(For COVID-19 Procedures, please refer to the red section at the bottom of this page.)
We support both mother and baby through the pregnancy, recovery and infant development periods with prenatal massage, postnatal massage and infant massage training for parents.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage can be extremely helpful in relieving tension, aches and pains and promoting sleep. It can reduce depression, and improve the function of immune system. Specialized techniques can also help to reduce pregnancy-related swelling (e.g. in hands and feet). According to the American Pregnancy Association, prenatal massage can even improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Both mother and newborns can benefit when massage is incorporated into prenatal care. At Healing Essence, prenatal massage is performed on a massage table with the mother lying on her side or in a semi-reclining position, supported by cushions. Organic jojoba oil is used, or for a small fee, custom aromatherapy massage blends can be made (usually 100% organic).
Postnatal Massage:
As early as 24 hours after the birth (barring complications such as cesarean section), mothers can take advantage of the benefits or postnatal massage. Postnatal massage speeds up recovery after birth, enabling the body to heal faster. For instance, it helps improve muscle tone in overstressed muscles and helps hormone balances to return to normal faster. It also reduces postnatal depression, eases tension, improves immune function, and increases circulation. For postnatal massage, an organic Pain Release massage blend is used. This blend contains arnica and essential oils that are anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing. This gives the massage a greater impact on sore and strained muscles.
Infant Massage Training:
Healing Essence is also able to offer parents training in infant massage which can be done in person or via Zoom if you have a reasonably sized doll or stuffy to practice on. Stimulation of the skin is essential for adequate psychological development. Massage also helps to improve neurological development. It can even improve weight gain in infants. Studies have shown that premature infants given massage gain weight 47% faster than those who are not massaged. Infant massage is a great way for parents to bond with their child. Massage helps infants and toddlers learn how to relax, thus better preparing them for the stresses of life. Massage techniques can also be useful for conditions such as colic. Lessons come with an organic massage oil to help you get started massaging your own child.
COVID-19 Procedures for Indoor Massage:
Screening for COVID-19 symptoms: The therapist will self-test for COVID-19 weekly with a home test. If they receive a positive result they will immediately notify all clients for the following week. All appointments will be canceled until the home test can be confirmed or negated by a laboratory test (as home tests can give false positives). If the laboratory test confirms COVID-19, all appointments will be canceled for a minimum of 2 weeks and until a negative laboratory COVID-19 test is achieved. Should the therapist test positive for COVID-19, all clients seen since the last negative COVID-19 test will be notified.
The day of the appointment, the therapist will take their own temperature despite their weekly negative COVID test. The client’s temperature will be checked upon arrival and they will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. If they have had any unexpected symptoms or been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks they will be asked to leave. As they will be given this information with their appointment reminder, they will be asked to pay for the missed session.
Cleaning and sanitization: All surfaces at the site will be sanitized with an FDA-approved disinfectant before and after every client – this includes the massage table legs, chair legs, etc. All cushions and bolsters have been covered in sanitizable material and will be sanitized before and after each client. The table and table warmer have been covered in a sanitizable material and will be sanitized before and after each client. . Hand sanitizer will be at least 70% alcohol. Disposable gloves will be worn if it is necessary for the therapist to touch the client’s face. Upon arrival and departure the client will sanitize their hands.
Hand sanitizing: therapist and client hands will be sanitized at the start of every session, any time the client or therapist touches their face, and at the end of the appointment.
Face coverings: will be worn by both therapist and client at all times. When face down on the table, a pillow case will be used in such a way that it acts as a face covering during that time.
Client responsibilities: Clients will sanitize their hands upon arrival and after removing their shoes. Clothes and personal belongings will be stored on the table provided. Clients will notify the therapist should they test positive for COVID-19 or develop symptoms. They will bring their own water.
Ensuring airflow: an air filter will be running throughout the session and if possible windows will be open.
Additional precautions: The therapist will wear a NIOSH certified N95 mask at all times.
