Women who are on their period can have a massage session. Moreover, there are certain benefits to having a massage during menstruation, notably for women experiencing (heavy) pains during their period.
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Nevertheless, there are also some precautions that need to be taken into account. We’ll discuss both factors in this post.
Typically — before the actual massage session — a massage therapist will ask a woman if she’s currently having her period; in fact, the therapist needs to know how to handle the abdominal area, that is, they will be gentle and give only measured and very specific pressure on the abdomen in order to prevent (additional) pains for the client.
As it is, during menstruation, the abdominal region is usually quite sensitive, notably the ovaries, uterus, the pelvic floor, and the immediate area around those.
Massage significantly increases blood circulation and as such also the subsequent menstrual blood flow (menses). Women often notice an increased discharge after a massage, usually the day after the session. The increased blood flow may reduce heavy cramps (such as those caused by Dysmenorrhea), bloating, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and lower back pains.
As a rule, some or more symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) — which may still show in the first days of the actual menstrual bleeding — may be resolved or alleviated.
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In a more general sense, massage is relaxing, which in itself alleviates tensions, pains, contractions, and stress, which all benefit the physical and mental state of a woman during her period.
A massage session that aims at relieving women of menstrual pains will give special focus on the glutes, the lower back, the groin and pelvic region, and the abdomen. Additionally, arterial compressions may be applied to more profoundly stimulate the blood flow.
Other techniques may include Aromatherapy Massage with essential oils, Foot Massage and Foot Reflexology, Acupressure massage, Breathwork, and the use of hot i.e. warm herbal compresses for the abdomen and lower back, to give some examples.
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