Pregnancy Massage

Welcome to Elevata Clinic, an oasis of holistic services to uplift your being.

What Is Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy massage is a form of bodywork therapy designed to meet the needs of pregnant women as their bodies go through the dramatic changes of pregnancy. This kind of massage helps enhance the functioning of joints and muscles, improve blood circulation and general body tone, and relieve mental and physical fatigue.

How Does Pregnancy Massage Work?

Pregnancy massage is a specialised type of manual therapy that addresses the physiological, mental and emotional needs of a pregnant woman. There are several techniques designed for pregnancy massage and the most common ones include:

Deep tissue massage - helps relieve muscle swelling, tension and stress

Swedish massage - helps relax muscle tension and improve circulation

Shiatsu - helps stimulate natural energy

Pregnancy massage therapists adapt their techniques to address the complex changes occuring in the woman's body during pregnancy. Also, they understand that an expectant mum goes through different levels of pain and discomfort throughout her journey to motherhood. Having said that, a seasoned therapist ensures that their client continues to relish physical comfort long after she has left the massage clinic by sharing some helpful self-care tips.

Here are some massage techniques that every pregnant mum can enjoy at home:

Gentle foot rub
Back rub
Shoulder rub
Scalp massage

What Are the Benefits of Pregnancy Massage?

Studies have shown that receiving massage therapy during pregnancy can help reduce anxiety, lower depression symptoms, relieve muscle and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and the health of the newborn.

Additionally, it offers the following benefits:

Stimulates the release of the happiness hormone serotonin
Improves sleep
Promotes the physiological response of relaxation
Relieves and improves nerve pain
Reduces swelling
Reduces back pain
Improves blood and lymphatic circulation
Improves oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles

What Can You Expect From a Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy massage is a hands-on massage and usually lasts for about an hour. Therapists use a pregnancy massage table to accommodate the mother's belly. Others also use bolsters or specially designed pillows to comfortably position the mother on her side. Lying on the side is often the most comfortable position during the later stages of pregnancy.

Before the treatment session begins, the practitioner will ask the client if they have any underlying conditions which may not warrant a massage as it may pose a risk to their pregnancy. Despite its numerous benefits, pregnancy massage is not advisable for mums who fall into the following categories:

At high risk of miscarriage
Experience nausea, vomiting and morning sickness
At high-risk pregnancy such as placental abruption and preterm labor
Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
Preeclampsia

A pregnant woman must consult her ob-gyns first before getting a massage. Moreover, she must see to it that the practitioner whom she's working with is a certified prenatal massage therapist who has completed an advanced training program that focuses on massage techniques which address pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy.

Is Pregnancy Massage Safe?

Generally, pregnancy massage is considered safe after the first trimester of pregnancy. It should be remembered to avoid getting a massage during the first three months as it might trigger dizziness which can add to the daily morning sickness. Also, avoid applying direct pressure on the area between the heel and ankle bone as it can trigger contractions. Deep kneading in the abdomen area may also make the client uncomfortable.

Add On: Lomi 'ili (Hot Stones)

Lomi ‘ili have tremendous therapeutic benefits besides experiencing an ancient Hawaiian art form. The heat from the stones increases circulation. The improved blood supply moves inflammation out of the area and brings more healing nutrients in.

Any of the Lomi techniques can be used with the tools of the stones, because they relax all the tissues around the problem area. It increases the blood flow and heat, allowing the practitioner to get much deeper without creating a “guard” from the client’s body. These amazing tools from the earth will absolutely help to ground, nourish and obtain better results from the treatment.

Available Times

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday
8am – 6pm (last appointment)

PRICE: $149
PRICE IN THE EE SYSTEM: $175

Come rejuvenate your body, reset your mind, and discover a sense of renewed vitality at Elevata Retreat. Experience our blend of traditional and contemporary massage therapies and let the path to self-discovery, healing, and revitalization unfold.

ABOUT YOUR THERAPIST

Jeannette Oliver

My Journey To Hawaiian Lomilomi Practice

Sometimes transformation pops into our life in apparently simple but profound ways. It is a part of our earthly life that seems to manifest when the destiny intervenes. In the most mundane appearing circumstance, the preparation is being brewed behind the scenes and comes to form when we are not chasing it. This was the case in my path in massage therapy.

In returning to Hawaii from Australia in 1997 we ended up on the Big Island of Hawaii. I fell into working for a philanthropist, visionary who helped create the first integrative hospital in the USA, then becoming the outreach person for a successful Community Health initiative for a cluster of his non-profits we were facilitating. I really connected to the Hawaiian people, their way of life and was invited to study the traditional medicine.

In 2005, I met a highly revered master Aunty Margaret Machado and as she held my hands she said, “You do Lomi, it is in your heart and in your hands.” Aunty Margaret Machado is known as one of the first Hawaiians who started to teach outside of their ‘ohana (family). She was the Kupuna (elder) of the Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage (Lomilomi Aunty Margaret Style). I knew that when someone of that stature gives you a directive you better pay attention. So, my journey in Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage began. My training from her lineage was experienced directly in Hawaii through my Kumu (teacher) Haunani and several other respected Kumus throughout the years.

I have also gained more skills, knowledge and practices whilst working in Australia and believe we must grow and learn from many schools to blend what is needed to provide sessions unique to each person. This leads me to continue to grow and learn to bring what methods, knowledge and care I can to my clients.