By: Cassidy Hexter, RMT

Edema, or swelling of the body, can occur during any stage of pregnancy. It is caused by fluid retention in the body's tissues, and is very common during pregnancy. During pregnancy hormone fluctuations can also contribute to edema, which may involve swelling of the hands, face, ankles, neck and other extremities. As pregnancy progresses, edema of the legs occurs in up to 40 percent of women. Edema in the legs results because of the mechanical obstruction created by the uterus and the fetus. It causes an increase in venous pressure distally causing the edema in the legs, ankles, and feet. Throughout your pregnancy your body will produce roughly 50% more blood and fluids than normal to accommodate your growing baby. This can contribute to swelling and bloating, but is important to help nourish and protect your baby. Continue Reading...

By: Heidi Wu, RMT

Massage therapy is excellent for stress management and relaxation. The Arthritis Society of Canada and North America has also found massage to be useful in managing fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a painful non-articular rheumatic condition characterized by widespread muscular achiness, multiple tender points on the body, poor sleep and pain. Continue Reading...

By Marie Arcand, RMT

Quoting Ashley Montegu, who studied and wrote extensively about touch in his book: Touching, the human significance of the skin.: "Perhaps next to the brain, the skin is the most important of all our organ systems. ...the sense of touch is the earliest to develop in the human embryo. When the embryo is less than an inch long from crown to rump, and less than six weeks old, light stroking of the upper lip or wings of the nose will cause bending of the neck and trunk away from the source of stimulation. At this stage in its development the embryo has neither eyes nor ears. ...there is a general embryological law which states that the earlier a function develops, the more fundamental it is likely to be." Continue Reading...

Empowering a woman throughout her pregnancy with massage therapy is a gift to share.

Pregnancy can be a beautiful journey that involves unique physical changes in the body, mind and soul for all women. Massage therapy during pregnancy can be important to maintain optimal health for pregnant women and is performed with the care and comfort of both mother and baby in mind. Continue Reading...

Written by Cassidy Hexter, RMT

The Number one question asked, “Is it safe to get massaged throughout my whole pregnancy?” It is very safe and highly recommended for almost all pregnancies. Massage therapy is safe for all stages of pregnancy. As the belly and baby grow, the massage can be modified for mom and baby’s comfort. Continue Reading...