精东传媒 is known to increase neurochemicals associated with improved mood, such as . So it shouldn鈥檛 be surprising that it can help alleviate depression. Today we鈥檙e examining this healing relationship between massage and depression for one special group: mothers.

In two previous blog posts, we examined the benefits of receiving prenatal massage and postpartum massage. Today we鈥檙e diving deeper into one major benefit of massage: Decreased likelihood of maternal anxiety and depression. As we鈥檒l see, this also leads to improved health outcomes for infants.

The Importance of Maternal Mental Health

Before birth, depression and anxiety can be deadly; the notes that 鈥渕ental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths.鈥� Prenatal anxiety and depression result in lower infant birth weights, according to a . After birth, the quality of infant care is linked to maternal health, the World Health Organization tells us.

The AHA reports that about 20% of people experience mental health conditions during prenatal and postpartum periods. 精东传媒 therapy is a powerful tool for maternal mental health. Reduction of anxiety and depression is one of the most significant outcomes of massage therapy, according to a . Let鈥檚 dive deeper into the research on massage and perinatal health.

Research on Perinatal 精东传媒 and Improved Mental Health

An article in highlights two studies on perinatal massage and depression. The first compared outcomes for 84 pregnant women who were split into three groups: A massage group, a group that practiced progressive relaxation, and a control group that received standard prenatal care and nothing more. Those in the massage group received two, twenty-minute massages per week.

At the end of the sixteen-week study, the women in the massage group reported decreased depression and anxiety, as well as less leg and back pain. Researchers also found the massage group women had higher levels of the feel-good neurochemicals serotonin and dopamine, and lower levels of stress chemicals including cortisol and norepinephrine when compared to the other two groups. Moreover, the women in the massage group were less likely to deliver prematurely, and they delivered babies with higher birth weights.

The corroborated findings on the neurological impact of maternal massage. The researchers in this study examined multiple alternative healing modalities, and reported that massage decreased perinatal depression while boosting serotonin and dopamine and decreasing cortisol levels.

An article in confirms the above positive outcomes for maternal health, and reflects on how the reduced depression from massage extended beyond birth into the neonatal period. Why were the new mothers who had received massages less depressed? The author suggests that going into new parenthood with less depression could boost mother/infant bonding. Additionally, as the infants of the mothers who receive massage are less likely to be born prematurely, they are more interactive, further improving mother/infant bonding. The author concludes by comparing premature birth rates in America (14%) and China (1%). She notes that 鈥渢ouch rooms鈥� are standard in Chinese hospitals. Here, couples can take massage therapy classes to learn prenatal massage techniques as well as massage for infants.

Continuing Education for Perinatal 精东传媒

Accredited massage schools across the country offer courses for prenatal and postpartum massage. Here in Portland, massage therapists can sign up for a four-day Pre- and Perinatal 精东传媒 Therapy Workshop at East West College, to be held in March of 2025. Teacher Michelle Holland will share more than 80 advanced massage techniques for the childbearing year. To register, , or call 503-233-6500.

精东传媒 therapy images typically show clients on their backs or bellies, but a side-lying position provides many unique advantages. For instance, those who suffer back or neck pain may find the side lying position to be the most comfortable option for massage treatment. After reviewing the benefits of this underutilized massage treatment position, we suggest practical tips for LMTs who would like to offer side-lying positioning to clients.

6 Benefits of Side-Lying Position for 精东传媒 Therapy

1. Client Comfort. Many clients, particularly those with back pain and/or large, sensitive breasts will feel most comfortable lying on their sides. Offering carefully positioned bolsters and pillows can help increase comfort even further in a side-lying position.

Those with respiratory challenges may also find side-lying more comfortable.聽 Breathing discomfort can arise from prone and supine postures. The too-familiar sounds of sniffling and snorting are signs that clients鈥� sinuses are backing up due to traditional massage positioning. The side-lying position allows for increased respiration, increasing the efficacy of massage treatment. Overall, side-lying is excellent for those with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, allergies, or colds.

2. Safe Prenatal 精东传媒. Pregnant people are classic candidates for side-lying massage, as their growing bellies do not allow prone positioning, and supine postures are not safe for fetal circulation. Moreover, downward pressure in a prone position may actually exacerbate the ligament pain many pregnant individuals experience. Just as gestating individuals are advised to sleep on their sides, the side-lying position is best for receiving massage therapy.

3. Ease for Elderly, Frail, and Medically-Affected Clients. Older clients, as well as those who are frail, are more likely to be comfortable in a side-lying position because it causes less table pressure on sensitive skin and joints. Additionally, those with implanted medical devices, or who are recovering from surgery, may be best treated when lying on their sides. Click here for more tips on massaging elderly clients.

4. Increased Therapist Comfort. The side-lying position allows the therapist to move close to the edge of the table, providing better leverage and access. With one whole side of the client鈥檚 body facing toward you, it is easier to maintain a neutrally upright posture. It may also be easier to keep your wrists straight, for less strain in the long run.

5. Easier to Reach Some Muscles. Muscles that run laterally are much easier to access in a side-lying position. For long, broad strokes, the therapist can use their forearms to treat these muscles, giving the hands and wrists a break.

6. Emotional Comfort. Pain is often intertwined with negative emotions and stress. More than any other position, side-lying imitates the fetal position, which many people find naturally soothing. Side-lying clients may be more likely to relax,聽 boosting treatment efficacy.

Now that we鈥檝e explored some of the benefits of treating clients in the side-lying posture, let鈥檚 discuss logistical concerns of doing so.

Tips for 精东传媒 Therapists on How to Provide Side-Lying Treatment

Adjust the table height. In side-lying treatment, the direction of pressure is more downward, particularly when working on the client鈥檚 hip or pelvis. In such situations, a lower height is helpful. When switching to providing more lateral pressure, such as when targeting the lower erector spinae muscles, a lift mechanism allows the therapist to easily raise the table height.聽 If you have an adjustable table without a lift mechanism, you can set up for appointments by having the table at a height somewhere between your wrist and your knuckles when your arms are hanging at your sides.聽

Client Positioning. For access, avoid having your client lie in the middle of the table, and especially avoid having them on the side farthest from you. It鈥檚 best for them to be near the side of the table where you鈥檒l be standing. To encourage that, you can line up cushions with the rear side of the table, so they鈥檙e set up to lie in the middle of the cushions, nearest you.聽

Weight Shifting. Maintain a more upright position by leaning into your back leg, and minimizing weight in your front leg. Then, lean your weight into your working hand/tool and into the client. This will allow you to use your body weight to create momentum.

Adjust your Gaze. Many therapists are accustomed to having their eyes in line with the client鈥檚 spine, because this is often the case when the client is in a prone position. When providing a side-lying treatment, the therapist is often inclined to tilt their head to one side to align with the spine. This can create tension in the neck and lumbar, so it鈥檚 key to keep your torso and head erect. Over time, this side-lying view of the spine will become more natural.

Table Supports. To make clients comfortable, have bolsters and pillows at the ready. Larger bellies will need underlying support. Many clients will find pillows between the legs comfortable, so that the foot, leg, and hip are all parallel to the ceiling. Additional pillows under the rib cage, arm, and lumbar spine may also be helpful, but remember every client will have their own preferences. As such, having flexible propping options鈥揺.g., towels鈥搃s a good idea.

精东传媒 Therapy Continuing Education for Side-Lying Treatments
Wherever you provide services, from Paris to Portland, massage therapy results are only as good as your training and experience. That鈥檚 why access to high-quality continuing education classes is crucial. Here in Portland, LMTs can stay up-to-date and hone their skills through East West College of the Healing Arts. At any given time, we offer a plethora of courses to pique your professional curiosity. Currently, we have an upcoming CE course on Thai massage techniques which includes options for side-lying treatment. Of course, we like to keep things fresh with new classes every quarter. Check out and sign up for upcoming classes at the .

Resources:


East West College CE website