A Handbook for Relieving the Discomforts of Pregnancy Massage is a sensuous, relaxing, and loving treatment that has the added bonus of being especially good for you. It’s the perfect way to reduce stress and promote general well-being. During pregnancy, your body is undergoing many changes, some of them stressful and discomforting. Mother Massage, by licensed massage therapist Elaine Stillerman, is a beautifully illustrated guide to help eliminate some of these adverse effects. Designed to be used either alone or with a partner, Mother Massage provides techniques for a variety of massages, including full body massage, preparation for labor and birthing massage, massage during the postpartum and nursing stages, and infant massage. These techniques are explained in step-by-step, illustrated detail. You’ll also learn special massages for treating such discomforts as: • Backaches • Breast Soreness • Charley Horse and Leg Cramps • Headaches • Heartburn • Fatigue • Morning Sickness • Sciatica • Stretch Marks • Varicose Veins • And Many Others Also included are sections on reflexology, herbal remedies, and nutritional requirements for pregnant and lactating women.

This newly revised edition provides the reader with expert advice on using essential oils in massage, baths, compresses, lotions, and inhalations. Special sections give complete instructions for using massage to ease the discomforts of pregnancy and relieve the pain of labor and birth, as well as to soothe and comfort restless babies and facilitate the bonding of mother and child.

This revised edition provides the reader with expert advice on using essential oils in massage, baths, compresses, lotions, and inhalations. Special sections give complete instructions for using massage to ease the discomforts of pregnancy and relieve the pain of labor and birth, as well as to soothe and comfort restless babies and facilitate the bonding of mother and child.

Master the techniques of infant massage and incorporate this joyful and wonderful healing art into your baby’s life with this revised and updated edition. For generations, mothers around the world have known that the soft touch of their hands soothes, calms, and communicates their love to their babies. The latest scientific research confirms that physical affection is vital to the development and wellness of children—easing discomfort, releasing tension, improving sleep, helping premature infants gain weight, even aiding asthmatic children to improve their breathing. Now Vimala McClure, founder of the International Association of Infant Massage, has revised and updated her beloved classic. Inside you’ll find • specific routines tailored to help relieve colic, fever, and chest and nasal congestion • easy-to-follow instructions and photographs demonstrating each step • new information on the benefits of skin-to-skin contact • instructions for premature infants and babies with special needs • lullabies, rhymes, and games to enhance the massage experience • a special chapter dedicated to fathers • compassionate advice for foster and adoptive parents Praise for Infant Massage “Speaking as a pediatrician, the best advice I can give you is to try the techniques described in this book.”–Stephen Berman, M.D., F.A.A.P., former president, American Academy of Pediatrics “What a brilliant way to love and nurture a child! The first connection between parent and child is physical, through the body; by using the techniques Vimala McClure has developed, your parental relationship will be off to a magnificent start.”—Judy Ford, author of Wonderful Ways to Love a Child

Integrative Reflexology(R) Theory and Practice offers an innovative and in-depth four theory approach and program for integrating reflexology into massage and bodywork. Claire Marie Miller's comprehensive approach has been developed over her last 37 years of practice and teaching.

Authored by a well-known expert on prenatal massage, this comprehensive text helps you understand the intricate physiology of pregnancy so you can confidently apply appropriate massage techniques for each trimester, and throughout labor and postpartum. You'll find clear, colorfully illustrated explanations of a wide range of techniques and procedures, including Swedish massage, acupuncture points, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, lymphatic drainage, and reflexology. Contraindications and precautions are also provided where necessary to help you provide safe and effective care for every client. Comprehensive coverage guides you through all aspects of prenatal massage in a single book, addressing fundamentals, techniques, preparation, and prevention of potential problems. Many useful techniques are described in detail for prenatal through postpartum massage with step-by-step instructions so you can begin using these techniques with your clients immediately. Numerous boxes throughout the text highlight key information and provide clinical tips. Touch Points and In My Experience boxes share the author's personal observations about the chapter material with real-life examples from her years in practice. Over 350 detailed, full-color illustrations and photographs illuminate procedures, concepts, and techniques. Clear writing and organization addresses content in four main units: pregnancy massage, labor massage, postpartum massage, and marketing strategies. A companion DVD packaged with the book contains 45 minutes of video demonstrating different massage techniques presented in the book. DVD icons within the text encourage you to watch relevant video footage at appropriate points. Learning objectives and key terms at the beginning of each chapter clearly identify the concepts you should focus on in the chapter. Review questions at the end of each chapter enable you to assess your understanding and review important information presented in the book. A glossary of all key terms and definitions makes it easy to quickly look up a new term or to refresh your memory.

Use the healing power of touch for a healthier, happier pregnancy. Pregnancy is an exciting time full of promise, but most women could do without symptoms such as back pain, headaches, nausea, and swollen feet—luckily, many of these conditions can be treated with massage. Touch has the power to heal, calm, and nurture relationships. Christine Sutherland, co-founder of the Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic, teaches the basics of prenatal massage for healthy pregnancies. From the first trimester to postpartum recovery, Christine’s healing methods will help moms-to-be through every stage of pregnancy, including childbirth and breastfeeding. There’s even a chapter on the basics of baby massage, which new parents, grandparents, and siblings can use to relieve common infant conditions and bond with the new child. Hundreds of photos and illustrations clearly illustrate techniques that even beginners can master. Christine also includes real-life stories that showcase how the power of massage helped women through their own pregnancy journeys. If your partner or loved one is expecting, this book is for you.