Research Studies – Medical Benefits of Massage

Postnatal Depression and Its Associated Factors in Women From Different Cultures

The postpartum depression rate in the world is reported to be the lowest in Malaysia followed by Singapore, Denmark and Malta, and of the reasons attributed was to choose the postnatal care of their traditional practice.

F. Abdollahi. et al.“Postnatal Depression and Its Associated Factors in Women From Different Cultures”. Iran Journal of Psychiatry Behavioural Science. 2011 Autumn-Winter; 5(2): 5–11.

Incidence Of Postnatal Depression In Malaysian Women

A survey was done to show that at 6 weeks of the postpartum period, the incidence of postnatal depression is lowest in Malaysia, especially in the Malay community compared to the Indians and Chinese due to the women still observing their Malay traditional postnatal care practices.

Kit, L. K., Janet, G. and Jegasothy, R. “Incidence Of Postnatal Depression In Malaysian Women”. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research 23.1 (1997): 85-89.

Effects Of Breast Massage On Breast Pain, Breast-Milk Sodium, And Newborn Suckling In Early Postpartum Mothers

A group of postpartum women who had problems with breastfeeding were selected for this study where they received breast massages in the first 10 days of their postpartum period. The results suggest that breast massage helps to relieve breast pain and improve newborn suckling and can be used to solve breast problems.

Ahn, S., Kim, J. And Cho, J.. “Effects Of Breast Massage On Breast Pain, Breast-Milk Sodium, And Newborn Suckling In Early Postpartum Mothers”. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 41.4 (2011): 451. Web.

Labor Pain Is Reduced By Massage Therapy

A study was conducted where a group of women who received massage was reported to have decreased anxiety and pain and depression and was a more positive outlook fowling the first massage during labour. They also experienced significantly shorter labour, stayed in the hospital for a shorter period and has a lower postpartum depression rate.

Reference: Field, T. et al. “Labor Pain Is Reduced By Massage Therapy”. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology 18.4 (1997): 286-291.

The Psychological Effects of Aromatherapy- Massage in Healthy Postpartum Mothers

A study conducted showed that first time mothers with vaginal delivery who received aromatherapy postnatal massage have a significantly lower score for Maternity Blues Scale and the State-Anxiety Inventory. The results suggested that aromatherapy postnatal massage may be an effective form of intervention for postpartum mothers to have an improved mental and physical well being and can better interact with their infant.

Reference: Imura, M, H Misao, and H Ushijima. “The Psychological Effects Of Aromatherapy- Massage In Healthy Postpartum Mothers”. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health 51.2 (2006): e21-e27. Web.