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Heat during pregnancy massage

I have never taken a pregnancy massage class before, but the spa I work at we do pregnancy massage. In the pregancy massage we incorporate hot stones. When I say hot stone they are set at I'd say 110-115. We do the arms and and neck. We do however also add cold stones with the hot stones on the neck in order to not use too much heat on client. Is this safe? Thanks.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Roger D. Werstler on November 2, 2009 at 7:45am

I have taken a weekend seminar for a National Certification in Maternity Massage and I would say that hot stones is contraindicated for a pregnancy massage. It will most likely increased the blood flow and blood pressure at a time when clotting is possible. Too many things to avoid here. AFTER the birth the hot stones are ideal to realign the body processes and chemistry. It is a mainstay in therapy in China (Mother Roasting) and Thailand (Herbal Ball Massages), but only post-partum. To clear up this issue, I'll check with my instructor. However, Madeline was instructed by Elaine Stillerman, who I see as a premier guru in this modality. Roger

Permalink Reply by carolinajones on November 2, 2009 at 4:38pm

Thanks Roger!

Roger D. Werstler said:

I have taken a weekend seminar for a National Certification in Maternity Massage and I would say that hot stones is contraindicated for a pregnancy massage. It will most likely increased the blood flow and blood pressure at a time when clotting is possible. Too many things to avoid here. AFTER the birth the hot stones are ideal to realign the body processes and chemistry. It is a mainstay in therapy in China (Mother Roasting) and Thailand (Herbal Ball Massages), but only post-partum. To clear up this issue, I'll check with my instructor. However, Madeline was instructed by Elaine Stillerman, who I see as a premier guru in this modality. Roger

Permalink Reply by carolinajones on November 2, 2009 at 4:38pm

Thanks Candace!

Candace Ellis BA, LMT said:

I was always taught that hot stones were not safe to use during a pregnancy massage, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy. I believe the restriction is based on the same idea that women should avoid hot tubs while pregnant as well.