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One of the common questions we receive is “Does Induction Massage Work?”. The short answer is: Induction massage helps to prepare you and your body so that you are in the optimal state to naturally go into labour.
Pregnancy is a wonderful and exciting time for many women and pregnant people, but it can also be challenging, both physically and emotionally. One common issue faced in pregnancy is the discomfort associated with carrying a growing baby – and this obviously can get harder as the pregnancy progresses and the baby grows to full term, or even overdue for dates. Induction massage can be used closer to term to help relieve this discomfort, encourage the right environment for the onset of labour, and help women and pregnant people feel prepared, rested and ready for birth and everything to come. Research on acupressure techniques used in induction massage also shows reduced labour pain and reduced length of labour.
But what exactly is induction massage, and how can it benefit pregnant women?
Induction massage is a type of massage that is specifically designed to help prepare a woman’s body for labour and delivery. This type of massage is typically performed during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Ideally from 36 weeks, as the due date approaches.
The goal of induction massage is to help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and stimulate the body’s natural processes that are necessary for labour and delivery. It is believed that this type of massage can help to release hormones such as oxytocin. Oxytocin is known to help trigger labour. Additionally, induction massage can help to improve blood flow, which can be beneficial for both the mother and the baby.
Over 60 or 90 minutes, along with nourishing and relaxing pregnancy massage techniques, the massage involves acupressure points – gentle pressure on certain areas of the body that are believed to encourage the onset of labour. These acupressure points are very specific and include the lower back, hips, shoulders, hands and feet.
There are several potential benefits to receiving induction massage during pregnancy. Some of these benefits include:
One of the main benefits of induction massage is that it can help to reduce discomfort associated with pregnancy. This can include back pain, hip pain, foot pain, cramping and other types of discomfort that can make it difficult for pregnant women to sleep, stand, or even walk.
Pregnancy can be a stressful time for many women in different ways and it is common to worry about how this might affect the baby. Induction massage can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress. This can be beneficial for both the mother and the baby.
Many pregnant women struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, especially as the due date approaches. Induction massage can help to promote relaxation and improve sleep. This can be beneficial for both the mother and the baby.
While it does not act like medical induction, it is believed that induction massage using acupressure techniques can help to encourage the onset of labour, reduce labour pain and reduce the length of labour. This can be beneficial for both the mother and the baby, as a shorter labour can reduce the risk of complications during delivery.
Induction massage is generally considered to be safe for pregnant women. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced massage therapist who is trained in prenatal massage. A massage therapist who is familiar with the unique needs of pregnant women can help to ensure that the massage is safe and effective.
Our massage therapists are uniquely trained in Induction Massage. Our practitioners are skilled at using acupressure points, relaxation techniques and essential oils application to facilitate labour if you are facing (possibly early) medical induction, are keen to go into labour as soon as possible or are overdue for dates.
Studies of acupuncture have shown that acupuncture for birth preparation may reduce labor pain, the use of pharmacologic agents, the use of forceps and vacuum-assisted births, and the length of labor. There is also evidence that Chinese medicine techniques – especially moxibustion can promote optimal foetal position ready for birth. Many of our patients have regular induction acupuncture and induction massage in the last weeks of their pregnancy to prepare for labour and feel nourished and well rested prior to birthing their baby. There is no problem having both on the same day, or you may like to schedule your appointments 2-3 days apart.
You might enjoy listening to this podcast recorded by some of our practitioners at Fertile Ground – an interview by Naturopath, Gina Fox, with Acupuncturist, Jo Sharkey, and Massage Therapist & Birth Attendant, Fiona Harrison on everything you wanted to know about natural induction and birth preparation techniques.
Charmaine Dennis and Gina Fox also created a guided relaxation specific to this stage when you are coming up to your due dates. You can find it freely available on Spotify under Be Fertile, along with all of their fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding and sleep tracks. Or download a direct playlist from our saved playlists we created for our patients – search fertilegroundhealthgroup (all one word) in Spotify to access this free resource.
If you are interested in receiving induction massage during pregnancy, it is important to seek out a reputable massage therapist who is experienced in prenatal massage. Fertile Ground Health Group is a trusted provider of massage services for pregnant women. We offer a variety of massage services, including induction massage, specifically designed to help women throughout their pregnancy journey.
You can be confident that our experienced, professional and caring massage practitioners see pregnant and postnatal women, people with fertility/reproductive issues, and babies and children as part of their daily practice.
Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life, but it can also be challenging. Induction massage is a safe and effective way to help relieve discomfort associated with pregnancy. It also promotes relaxation and stress reduction. If you are interested in receiving induction massage during pregnancy, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider and seek out a qualified massage therapist.
Ready to treat yourself to a relaxing pregnancy massage with added health benefits? Contact us today for more information or book your prenatal massage in Melbourne online.