You may have heard the terms “postnatal massage” or “post-delivery massage” if you’ve been reading baby books or attending new mother club meetings. This is a massage performed after giving birth to relax your body and mind.
There are several types of confinement massages, including Jamu postnatal massage, TCM postnatal massage, Swedish massage, and Ayurvedic Post Natal massage. We describe each of them below to help you decide which one to choose, so read on!
Jamu Massage
The Jamu massage originated in Southeast Asia and is one of the most well-known post-birth massages in most Asian nations. It generally comprises a full body oil massage using “Jamu” products (concoctions of herbal and natural components with particular medicinal characteristics) and a head massage to ease headaches and rid the body of ‘wind’. This massage addresses the entire body, retaining extra fluid while applying less pressure to sensitive places.
Following the massage, a binder, also known as bengkung, will be wrapped snugly from the ribcage to the hip using a comfortable and breathable material. This helps tone your stretched-out abdomen skin from pregnancy. It also helps to straighten your spine, which improves your overall posture. Breastfeeding or breast massage is a jamu massage that tries to unblock clogged ducts and encourage better lactation. This style of massage typically incorporates wrapped hot stones. However, many massage therapists have eliminated this component. By the end, you’ll have jamu paste all over your body, including your tummy and forehead.
TCM Massage
Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is a massage that works with other TCM to repair and revitalise a mother’s health. This style of massage focuses on restoring blood flow that has been sluggish due to pregnancy and birth, as well as nurturing and balancing Qi to prevent disease and poor energy in the future.
The masseuse will assess the best therapy for the mother before using “Tui Na” (which directly translates to squeeze and pull) and herbal medication. The mother will be able to unwind first with a peaceful herbal bath soak, followed by acupressure or acupoint massage. This massage repositions the uterus, eliminates water retention, and eliminates wind. The masseuse uses meridian lines (energy points) to improve energy flow and hasten the mother’s recovery. Breast massage may also be included to increase the flow of breast milk. Afterwards, the belly is bandaged with a herbal wrap to tone the stomach region. Dietary advice is frequently given to the mother!
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage, which is practised worldwide, is an excellent postnatal care therapy choice because it incorporates effleurage (making circular strokes with the palm) and petrissage (kneading or applying deep pressure to compress underlying muscles). These approaches aid in muscle toning and tension reduction. Stimulatory strokes are also included, enhancing blood circulation and muscular contraction.
Do you want to hear a fun fact? The Swedish massage method was designed to be comparable to gymnastics moves! It is intended to increase blood circulation, strengthen muscles, and improve muscle-bone balance. So it’s no wonder this style of massage has become one of the most popular in European countries!
Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurveda, often known as Ayurvedic massage, is a treatment derived from the traditional Indian health system that focuses on mind-body harmony via yoga, food, and lifestyle choices. The most significant distinction between Ayurvedic massage and the others on this list is the use of heated oil. This is thought to be more effective in lowering the risk of gas, digestive disorders, constipation, and sleeplessness. The type of oils used also influences how the therapy affects the mother. Sesame oil, for example, is used to ease tension and control blood pressure, whilst coconut oil is utilised to eliminate stretch marks and moisturise the body.
The session begins with a full-body oil massage that increases circulation, reduces pain and stress in the bones and muscles, and accelerates cell regeneration. Next, a hot water bath laced with neem leaves is made to relieve hurting muscles. Finally, the mother’s belly is wrapped with a fabric or sari to realign the uterus and eliminate gas.
