4 Types Of Postnatal Massage You Can Expect

If you’ve been reading the baby books or have been listening to the mommy-club meetings you might have come across the term “postnatal massage” or “post-delivery massage“. This is a kind of massage that is done after you have given birth to your child/children, helping you to ease your body and mind.

There are several different kinds of post-natal massages that you can receive, a few of which includes the Jamu postnatal massage, TCM post-natal massage, Swedish massage and Ayurvedic Post Natal massage.

JAMU MASSAGE

The Jamu postnatal massage is a kind of post-baby massage that originated in Southeast Asia. It usually involves a full body oil massage with “Jamu” (This is a herb and natural ingredient concoction that has special healing properties) and a head massage to relieve headaches and to rid the head of ‘winds’. After this is done, the Jamu wrap is wrapped tightly from the ribs to the hip using a cotton cloth. This is to help tone your abdominal skin that was stretched out during your pregnancy. It also helps to straighten your spine back to its original position, thereby improving posture. Your Jamu massage in Singapore may also include a breast massage which aims to clear blocked ducts and encourage improved lactation using hot or volcanic stones.

TCM MASSAGE

The TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, Massage works alongside other TCM to restore and rejuvenate a mother’s health. This type of massage focuses on restoring blood flow, made stagnant by pregnancy and birth, and cultivating and balancing Qi in order to deter illness and bad energy in the future.

The masseuse determines the right treatment for each mother and then proceeds with “Tui Na” (or acupoints massage) and herbal medicine. The mother soaks in a herbal bath first and then the acupoints massage follows. This repositions the uterus, rids water retention and relieves wind. The masseuse works along the meridian lines to increase energy flow and speed up the mother’s recovery. The massage might also include a breast massage for the flow of breast milk. When this is complete, the belly is banded with a herbal wrap to tone the stomach area and the mother might also be offered dietary advice.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

The Swedish massage is a great postnatal option as it includes effleurage, and petrissage, or long strokes and kneading. It helps to tone muscles and reduce strain. Stimulatory strokes are also included which promotes blood circulation and muscle contraction.

AYURVEDIC MASSAGE

The Ayurvedic Post Natal massage comes from an ancient Indian medicine which focuses on mind and body balance through yoga, diet and lifestyle choices. This reduces the risk of Vata imbalance which causes gas, digestive issues, constipation, and insomnia.

The massage starts with a full body oil massage which stimulates circulation and relieves pain and tension on bones and muscles while speeding up cell regeneration. The type of oils use also determines the effect the treatment will have on the mother, for instance, sesame oil reduces stress and regulates blood pressure while coconut oil reduces stretch marks and hydrates the body.

A hot water bath infused with neem leaves helps to soothe aching muscles and then the belly is bounded with a cloth or sari to reposition the uterus and get rid of gas.

These are the different types of postnatal massages that you can get post-birth. You can choose to get any of these postnatal massages at home or even all four to determine the best postnatal massage of all.