6 Reasons Pregnant Women Should Consider a Body Massage

An aching back, sciatica pain, swollen ankles, sore feet, digestive issues, emotional stress, and hormones that leave you ecstatic one minute, then weeping for no reason the next.

Yep, we're talking about pregnancy.

Many women adore the myriad sensations of carrying a new life inside of them, but there's no denying that these nine months are some of the most difficult, physiologically speaking, that a body can experience.

One restorative way to ease your aches and soothe your psyche is to get a full body massage.

Read on to learn some specific benefits of pregnancy massage!

Alleviate Back Aches

Watch any sitcom or goofy movie involving a pregnant women, and it's guaranteed that the actress will be walking around with her pelvis thrust forward and her hand clamped to her lower back.

It's not just a stereotype that pregnant women have persistent aches and pains; in fact, fully one-third of pregnant women experience lower back pain. It usually only gets worse in the second and third trimesters, as baby grows bigger.

Sciatica pain is another common pregnancy woe due to strain on the muscles. Both of these can be relieved by regular body massages.

Reduce Edema

Are your ankles swollen? That's due to excessive water buildup, otherwise known as edema. Swollen ankles and feet are common in pregnancy, because the lymphatic system isn't able to drain as easily.

Massage can increase lymphatic drainage, thereby reducing the swelling.

Nourish Your Growing Baby

One of the best overall benefits of body massage is an increase in your circulation. This, in turn, will increase the amount of oxygen and nutrients that are transported to the fetus through your blood.

In other words, pregnancy massage is much more than a selfish way to help Mom feel better -- it actually helps baby grow, too!

Improve Your Sleep

Many factors conspire to rob a pregnant woman of her necessary eight (or more) hours of sleep. Heartburn, stress, and the general discomfort of being with child are just some of those factors.

Massage is proven to soothe and relax the central nervous system, leading to more restful and longer-lasting sleep. And let's face it, you need all the sleep you can get.

Boost Your Mood!

In addition to the physical stressors of carrying a child, there are emotional effects, as well. It's common for pregnant women -- especially those who are first-time moms -- to feel apprehensive and scared about giving birth. The idea that your life is going to utterly change can also be a frightening one.

Getting a weekly massage can lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. At the same time, feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin are increased through therapeutic touch.

Decrease the Chances of Complications

These positive hormonal changes do more than just make you feel better in the moment. They can actually help you avoid complications during childbirth. Women who experience depression during pregnancy, but who receive treatments to boost serotonin and dopamine (like body massage!), are 75% less likely to give birth prematurely than women who aren't treated.

Ready for Your Body Massage?

Contact Astra Medispa today to learn more about our massage offerings, and to find out how we can accommodate the special needs of the pregnant body.

Have you tried massage for pregnancy? What other ways have you found to relieve your aching back and other symptoms? Let us know in the comments!

How Can an Acne Facial Improve Your Complexion?

Acne facial treatments are being offered more and more at various beauty spas.

And there's a reason for this. Even though they will indeed require you to spend some money, it's important to realize that these game-changing treatments are worth the expense.

If you suffer from acne, you're not alone. The facials work to clear up a less-than-perfect complexion.

Read on to find out how.

Be a Patient with Patience

An acne facial is not a one-stop fix. And in truth, results can vary from client to client. But on the whole, they are excellent treatments to undergo if you're looking to clear up your skin and produce long-lasting results.

However, you won't get the best, most effective result with just one sole treatment. You'll need one of these treatments on more than one occasion to reap the best rewards possible.

Just like any other acne treatment medication or procedure, the results will start to show over time. You will need to have patience to finally get to the results you want and will have to commit to more than just the one facial. In fact, a series will be required.

A Weekly Routine

An acne facial is best scheduled every week or every two weeks.

You will have the procedure carried out by an esthetician who will work to improve the blemishes you have on your skin.

If you go to a specialist who is experienced in treating problem skin, you'll get the best results possible. It's not frowned upon to ask your esthetician what specific experience they have treating skin.

Salons and Dermatologists

Attending this kind of facial therapy at a salon is best suited to those with a mild condition. This applies to those with minor blemishes and occasional breakouts.

If your condition is more dramatic, it's best to go to a dermatologist. They will still perform an acne facial, but it will be more of an intensive treatment that you can't get from a salon.

Estheticians are trained to know when acne is beyond salon treatment and you will be referred to a specialist.

The Acne Facial Procedure

The facial starts with a skin cleanse. This rids the skin of any residual matter and provides a clean workspace for the treatment, leading ultimately to the best results at the end.

Masks and steam baths are often incorporated into these treatments, and many specialists will perform a facial massage.

The esthetician will use products to lessen the surface oil and to remove dead skin cells. It will finish with a soothing hydration procedure, which will be tailored to your specific skin type. This is determined before the facial takes place.

The blackheads and whiteheads that trouble you will be taken care of by your esthetician, which is one of the immediate improvements that takes place during the treatment.

Astra Medispa will Rejuvenate you

At Astra Medispa we won't send you off without knowing what to do after the treatment.

Our team will offer you the best professional advice to perform daily at-home treatments and can recommend over-the-counter acne products or prescription medications.

We also offer groundbreaking treatments, such as the Astra Signature Facial and the Brightening Radiance Treatment.

Contact us to book your appointment with a specialist today.