Jing Method Pregnancy Massage

What is a Jing Method Pregnancy Massage?

This is a specialist clinical massage treatment. Designed to treat pain during pregnancy and the fourth trimester, a Jing Method pregnancy massage is an effective treatment for pain, as well as being nurturing and relaxing. It may include myofascial release, trigger point therapy, abdominal work, and stretching. Carried out with the pregnant person in a side lying position, which is safe and comfortable for the pregnant person and their baby.

Benefits of a Jing Method Pregnancy Massage

Stress reduction and relaxation

Pregnancy can be a time of intense emotions and increased stress. We know stress activates the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system increasing adrenal production of stress hormones which can have significant negative impacts on childbearing and development. We also know from a study in 2000 by Nichols and Humenick, that when relaxed, a pregnant person will have steadier blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rates; regular blood flow to uterus, placenta, and foetus; and healthier immune system functioning, emotional states, and responses to stressful stimuli, and will feel less fearful and anxious. We know that clinical massage can help with these symptoms. In one study, pregnant people who had massages twice weekly for 5 weeks experienced less anxiety and less leg and back pain. They reported better sleep and improved moods, and their labours had fewer complications, including fewer premature births (Field et al. 1999) For labour preparation, prenatal specialists Nancy and Mike Samuels (1996) recommend practicing deep sustained levels of relaxation for 45 - 60 minutes, without falling asleep, especially in the last 6 - 8 weeks of pregnancy which is approximately the same amount of time as a Jing Method pregnancy massage session.

Emotional support

Whilst we are not counsellors or talking therapists, Jing Method advanced clinical massage therapists can provide important non-judgemental attention to the pregnant person’s individual and emotional concerns. Anything a person shares with me is entirely confidential and I always feel privileged at the amount people coming to me do share, and often leave my treatment room feeling much lighter for it. I recognise that not everyone’s experience of pregnancy is the conventional one and I strive to offer a safe and inclusive space for all. This regular caring and non-judgmental contact can be a vital component of a pregnant person’s support system during their pregnancy and beyond, whatever their personal circumstances and support network.

Reduction of musculoskeletal pain

During pregnancy, people can experience pain from the following musculoskeletal conditions, all of which a Jing Method pregnancy massage can help alleviate.

Back and Pelvic Pain

48 - 56% of people report their first incidence of chronic back pain during pregnancy, especially during the 5th through to 9 months. Of these, 50% experience pain in the sacroiliac area, 25% in the upper back and 25% in the lower back.

Sacroiliac pain

Typified by chronic soreness in the upper medial quadrant of the buttocks, across the iliac crest or at the PSIS of the pelvis and radiating for several inches.

Separation of the pubic symphysis

Indicted by stabbing anterior pain at the centre of the pelvis particularly when rolling over or climbing stairs

Tarsal Tunnel syndrome

Numbness around the medial malleolus and medial plantar aspect of the foot caused by compression of the tibial nerve by oedema (swelling).

Carpal Tunnel syndrome

Compression of the medial nerve by oedema (swelling) and characterised by numbness and tingling in the fingers. This is very common during pregnancy.

Thoracic Outlet syndrome 

Characterised by pain, numbness or tingling of entire band along the arm. Can be intensified when the brachia plexus on further compressed due to change in posture from pregnancy.

 Ribcage pain

This can be common as organ space decreases in later pregnancy. During a Jing Method pregnancy massage, the ribs are easily accessed in the side lying position.

Circulatory system benefits

Another physiological benefit of massage during pregnancy is to the circulatory system. To provide for foetal needs, prenatal adaptations of the circulatory system at this time can be profound.  Discomforts such as oedema, varicose veins and high blood pressure often respond well to appropriate massage therapy. Massage produces autonomic vascular reflexes that promote delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of waste materials.

With the use of massage techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, kneading and other compression, lymph capillaries are repeatedly emptied and refilled, producing a sustained increase in the rate of lymph formation and removal.

Respiratory system benefits

There are benefits to the respiratory system too. Most expectant people tend to feel short of breath and to hyperventilate. This rapid upper chest breathing is the result of the growing uterus restricting the diaphragm and a tendency to anterior rotation of the pectoral girdle. A Jing Method advanced clinical massage therapist can help educate the pregnant client in diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing. This promotes relaxation, reduces stress and relieves strain on the neck, chest and upper back caused by inefficient breathing.

If you are a pregnant person reading, and have been thinking of coming for a pregnancy massage with me, then I hope the information here may encourage you to do so. A 60 minute Jing Method pregnancy massage is £75, 90 minutes £105, with your first appointment including a free 30 minute consultation. New clients can book here.

If you want to find out more before scheduling an appointment, you are most welcome to book a free 15 minute discovery call .

If you are a therapist and are interested in adding pregnancy massage to the treatments you offer, then I highly recommend training with Jing Institute of Advanced Clinical Massage and Complementary Medicine . Their 4 day pregnancy and postpartum training runs once a year and spaces are always quickly filled as it's excellent. You can get in touch with the Jing admin team on 01273 628942 to find out when the next course is likely to be.

Pregnancy massage gift vouchers and massage packages are available. These make a really wonderful gift for any parent to be. You can find these to buy at the bottom of the treatment menu on my bookings page.

Some of the information in this blog post, and the first photo,  has been used with kind permission of Jing Massage.

Thanks for reading, I hope you found this post interesting and helpful!

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Written by Nicky Mandala

BTEC Level 6 Advanced Clinical and Sports Massage Therapist and TMJ Specialist