Time to start thinking about number one and shout yourself a massage.

If you’re starting to get back into your training regime and beginning to feel a bunch of aches and pains in your muscles, then it’s time to do something about it.

Overworked muscles become sore and pain is there to tell you something.

If too much of a particular exercise is causing the grief, maybe it’s time to ease up on it and start bringing the opposing muscles into play.

What are opposing muscles?

Opposing Muscles (antagonist ones) are the muscles that oppose the Working Muscles. For example, when the Biceps are flexing (contracting), the Triceps (the antagonist muscles) are stretched (extended).

If you plan to build your Biceps, then it is important to consider the opposing muscle group and work the Triceps. The same applies to other opposing muscles in your body.

It’s also important to stretch the muscles that have just been worked after the completion of the workout.

Working your opposing muscles and stretching the muscles that have been worked keeps one muscle from becoming tighter than its opposing muscle, reducing the risk of injury.

Training your opposing muscles prevents injury. Muscles that work together to make a movement are in balance with one another instead of one dominating the other.

To avoid injury and keep the muscles balanced. Train the opposing muscles and stretch after exercising. Be sure to hold your stretches for at least 30 seconds.

So far, so good. Now all you need to do is book a massage. Give me a call soon…

The same people are often surprised to find it offers an effective alternative for treating problem muscles and joints normally considered the domain of modern medicine or other recognised forms of health care.

Over the past five to ten years there has been a huge increase in the number of well trained full time and part time professional massage therapists. As a result there are now many more patients who have experienced the benefits of massage by competent therapists and who are spreading the word.

The growing number of therapists reflects both the international trend back to natural therapies – particularly massage and naturopathy, and the local availability of high quality, professional, government-accredited training courses.

Part of the reason for the upsurge in massage popularity is that more and more, people want healing other than by drugs, surgery and other well accepted treatment techniques, some of which tend to drag on week after week for seemingly little result.

But the main reason demand is growing is that massage works.

Aching muscles and joints and relaxation are the obvious candidates for massage. However, it also can be used to relieve various other problems caused directly or indirectly by postural imbalances, for example breathing difficulties or sluggishness of the immune system.

Massage heals by activating changes in the body – in the various muscles, organs and systems, but it also works on psychological and emotional levels.

Balance.

By bringing the body back into balance, including left/right and front/back muscles and stimulating the flow of blood, oxygen and lymph fluid to all parts of the body, it helps create an overall feeling of well-being.

This “feel good” result in turn makes people more energetic, more positive and more productive.

The main types of therapeutic massage are:

• Swedish (relaxation)
• Deep tissue (remedial)
• Sports (pre and post-competition), and…
• Lymphatic Drainage (gentle, for immune system and excess fluid removal)

Where muscle and joint aches and pains are the problem, competent remedial massage therapists look at the “big picture” of a problem. For example, if you complain of a sore back, the masseur would not only work that area, but also try to discover why it is sore.

Muscular or joint problems may be from an obvious injury or strain, or they could be from a combination of tight muscles elsewhere. Back pain, for example, might initially be caused by feet instability or they could even stem from something seemingly totally unrelated, like a jaw problem where clicking jaw or grinding teeth are symptoms.

I get a real buzz when a person leave in better condition than they were when they arrived. Apart from genuinely caring about their patients and taking the time to look at the big picture, masseurs have a number of other important reasons for wanting to ensure their patients receive the best possible treatment.

If they wish to see their patients return for follow-up or maintenance sessions or be recommended to others, masseurs need to demonstrate they are qualified and competent… provide effective treatments and relief… and offer top value for money.

Most massages last for at least an hour. This is not only exceptional value for the fee charged, but it gives the therapist time to structurally analyse and demonstrate there can be many contributing factors to the patient’s problems.

Patients who have had muscular aches and pains or range of movement limitations they put up with for years can be fixed in just one session.

Often overlooked.

Although massage is one of the oldest forms of healing, with documented records dating back thousands of years, for decades it has been a misunderstood and neglected part of natural therapies. A few years back, it was reported in America that 80% of Doctors would have massage themselves but wouldn’t recommend them to their patients.

Now, genuine therapeutic massage has re-emerged as an integral part of overall health care. The more progressive medical practitioners realise that, for example, constipation can be cured with massage… and back pain is better treated with massage instead of anti-inflammatories. It has also become a vital element in preparation for elite sportspeople.

If you haven’t tried deep tissue, massage therapy make a call today. Arrange an appointment and experience the many benefits that deep tissue massage has to offer. With any massage however, it’s advisable to wear comfortable underwear that’s not too tight.

There’s a French meaning for the word that they took from the Arabic word, “massa” which comes from the same Latin word that means “mass or dough”.
However, the oldest known origin of the English word “massage” comes from the Biblical Hebrew word “me-sakj” which means “to anoint with oil.”

Massage Therapy is known to promote health and well-being and is probably the oldest healing discipline known to man.

Therapeutic Massage promotes healing to tired and aching muscles and gives relief to aching joints, and it’s good for you!

Having said that… there’s a saying in our Armed Forces that proclaims “Pain is just weakness leaving the Body”.

I disagree!

Tight and aching muscles not only cause pain but can make you feel lethargic, lose energy, productivity and sometimes can have a major affect on your lifestyle and family life.

Pain is there to tell you something.  It’s telling you that something is nor right and something should be done about it.  Fortunately, many of our lads and girls in uniform who cross my table realise this, and address the problem before it becomes too debilitating.  It’s not a sign of weakness.  It’s showing the sense to do something positive to address a potential problem and actually improve their stamina at the same time.

In my clinic, patients mark a chart showing where pain exists.  Quite often, I’ll suggest they place an ‘x’ on the calves.  The response is often “Oh, they’re alright”, but when I start to work on them, it’s a different matter.  It’s amazing just how many Trigger Points I find and often hear “Where in the world did they come from?”

Usually, pain in the body is a manifestation of a problem somewhere else.

Tight hip flexor muscles across the front of the hips or weak abdominal muscles often are a significant contributor to lower back pain. Muscle tightness in the chest often leads to pain in the neck, shoulders and mid back.

One joint hip flexor muscles (ie the Iliopsoas group) goes from the side of the spine from mid to lower back and down across the front of the hips to the top of the legs.  When they are tight, they tilt the hips forward, which causes the smaller muscles in the lower back (from the top of the hips to the spine) to also tighten by default.  This is where you feel sore.

Think about the sore lower back you get after driving or sitting at a desk for several hours without a break.

When you get up to stretch, you generally lean backwards, not forwards.  In other words, you stretch your hip flexor muscles… across the front of your hips… to make your back feel better.

If the spine is too rigid from tight muscles, then the muscles moving the shoulder blades need to work harder and can fatigue or become sore.

Pain in your back, shoulders or knees is usually due to tight or strained muscles in those areas but, in fact, it is often the hip flexors that have caused those muscles to be tight in the first place.

There are times though, when the pain is simply because muscles have been pushed to their limits and are making you pay.

If you regularly endure headaches – muscle contraction, tension or migraine – there’s a strong chance tight muscles other than just those in your neck and shoulders are a contributing factor.

Therapeutic massage improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness.

If you’ve never tried massage, you don’t know what you’ve been missing.  Give me a call and arrange an appointment  for some annointment… today.

As with any massage, the patient will remove most of their clothing and lie on a massage table, with some sort of drape over the body. Usually a relaxation massage can be modified and tailored to your specific desires. The massage takes place in a quiet, comforting environment, with soft relaxing music playing in the background.  Some people bring their own CDs.

The therapist applies gentle to medium pressure to the body with the hands, gently manipulating the tissue, and encourage relaxation.

This is not a Deep Tissue or Remedial massage.

It is not designed for working the deeper muscles of the body, but just a gentle kneading and rubbing of the outer layers of the body tissue. It will cover a wide range of areas on the body including the back, shoulders, chest, legs, arms and neck.

Sometimes there is the option of adding some Aromatherapy treatment to your massage therapy.  Aromatherapy oils such as Lavender, can enhance the experience of the massage and allow for greater relaxation. Unscented oil is also an option.

The oil gives a more slippery skin surface for the therapist to work with, which means the hands glide easily with no pulling of the skin. During the massage, the patient can relax and quietly meditate, or they can chat with the therapist.  The time is theirs, and as I said, the session can be personalised to suit the individual.

Many live their demanding lives day to day without taking any time out just for themselves. Everyone deserves time out moment of relaxation and a soothing hour of pampering is just right for that.

This massage will relax your mind and your body… It’s ‘time out’ from the daily stress of your life. The length of the massage will depend on how long you would like it to last. You can have an hour, an hour and a half, or two hours if you wish.

A Relaxation Massage is a smooth, gentle style of massage, and will improve circulation, tone, range of movement, ease minor muscle pain, and promote wellness and relaxation.

Stressed?..  Tired?.. Been burning the candle at both ends?..  Maybe it’s about time you made the call and pampered yourself with a Relaxation Massage!

One of the best preventative measures for back pain is to exercise regularly and keep your back and abdominal muscles strong.

Here’s a few pointers:

• Always stretch before any strenuous physical activity.  In fact it’s a good idea to engage in a regular stretching program like active isolated stretching every day.

• Don’t slouch when standing or sitting.

• Be sure you sit with good lumbar support.

• Switch sitting positions often and periodically walk around or gently stretch muscles to relieve tension.

• Don’t bend over without supporting your back

• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.  Sorry ladies… no I’m not!

• Reduce any curve in your spine while sleeping, and always sleep on a firm surface.  Get a good mattress.  Think about what you spent on your car and how much time you are in it each day.  Now, when you consider that you spend around a third of your life on your mattress, it should be a good one… a really good one.

• Lift with your legs, keeping your back straight.

• Control your weight.

• If you smoke, give it up!  Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate.  It won’t worry the government.  They’ll find other ways to tax you.

Also, to keep your spine strong.   As with all bones, you need to get enough Vitamin D every day.

So what causes Back Pain?

Naturally, accidents and sports injuries can be the cause of the pain, but a number of other factors can contribute to back pain, including:

• Poor posture..

• Obesity..

• Poor physical conditioning like lack of exercise..

• Psychological or emotional stress..

• Internal disorders such as kidney stones, infections and blood clots..

• Osteoporosis (bone loss)..

Pain in the Back? Let’s look to the Front!

What a lot of  people fail to realise is that many times, the pain can actually originate from the opposite side of where it hurts.

Sitting for long periods can shorten the Iliopsoas muscles that connect from your lumbar region to the top of your Femur (just under the Greater Trochanter… the ball joint), at the front.)

When these muscles are shortened, it can cause severe pain when you stand up as they will effectively pull your lower back (lumbar) forward.  Many people end up going through drastic medical procedures to “fix” this type of pain, or end up taking big mobs pain killers for extended periods of time, when in fact it can be easily remedied by massaging the Iliopsoas muscle to affect a release.

This type of massage should ONLY be done by a qualified massage therapist.  Why?   Because your Vena Cava… a large thick vein is nearby.  This massage technique is a deep one, but should be done gently.   If you are talking to a therapist about back pain, ask first if he or she is familiar with a Psoas Release. (Pronounced ’so-as’)

You can also use mild stretching to counteract the shortening of your Iliopsoas, especially if you sit for long periods of time every day.

Likewise, having firm abdominal muscles not only holds your gut in, they also stabilise your spine, vertebrae and discs.  Many people completely eliminate their back pain simply by developing stronger abdominal muscles.  Some even wind up with a bonus six pack!

If Back Pain is a problem to you… consider natural, drug free, non-surgical remedies for this common problem.  Make a call today… arrange an appointment and experience the many benefits that Remedial Massage has to offer.

Three types of back muscles that help spinal function are the:

• Extensor muscles.

These are attached to the back of the spine. These muscles permit us to stand and to lift objects. These include the large muscles in the lower back (erector spinae), which help hold up the spine, and gluteal muscles. (Glutes)

• Oblique muscles.

These are attached to the sides of the spine. They help us rotate the spine and maintain proper posture.

• Flexor muscles.

Attached to the front of the spine, these muscles include the abdominal muscles. They allow us to flex, bend forward, lift and arch the lower back. When the abdominal muscles are weak, the muscles that allow us to bend at the hip get tighter, increasing the curve at the lower back.

Causes of Back Pain:

The facet joints or other bony parts of the spine become injured or inflamed, which can cause those bigger muscles of the back to contract involuntarily. That’s called a spasm… an acute involuntary contraction of muscles resulting in pain, and restricting function.

Persistent stress can causes the muscles to tighten up, consuming energy that is required to hold the spine erect.

Tight muscles in the back of the thighs can cause changes in the position of the pelvis, affecting movements of the spine.

You will remember at school you learned that for every action there is a reaction. It’s the same with muscles.

Each muscle in your body has an opposing muscle.  A competent massage therapist keeps this in mind when restoring balance to the muscle groups of the back.

If you are experiencing back pain, make the call and arrange an appointment.  You’ll be surprised how beneficial Remedial Massage can be.  With any massage however, it’s advisable to wear comfortable underwear that’s not too tight.

If so, do you also spend adequate time stretching the muscles you specifically exercise?

The answer should be a definite “yes.”

But whether you’re a fitness fanatic, an armchair sportsman, or if normal day to day activity is your only exercise, there are some muscles you work hard regularly but rarely or never stretch.

Can you name two of the most heavily exercised but most taken for granted and under-stretched muscles in the body?

Pecs and Hip Flexors:

Ten points if you said Pecs (Pectoralis Major and Minor – in the chest) which draw the arms around to the front, and Hip Flexors (mainly Iliopsoas group – across the front of the hips) which lift the legs.

What singles out these muscles for special mention is that for long periods of each normal day they are being used (contracted) and exercised.

But most people are unaware this is even happening.

Whenever you sit down – for example, at your work desk for most of the day, watching TV or driving a vehicle – the hip flexor muscles stay contracted.

Similarly, every time you work with your arms  to your front – like at a desk or computer, peeling prawns over the sink, laying paving blocks, hammering nails, serving at a counter, etc – your Pec muscles (also known as shoulder medial rotators) are contracted and being exercised.

But even most serious fitness enthusiasts, who would never dream of exercising a  muscle group without also stretching it, ever think about stretching these particular muscles for their routine daily activities.

Now, with all the above in mind, how many of you ever get sore or tight in the lower back, or in the back of the neck and shoulders? (If you answer “no,” you’re definitely in the minority).

Back Pain from the Front:

It may surprise you to know that apart from cases of specific injury or slipped disc, etc., lower back pain or tightness can usually be attributed to tight hip flexor muscles in the front.

Similarly, tight front Pec and other shoulder medial rotators are generally responsible for muscular aches and pains in the back of the neck, shoulders and between the shoulder blades.

One joint hip flexor (Iliopsoas group) muscles go from the side of the spine from mid to lower back and down across the front of the hips to the top of the legs. When they are tight, they tilt the hips forward, which causes the smaller muscles in the lower back (from the top of the hips to the spine) to also tighten by default. This is where you feel sore.

Think about the sore lower back you get after driving or sitting at a desk for several hours without a break.

When you get up to stretch, you generally lean backwards, not forwards. In other words, you stretch your hip flexor muscles – across the front of your hips – to make your back feel better.

• When Pec muscles are tight, they make the shoulders rounded and pull the cervical spine and head forward.

• For the eyes to focus ahead rather than down, muscles in the back of the neck and shoulder area are forced to tighten to pivot the head back and upward on top of the neck.

What this all means is pain in the lower back and shoulder areas is often just a symptom – not the main cause of the pain, which is often in the front of the body.

As unlikely as it sounds, it may be that releasing tight hip flexors in the front is also needed to help alleviate pain between the shoulder blades at the back.

It could be that a tight hip flexor on one side raises one hip higher than the other. This in turn tightens muscles on one side of the spine in the lower back, which in turn pull on other spinal muscles up between the shoulder blades on that side.

Unfortunately, for time, cost and other reasons, many health professionals focus on only treating the SYMPTOM, not the CAUSE, in the case of muscular aches and pains.

Take the Time:
However, most qualified and experienced remedial massage therapists are prepared to take the time to not only relieve the symptom, but also try to determine and remove the main cause or contributing factors.

Remedial Massage and stretching can alleviate or heal most muscular aches and pains, as well as have many other benefits.

If you’re experiencing muscular pain in your body, make an appointment today.  You’ll be surprised at the difference a Remedial Massage can make.

Energy/Stamina
I no longer procrastinate! Since taking this product I have the energy to get things done. I am in my fifties and for a long time, I would put off until tomorrow what I didn’t want to do today. I just didn’t have the energy and drive. But now, I just do it! I feel like getting things done and getting them done now. It’s wonderful. It’s a different kind of energy which affects my body and my mind. It’s hard to explain or put into words. Just try it! ~ Randy L.

I have been taking this product for a couple of months now. The first thing I noticed was I got a lift in my memory and my ability to think more clearly, I can do numbers in my head. I was having a lot of trouble sleeping, I had to get up 4 to 6 times to go to the bathroom, now it’s only 2 or 3 times! I have been using oxygen now for about a year, not all the time but several hours in the evening, I am off the oxygen and have more energy. I love this product! ~ Bill

After taking this product I can honestly tell you, I now wake up feeling refreshed after only having 4-5 hours of sleep. It used to take me 7-8 to feel the same. I have also noticed my dreams are extremely vivid now, and when I wake, I can remember just about every detail of them. One downside I have noticed is I have to shave every other day now, instead of every 3-4 days. The hair on the top of my head is growing faster also, I now have to get a haircut every two weeks regularly. ~ Brandon

Joan was diagnosed with secondary bone and liver cancer. Her progress is amazing!

Unker found her Diabetes symptoms were reduced after starting on the Product, and she’s continuing to improve.

In the following Video you will see that 7 year old Talia, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age 4, experienced a dramatic improvement in her behaviour shortly after starting to use the Product.

A short testimony from a lady of 77 years.

Fibromyalgia. There is hope for pain relief

A husbands story about his wife Carolyn’s Pancreatic Cancer.

Alesha was diagnosed with a Spinal tumor but refused to accept the six month sentence doctors gave her.

Shane’s testimonial about his 85 year old mother.

Beverley was first diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (cancer) about 5 years ago.
Here, she describes the improvements and changes she has noticed after consuming Product B for two and a half months.

Cartilage is also being regenerated in some people. Watch the short video below to see Ps. Ray’s experience.

This 30 Day Program is the first step to taking control of your life, getting into peak shape and managing your weight.

This amazing program is a great introduction to Isagenix as it offers a great range of life changing products that revitalise your while body by removing impurities and creating an optimal environment for improved nutrition.  You will see and feel a complete transformation in your long term health and wellness.

By joining us in Isagenix® and purchasing this program, you will make a life changing investment in your health, wellness and future. We are confident that once you try our unparalleled products, you will look and feel so incredible that you’ll want to stay with Isagenix for life.

Before you begin your 30-Day Program, set yourself up for success by following the steps below:

Take a moment to flip through this step-by-step guide so that you understand how to effectively use the 30-Day Program to achieve your greatest success. If you have any questions, contact your enrolling sponsor or our Customer Care Team at 1300-651-979 Australia.

Establish your health and wellness goals and write them down in a journal or post each goal on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror.

Plan each day in advance so that you can make the program more convenient to fit your lifestyle. This will ensure you stick to it.

Ask your enrolling sponsor, spouse, friend or coworker to be your accountability partner or cleansing coach. This person can offer daily support, keep you focused on your goal and help you track your progress. Also, be sure to visit ANZ.IsaDiary.com, for free, daily advice and tips to keep you motivated.

Buy healthy foods and snacks (fresh, whole foods and produce — organic is preferred) and remove tempting, unhealthy foods from your home.

Losing weight is all about healthy eating and regular, targeted exercise. We recommend a minimum of 20 minutes per day, whether it is walking, jogging, cycling or swimming.

IsaLean™ Shakes

For people who want to lose weight using a long-term, flexible program.

IsaLean™ Shakes are a delicious, satisfying, nutritionally complete meal replacement that takes your health and performance to new levels.
Contains 24 grams of the highest quality undenatured New Zealand whey and casein protein and superior amino acid complex.
Helps you maintain lean body mass.
Lower lactose levels for easier digestion.
Contains our exclusive blend of supercharged trace minerals.
Enzyme-activated to help maximise absorption of key nutrients.
Clinically proven to support great weight loss results and weight management.

Cleanse for Life™

A complete nutritional body cleanse that aids the body’snatural ability to remove impurities that you’re exposed to on a daily basis.

Nourishes your body, unlike traditional cleanses which deplete your body.
Not a laxative or a diuretic.

Boosts mental and physical performance and endurance.

Contains over 100 nutrients including ionic minerals, antioxidants, Aloe Veraand gentle cleansing herbs that help to support the body’s vital functions and immune system.

Ionix® Supreme.

A nutrient-rich, rejuvenating drink that restores and protects
the body.

Ionix Supreme contains plant-based Adaptogens like schizandra, rhodiola, rhododendron, ashwagandha and wolfberry.  Adaptogens have been used for centuries to improve health and help the body combat periods of stress, without the side effects of stimulants.

The specialised adaptogens energise your cells and help your body adapt to any
form of stress.

Contains over 100 specially sourced ingredients from around the world.
Antioxidants and adaptogenic herbs help support mental and physical
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Contains our advanced, supercharged blend of trace minerals, which support
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A refreshing, natural energy drink that helps to recharge and sustain your body’s energy for peak performance.

A natural fuel for the body, helping you to sustain your energy without caffeineor stimulants.

Contains Betacarotene, Vitamins C and B-Complex to help replenish energylevels essential for peak physical performance.
Contains only natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners or colours.
How can you benefit from taking ‘Want More Energy?’

While most energy drinks contain excess amounts of caffeine and sugar that cause you to crash, ‘Want More Energy?’ sustains your energy naturally without caffeine or other stimulants like ma-huang or ephedrine, so you never experience “the jitters” or a “stimulant crash”. It contains Vitamins A, C and a premium blend of B Vitamins to help replenish levels needed for peak physical performance.

1. WARNING: Not suitable for infants under the age of twelve months.
Contains sugars.

IsaFlush!™

A combination of cleansing herbs and minerals that effectively help support and maintain a healthy digestive system.

Contains a combination of gentle cleansing herbs and magnesium that can support digestion and encourage regularity.
Utilises over 200mg of magnesium, which may help to relieve mild constipation.

IsaFlush! contains over 200mg of magnesium, which aids in keeping the heart healthy, making sure bones are strong and helping the body absorb other important minerals such as calcium and potassium.

Magnesium is also involved in hundreds of metabolic and enzymatic reactions and helps ensure the regulation of vascular health.

With just two IsaFlush! capsules a day, it will ensure you are getting your recommended daily requirement of magnesium that can help activate many enzymes and influences almost all body processes.

Always read the label. Use only as directed.
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Isagenix Snacks!™

Our high quality whey protein snacks are the perfect balance of taste and nutrition that give you a lasting energy boost.

Snacks!™ contain chromium, which may help reduce sensations of hunger, fat cravings and food intake. Chromium is a trace mineral known for helping to maintain healthy glucose metabolism, and helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Perfect for Cleanse Days and as part of your Nutritional Cleansing Program to maximise weight loss and lower your calorie intake.

Contains high quality undenatured New Zealand whey and casein protein  and a higher amino acid profile.

They can be taken throughout the day, even when you’re not cleansing to help curb appetite and avoid eating unhealthy snack foods.

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Natural Accelerator™

Contains traditionally used herbs such as cayenne, green tea, cinnamon and ginseng to help increase energy and a healthy body.

Contains only the most carefully selected ingredients such as cayenne, green tea, cinnamon, and ginseng to help increase your metabolism … without synthetic stimulants.

Natural Accelerator contains Alpha lipoic acid – a fatty acid that is found naturally inside every cell in the body, its main function is to convert glucose into energy for your body to have maximum performance. The Alpha lipoic acid is also an antioxidant which help neutralise free radicals.  It provides your body with all natural, energy-boosting ingredients, which support both fat and protein metabolism.

Contains antioxidants to help fight free-radical damage and maintain a healthy body.

WARNING: Not suitable for children. Not to be taken by asthma and allergy sufferers. This product contains royal jelly which has been reported to cause severe allergic reactions and in rare cases fatalities, especially in asthma and allergy sufferers. The recommended dose of this product provides small amounts of natural caffeine (less than 1.1mg per capsule – an average cup of coffee contains 80 – 120mg of caffeine).

It’s a time of joy, because giving birth to new creation blesses most women with an immense sense of purpose and fulfillment.  To me, the birth of a child is another miracle of God.  Nevertheless, while most women enjoy the bright side of being pregnant, mere men must acknowledge that every pregnant woman goes through her share of discomfort and anxiety, and being pregnant is possibly the most stressful time she will ever have.

The changes alone in a woman’s body are enormous.

A woman who has been pregnant previously would know just how hard it can be.  The first few weeks or months entails morning sickness and confusion.  During the forty weeks before the birth, she will have endured periods of back pain, neck pain, nausea, varicose veins, swelling of the feet and legs, anxiety, fatigue, forgetfulness and constant lethargy.  Her blood circulation is reduced and general movement is likely to be limited.

From a males point of view, all this is not much to look forward to.   However, the mums I know reckon it’s worth every second!

There are so many things ladies  give up during their pregnancy because their baby’s well-being is the centre of their focus.   Prenatal Massage helps a woman through what can be a both interesting and difficult time.  During this time, women rightly deserves to be indulged and comforted often (remember this, men), and Prenatal Massage will fit the bill for her.

Prenatal Massage soothes and relaxes the pregnant woman’s sore, overburdened and aching muscles.   The baby in the woman’s womb also benefits much in Prenatal Massage.  It improves health and well-being.  Prenatal Massage is said to promote a healthier and more comfortable environment for the unborn inside its mother’s body.

Does Prenatal Massage help?

Like any massage, Prenatal Massage loosens and relaxes the pregnant woman’s muscles while improving the blood circulation in her body.  Most importantly, Prenatal Massage helps to increase the flexibility of the pregnant woman’s body making her labor and subsequent delivery easier and less painful for her.

Some ladies can easily lie in their tummy up to the four month stage with no discomfort but after that, she is more comfortable in a special massage chair.
Some women even ask for their massage therapist to be present while they are in labor.  It is proven that mothers who have undergone Prenatal Massage during their pregnancy and in labor have an easier time of the birth.  Massage stimulates the body to release endorphins, which are natural pain-killers.

Benefits of Pre-natal Massage.

• Eases backaches, headaches, shoulder and neck aches that may be caused by muscle tension and shifts in posture to accommodate increasing weight.

• Helps reduce swelling in such places as hands and lower legs.

• Decreases pain in the pelvic/hip area.

• Increases blood circulation which provides more oxygen and nutrients to both mother and fetus and stimulates the lymph system, thereby increasing immunity and removal of toxins.

• Soothes and relaxes the nervous system by releasing endorphins into the mother’s body.  As a result, the expectant mother feels more relaxed and at-ease and will also sleep more easily and more deeply.

• Improves  and aids digestion.

• Reduces fatigue.

• Improves skin elasticity that can help reduce stretch marks.

• Can alleviate the stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees, which take the extra weight of a growing baby.

• Promotes relaxation and deep breathing.

• Stabilises hormonal levels and helps relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.

• Eases the load on the heart and helps keep the blood pressure in check

• Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues

• Prepares the mother-to-be for an easier delivery with its sedating effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress relief.

• Offers a natural, safe, drug-free alternative choice for pain relief because taking medications are often limited during a pregnancy for the risk to the unborn child.

Pre-natal massage may not be recommended to expectant mothers with high blood pressure or diabetes.

All expectant mothers should check with their midwife or obstetrician prior to getting a massage.

It is important to share information about your condition and your preferences with your pregnancy massage therapist so that he can a render a massage suitable to your personal needs.

During labor, massage brings you closer to the midwife or whoever is caring for you.  Just being touched by someone who wants to help you can be very empowering when you’re coping with contractions and are perhaps tired and anxious.

In advanced labor, your husband can use the heel of his hand to massage firmly over the base of your spine. He will need to apply quite a lot of pressure to counteract any strong contractions. He can also use his thumbs to make circles over the dimples in your bum, but you need to tell him what feels best.

Don’t forget the Feet.

It’s also important to know if your therapist is aware of certain trigger points that are to be avoided.

There are women who say that they can’t tolerate having their feet touched, but enjoy a firm, rhythmical foot massage. The massage does need to be firm, using the flat of the hands rather than the fingers or thumbs.

Prenatal Massage is not suited to all expectant mothers.  Some may benefit from it, while others will not… in fact there are those who should refrain.  It is therefore important for a pregnant woman to ask her midwife or obstetrician if she can have Prenatal Massage and if it is going to be safe for her.

After the birth, massage is also helpful.  The massage is supposed to bring back balance back into the woman’s body, which has been through literal turmoil.  As well as helping the mother through possible depression afterwards, it helps improve the skins resilience, which has been stretched by pregnancy.

This brings back her muscle tone and helps get rid of her ‘mummy tummy’.