Pregnancy Massage - Things You Need To Know

What areas cannot be massaged during Pregnancy Massage Treatments?

1. Sacrum

The sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine, situated between the hip bones) and the sacroiliac (SI) joints around it are common sources of pain during pregnancy. The hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments in the pelvis to prepare for birth, often leading to instability and discomfort in this area.
Therefore, gentle massage to relieve tension in the surrounding muscles (like the glutes and piriformis) can be highly beneficial.

The main caution concerns applying deep, direct, sustained pressure to the center of the sacrum.
Reflexology/Acupressure Concern: Some reflexology and acupressure traditions link strong pressure in the center of the sacrum to the uterus. Deep, stimulating pressure here is avoided to prevent the possibility of stimulating contractions.
Positioning: Because the client is positioned on their side, deep direct pressure to the center is difficult to apply anyway, which helps naturally mitigate this risk.

Instead of avoidance, prenatal therapists use safer, effective techniques:
Broad, Gentle Strokes: Using the palm of the hand or a soft fist to apply broad, comforting strokes over the sacrum and lumbar area is fine and often very soothing.
Gluteal Work: Targeting the tight muscles surrounding the sacrum (like the gluteal muscles and piriformis) is highly recommended for relieving sciatic pain, which is common in pregnancy.
Gentle Rocking/Mobilization: Light, rhythmic rocking or gentle mobilization of the hips can help soothe the lower back without excessive pressure.

Location: Found on the hand, in the web space between the thumb and the index finger. When you press the thumb and index finger together, the muscle belly rises slightly; the point is usually found at the highest point of that mound.
Reason for Caution: LI4 is a potent point that promotes strong movement and is also traditionally used to induce labor or relieve pain. While gentle stimulation might be fine in certain contexts, most prenatal therapists strictly avoid deep pressure here to prevent any uterine stimulation.

3. Gallbladder 21 (GB21) - Jianjing / Shoulder Well

Location: Located on the shoulder, midway between the highest point of the shoulder (acromion) and the spine (C7 vertebra), often at the center of the upper trapezius muscle.
Reason for Caution: Deep massage or strong squeezing of the shoulder and neck area is common in standard massage, but strong, direct pressure on GB21 can send energy downward, which can potentially lead to uterine contractions or excessive muscle response. Therapists will often use broad, gentle strokes in the shoulder region instead of deep, targeted work.

Location: Found on the outer ankle, in the depression between the ankle bone (lateral malleolus) and the Achilles tendon.
Reason for Caution: This is a strong, downward-moving point. It is traditionally used to relieve pain and promote labor. Strong pressure here is generally avoided throughout the pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, to prevent any unintentional downward energy or uterine activity.