I have always been interested in massage and various forms of alternative health care since I can remember. So when I had the chance, after having been abroad for a few years, I came back to the UK and began to study.

I have been practicing in Edinburgh since 2002 and now have a variety of qualifications and therapies under my belt. Reflexology and Massage are my primary qualifications and over the last few years I have broadened my understanding and developed my skills by taking courses in different areas of Reflexology and Massage -ie, Maternity Reflexology, Adapted Reflextherapy to alleviate back pain and stress, Thai Reflexology, Thai Foot Massage, Indian Head Massage Pregnancy Massage, Massage Master Class for deep tissue massage, Myofascial Techniques etc.

Through treating clients with Reflexology and Massage I found that I wanted to balance this treatment with other forms of alternative treatments, therefore I have added Hopi Ear Candles and Neuro Linguistic Programming. Through my treatments I feel I give a rounded and balancing treatment which treats the whole body, mind and spirit.

What is Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy Massage is a firm, but also a relaxing, massage which takes the special needs of pregnant women into consideration. It is an excellent and holistic way to treat many problems throughout pregnancy and in the postnatal period.

Prenatal
Pregnancy Massage consists of specialised techniques which focus on the various needs of the mother-to-be. The Massage varies and adapts through-out each trimester as the body changes over the 40 week gestation period. Generally the treatment is carried out whilst the client lies on her side and a natural fine wax is applied as the massage medium. Various shiatsu techniques may be used, along with stretching techniques and light lymphatic drainage techniques. This treatment can be adapted to be both a firm and therapeutic massage and/or a gentle, nurturing and relaxing massage. Pregnancy Massage, therefore is tailored to each client and also varies considerably during each treatment.

First Trimester - Weeks 1 -13
At this stage of pregnancy a woman may feel extremely tired, emotional, anxious and nauseous due to all the changes happening within her body. Pregnancy Massage during this trimester is slow and gentle and helps ease any aches and pains. The use of shiatsu pressure points restores a sense of well-being and gentle massage strokes sooth the body.

Second Trimester - Weeks 14 - 27
During the second trimester a woman's body can start to feel the strain of pregnancy. The baby is growing and increases the mother's body weight. At this stage Pregnancy Massage helps to ease tired and achy joints, puffy hands and feet and with a little deeper massage releases pain, stress and tension. With gentle stretching and manipulation it also helps prevent leg cramps and general stiffness.

Third Trimester - Weeks 28 - 40
During the third Trimester Pregnancy Massage can help to reduce and relieve achy hips and restless limbs and reduce swelling and oedema in joints/limbs. Pregnancy Massage can help to release headaches and induce a deeper state of relaxation to promote better sleep.

Postnatal
After the baby has been born Post-natal massage continues to support the mother and ease tension. Once the mother has started breast feeding and carrying the baby her body will ache in a different way in comparison to the pregnancy cycle. Aches can occur in the back, neck, shoulders and arms. Massage helps to release these new tension areas and gives the mother some time to herself to relax and restore her energy.

What does Pregnancy Massage help with?

Pregnancy Massage has helped clients with:

• Physical, emotional and psychological issues
• Reducing muscle fatigue, soreness and stiffness
• Specifically helping to relieve sciatica, sacroiliac pain and back pain
• Encouraging better lymph drainage
• Helping to speed up digestion and waste removal
• Improving circulation
• Boosting immunity and revitalising

Following the treatment clients have benefited from:

• Improved and deeper sleep
• General relaxation and feeling of calmness and well being
• Having time out and for self
• Improving skin tone, suppleness and colour

What happens during a treatment?

After a detailed consultation has taken place the client will be left to undress and asked to lie on the massage couch under the towels provided. Client dignity is maintained at all times.

Fine wax will be used as a massage medium. Pregnancy Massage is a varied massage and is dependant on the clients needs. The therapist will concentrate on making sure the client is relaxed but at the same time will be looking to relieve tension areas as and when these occur during the massage.

When the massage has been completed the client will be left to dress. Aftercare advice will then be given.

Testimonial:
"I visited Meriel for pregnancy massage in the last few months of my pregnancy and found the sessions fantastic. Knowing that most people have aches and pains during pregnancy I was amazed at what Meriel was able to achieve. I had increased mobility and flexibility after having the massages. The tension in my lower back and hips was becoming very painful but the massage helped and was also wonderfully relaxing for me." N in the Borders

Qualifications
- Classical Reflexology - The Academy of Aromatherapy and Massage (March 2002)
- Diploma in Indian Head Massage - (ITEC) The Edinburgh Therapy Academy (April 2003)
- Aqua Detox (February 2004)
- Maternity Reflexology - Scottish Institute of Reflexology (June 2004 and April 2005)
- Thermo-Auricular Therapy - Alda House School of Natural Therapies (April 2004)
- Adapted Reflextherapy in Spinal Pain and Whiplash - Scottish Institute of Reflexology (March 2005)
- Emergency First Aid, St Andrew's Ambulance Association (May 2005)
- Thai Foot Massage, The London School of Thai Massage - (July 2005)
- Advanced Thermo-Auricular Therapy - Alda House School of Natural Therapies (July 2005)
- Thai Reflexology - The Edinburgh Therapy Academy (February 2006)
- Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) - (April 2006)
- Precision Reflexology - Scottish Institute of Reflexology (April 2006)
- Diploma in Holistic Massage (Swedish or Therapeutic Massage) - (ITEC) The Edinburgh Therapy Academy (July 2006)
- Pregnancy Massage - Well Mother (July 2007)
- First Aid at Work (March 2008)
- Massage Master Class for Advanced Massage Techniques (April 2008)
- Hands Free Massage (April 2008)
- Anatomy Trains - Myofascial Meridians - James Earls (May 2008)