By Amy Williams,
Licensed Massage Therapist at Vitality Unlimited Spa
With Mother’s Day around the corner, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the wonderful, fulfilling, and often the all-consuming job of motherhood. There aren’t any sick days or vacation days. There will never be a chance to retire, since being a mother is a lifelong commitment. Getting the opportunity to raise wonderful and loving human beings is rewarding and beautiful but comes with the challenge of balancing priorities. The scales always tip towards taking care of others instead of taking care of yourself.
After the boutiques and shopping centers put away their Mother’s Day posters and sale tags, and after all the gifts and cards have been received and opened, the breakfast-in-bed dishes now sit in the sink, waiting to be washed. When the flower petals on the bouquet start to wilt and the world goes back to normal, mothers are just ordinary people doing extraordinary things behind closed doors.
It’s important for mothers to take time for themselves. To reconnect with themselves. To be able to relax without guilt.
A great way to free the mind and de-stress the body is to receive a massage. A full-body experience for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual release.
Benefits of Massage:
- Reduces stress and increases relaxation
- Reduces pain, muscle soreness, and tension
- Improves circulation, energy, and alertness
- Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
- Improves immune function
Some studies have found massage may also be helpful for people with the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Low back pain
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Nerve pain
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries
- Upper back and neck pain
For those who are pregnant or who have just given birth, massage is a great way to address pains and cope with post-partum symptoms.
Receiving a Prenatal Massage, which is a massage you can receive while pregnant, can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, soothe muscle pains, and lower stress.
It is so important for mothers to take care of themselves after they give birth.
Benefits of Post-Partum Massage:
- Improves milk production
- Reduces swelling
- Helps regulate hormones
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Induces relaxation which leads to better sleep
It is important to consult with your doctor before receiving a Prenatal Massage or a Post-Partum Massage. Most spas and clinics will not perform services on anyone less than fourteen weeks pregnant or on those who have given birth in the time span of six weeks or less.
Mothers carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Taking time for yourself and allowing help to lessen the burden is important to keep your mind and body in balance.
Vitality Unlimited Spa is owned and operated by women and most of them are mothers. Hannah is a Licensed Massage Therapist whose daughter celebrated her first birthday in January. She confesses to putting herself last and that she often prioritizes the needs of her daughter and husband before her own. She knows her mental clarity and physical well-being have suffered from it.
“As a mother, I am always focused on the needs of my daughter. My own needs are often neglected. When we were breastfeeding, I would find myself becoming “touched out” from the constant physical contact with my child, and I would become irritable and overwhelmed. The exchange of touch would feel one-directional at times, so finding time to solely focus on me was incredibly beneficial. Receiving massage has helped me emotionally and physically because the exchange of touch was directed at my own needs and not those of others. Touch is a necessity in life and being able to receive that in a safe, therapeutic space can be life-changing for parents, caregivers, and people of all walks of life.”
Every mother deserves to feel special this coming Mother’s Day and every day afterwards. Mothers need to make time for themselves. Whether it be enjoying a walk outside in nature, connecting with family and friends, or pursuing a hobby. Self-care has a wide spectrum and there are many ways for mothers to nurture their individuality and treat themselves.
If you are looking to relax and unwind, Vitality Unlimited Spa offers a wide variety of spa services. Treat yourself or someone you care about with one of our most popular services, like a Swedish Massage or a Revitalizing Facial.
Vitality Unlimited Spa is happy to offer a special promotion throughout the month of May to help you with your self-care routine. Mention this article when you call the spa at 314.968.1808 to schedule your appointment and receive 10% off any service. Or use promo code THP10 when scheduling your appointment online at vitalityunlimitedspa.com. Please note this promotion may not be combined with any other promotions and is limited to one service per client in May 2022.
Happy Mother’s Day from the team at Vitality Unlimited Spa!