercise ball and lean against the massage table to receive a therapeutic back massage.
Prenatal massage is a wonderful and supportive way to help the body adjust to the changes and transformations of pregnancy, as well as prepare for labor. Inviting a time to slow down, receive, breath deep, and connect with one’s self and their growing baby. These all being helpful skills to carry into labor and parenthood.Therapeutic touch can improve sleep patterns, encourage greater relaxation, alleviate stress in mind and body, increase circulation and decrease inflammation. A graceful blend of swedish massage, deep tissue, myofascial release, acupressure and reflexology techniques are used to meet the individual’s session needs.
Location:
A Whole Health Collective
207 Charlotte Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Services Details & Book Online:
Prenatal Massage at Blossom n Roots
If you’d like to learn more about
Maternity & Newborn Photography in Asheville
please visit our Website’s Maternity Photography & Newborn Photography portfolio pages to view our portfolio, information & booking!