Frequently asked questions
Pregnancy Massage
When can I start receiving massage during pregnancy?
You can begin to receive regular massages from 12 weeks of pregnancy up until birth.
What to expect during a pregnancy massage treatment?
We will have a brief chat to see where your areas of tensions are and discuss your health history to ensure we are being safe during the treatment. You have the option of using special pregnancy pillows which allow you lie on your belly or side lying if those are not confirtable for you. Pregnancy massage tends to be more gently and relaxing swedish style massage. There are pressure points that need to be avoided in pregnancy which is why you shouls always go to a professionally trained pregnancy massage therapist.
What benefits are there to pregnancy massage?
There are many benefits to pregnancy massage including:
Postnatal Massage
When can I start postnatal massge?
You can start receiving postnatal massage treatments as soon as you feel comfortable. Your therapist will position you comfortably if your abdomen or breasts are sore. If you have maternal complications, please consult your GP or midwife before treatment.
What to expect during a postnatal massage treatment?
Post-natal massage is either performed on your side, if you have recently given birth and are unable to lay on your tummy or on your front using special pregnancy pillows. If you are fully recovered, then you will lay both on your front and back. Special attention will is be given to the belly area using Arvigo Maya Abdominal Therapy Techniques to help the uterus back into optimal position.
What are the benefits of postnatal massage?
• Time to nurture yourself
• Helps realign body & balance hormones after birth
• Assists body in physical adjustment to breastfeeding and carrying baby
• Assists in emotional release and support
• Assists in restoring the body to pre-pregnancy state
• Helps with fatigue and muscle aches
• Helps the body to eliminate toxins
• Reduce risk of post-natal depression
• Improve muscle tone and elasticity
Abdominal Therapy
What to expect during your initial consultation and treatment?
How quickly should I expect a change?
Depending on the severity of the problem, it may take as little as one session and as long as many months for the uterine position to be corrected and for the ligaments to gain enough strength and elasticity for it to stay in place. 3 sessions are usually the minimum and we tend to work together for 3-6 months.
Women often report a rapid improvement in symptoms and sense of well-being when self-care is performed regularly.
When is the best time to come for a treatment if I am actively trying to conceive?
If you are actively trying to conceive right now then book your appointment for a day or two after the last day of your period and before ovulation. We recommend you come in for 2 sessions to begin with so try to come for your first appointment as soon after your period ends as possible, that will give you time to squeeze in another treatment before you ovulate.
Can Arvigo Adbominal Therapy be used during treatments of IVF or IUI?
Absolutely. In fact Arvigo Abdominal Therapy may enhance the chances of better egg quality, embryo implantation and help create a healthier uterine lining. We will plan the best time for Arvigo treatments in accordance to your IVF or IUI treatment schedule.
How can Abdominal Therapy help in Pregnancy?
By strengthening and toning the uterus, ligaments and other pelvic organs, abdominal therapy massage may help to place and maintain the uterus in her optimal position for giving birth. The well being of mother and baby are improved as they prepare for labour and delivery. Regular Arvigo Abdominal treatments during pregnancy has been shown to make labour and delivery faster and easier, while also helping to reduce complications during birth.
Is Abdomial Therapy recommended for all women?
Almost every woman, even those who have had hysterectomies can benefit greatly from the Abdominal Therapy through improved circulation, lymphatic drainage and a decrease in the formation of scar tissue.
Safety, Contraindications, Cautions, and Modifications:
I've had a Hysterectomy - how can abdominal therapy help?
Women who have had hysterectomies benefit greatly from these techniques as it improves circulation in and around the area of the scar. When circulation is improved, scar tissue will be prevented from forming in the pelvis after surgery. Ligaments and other remaining organs are benefited from improving circulatory flow to the pelvis.
How does Abdominal Therapy help with caesarian sections?
For women who have had a C-section, this technique is beneficial for breaking up scar tissue in the same way it works for women who have had hysterectomies. Scar tissue is not only about the outward visability of the scar but internally, it can prevent the uterus from moving back into her correct position post pregnancy which may cause a myriad of problems later on.
How does Abdominal Therapy support digestion?
Many anxieties and emotions through life are stored in our body's tissues and organs. A very common place is in the organs of the digestive system. Those so called "butterflies in your stomach" can lead to constipation, indigestion, heartburn, gastritis, and eventually to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gasto Esophageal Reflux (GERD), Crohn's and more.
Stresses and emotions cause the small intestine and colon to be "twisted or kinked" leading the blockages in the flow of peristalsis. Surrounding fascia creates adhesions that mal-position organs and impede proper blood flow and enzyme secretions. These techniques slowly improve fascia adhesions, scar tissue and remove any "kinks" in the digestive tract. Often there is a dramatic improvement after just one session when combined with proper diet and self-care.
Will Abdominal Therapy help with digestion problems following abdominal surgery?
Scar tissue and facial adhesions can often cause problems with digestion after abdominal surgery. Again, by improving circulation it breaks down the scar tissue and adhesion from past or present surgeries. A few sessions combined with castor oil packs, diet and self care are often used depending on the restriction for optimal success. Make sure you wait for allow 4-6 weeks or at the consent of your health care provider before applying this technique.
What is "Self Care" and why does it help?
Each client is instructed in performing the abdominal massage for themselves. By doing self care massage daily for 2 - 3 minutes of daily massage, it provides the individual with the ability to improve their symptoms while working with their practitioner.
Over the years, practitioners report that their clients obtain relief from their symptoms quicker when they perform daily self care techniques and make the necessary lifestyle changes than clients who do not.
Aromatherapy Massage
What to expect in an Aromatherapy Massage session?
How can Aromatherapy help me?
Essential oils are derived from healing plants that have a natural synergy with our bodies. They work in a gentle but powerful way to help alleviate "dis-ease" within our bodies whether they are physical, psychological or spiritual. All the oils used are natural and free from synthetic chemicals, additives and parabens.
Safety & Precautions?
Essential Oils should always be diluted before use and when blends are properly prepared by a qualified aromatherapist, they are generally safe to use. However, there maybe contraindications and modifications that need to be made with the following conditions:
- During Pregnancy or Breast Feeding
- Children & Babies
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Other major health diseases
- Skin Sensitivity
Traditonal Postnatal Belly Binding
How soon after giving birth can I begin these treatments?
You can begin your treatments 1 week post birth if you had a natural birth. If you had a c-section then you may begin after 6 weeks, however we recommended you get the all clear from your midwife or doctor during your postnatal check up before beginning the treatments.
When should I book?
You can book as early as 3 months prior to your expected delivery date. However, your exact treatment dates will be confirmed only once you have delivered your baby.
Do I need to pay a deposit and how do I make payment?
If you are doing the recommended minimum of 5 session package, a deposit of £50 is required at the time of booking. The outstanding full payment may be made on your first session. Payments may be made by Cash, Credit Card, or Bank Transfer. Please note deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
What does the Belly Binding involve and how long should I wear it for?
A long piece of fabric is used to bind your belly during the treatment. This helps your organs back into place and helps any split abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) to come back together. It also supports your back and pelvis. We recommend you keep the binding on for 8-10 hours (minimum 6).
What to expect during your Belly Binding Treatment?
After an initial consultation the treatment begins with bosy massage focusing on any areas of particular tension you may have. Abdominal therapy massage techniques are then used on the belly area. A herbal mask is appled to the abdomen. Then your belly and hips are wrapped with a long piece of fabric which helps to support your back and pelvis as well as help you slim down post pregnancy.
Is the binding uncomfortable?
It is best to have the binding on relatively tightly however Jenny will do it to your personal comfort level. So you will still be able to breath and move around.
Are the ingredients used during the treatment safe for breastfeeding?
Yes all the ingredients are safe during breastfeeding. In fact all the ingredients used are of the highest quality and are organic where possible or wild crafted. As a UK trained Clinical Aromatherapist, Jenny hand blends all the herbs and oils, selecting key ingredients to help in your restoration.
When is the postpartum treatment not recommended?
If you have an infection, fever, high blood pressure or hemorrhaging. Or if you it has not been at least one month after a C-Section delivery.
General Info
How can I book a treatment?
There are several ways you can book:
Where do the treatments take place?
I treat you in the comfort of your own home where you are most comfortable and can fully relax during your treatment.
How much is the travel fee to my home?
If you live within 5 miles driving radius of SO51 0AZ then the travel fee is waived. Thereafter, the charge is 60p per mile from SO51 0AZ.
What safety measures are place during the Covid-19 pandemic?
In line with government guidelines we have implemented the following measures during treatments:
Do you offer Gift Vouchers?
Yes we do. They can be purchased through on of the following ways: