Ayurvedic Oil Massage during Pregnancy - Everything You Need to Know!

The ancient practice of Ayurveda has advocated several practices including food regimes that pregnant women can follow to aid the healthy development of the unborn child and overall well-being of the mother. One of the practices recommended by Ayurveda is oil massage or Abhyangato soothe the expecting mothers’ nerves. 

However, oil massages during this period must be done with caution, and only after the doctor gives approval. Otherwise, it entails risk for both the mother and the unborn child. Oil massages are not usually recommended during the first trimester because of how sensitive and vulnerable the unborn child is. Intense massages like deep tissue massage must be avoided at any cost because it is extremely harmful to both the mother and child. However, simply applying warm oil on the body before bathing is advised and can be followed every day.

Oils to be used:

Massages for pregnant women can be done using various oils ranging from essential oils like lavender, lemon, sesame, and almond among others. But using Ayurvedic oils ensures various health benefits for the mother and the unborn child. The oil that are prescribed for massage during this period are:

• Mahanarayana oil
• Kottamchukkadi taila 
• Ksheerabala taila 
• Narayana oil

Position:

This varies from person to person because what works for one might not work for the other. Whatever position the expecting mother is comfortable in is the ideal one for her. However, it is important for her to be surrounded with soft pillows. While massaging, no pressure must be applied on the chest or the abdomen area because the former is extremely sensitive during this period while the pressure on the latter might affect the unborn child.

Areas to be massaged:

• Head– This helps in relieving stress and anxiety which are common in most women during pregnancy.
• Breasts– This is done to avoid stretch marks and ease feeding after the birth of the baby.
• Lower back– Due to the stress on the abdomen, the lower back tends to ache and get cramped up and this can be avoided through massaging.
• Calf muscles – This helps to relieve the stress that is on the legs when the mother gains weight as the unborn baby develops. Massaging the feet helps to relieve pain and swollen ankles that are a common phenomenon during pregnancy.

Benefits of oil massages:

• Circulation of blood improves as massaging aids in better movement of blood. This also ensures that the unborn child is supplied with oxygen-rich blood, ensuring its healthy development.
• Insomnia is a common complaint among pregnant women because of the constant changes that their body undergoes. Massages help them sleep better.
• Muscle tension is reduced as massaging relieves any stress that these muscles have been carrying.
• As mentioned earlier, pregnancy can be an anxiety-inducing for some women. Massages help women relax and relieve them from any anxious feelings that may arise during pregnancy.
• Some women might face itchiness or drying skin and oil massages are an effective way of preventing this. It also makes the skin smoother and helps to prevent stretch marks.
• Joints are better lubricated after massages, making movement easier.

Precautions to be taken during massages:

• If there is an open wound on your body, it is advisable to wait till it heals before massaging so that it does not get infected.
• If one is not well due to any common ailment like cold or fever, it is better to avoid massages until they get better.
• It is essential that the expecting mother always consults her doctor before undergoing massages.

Massages during pregnancy using Ayurvedic oils can be extremely beneficial for both the mother and the unborn child. Following all the right steps and taking necessary precautions will make the massage routine something the expecting mother looks forward to and might even lighten her mood if performed properly.