In a treatment designed especially for mums-to-be, Culloden Estate in Ireland talk nourishing body oils and alleviating aches and pains…

What exactly is the treatment?

It’s a deeply nourishing body massage designed to target areas prone to stress and tension during or after pregnancy. The treatment begins with a gentle full body exfoliation, after showering this is followed by a soothing body massage specifically designed to suit your individual concerns, focusing on the areas needed to alleviate muscular aches, whilst helping to relax, restore and revitalise. The treatment finishes with a therapeutic scalp massage.

Where does it come from?

We discovered there was an overwhelming demand for a treatment specially designed for pregnancy rather than an adapted or watered down version of an existing treatment. The pre and postnatal treatment has been designed by ESPA to take into account all contraindications of pregnancy and avoid the general use of essential oils as advised by the Aromatherapy Organisations Council. With the latter in mind, we have carefully developed ESPA nourishing body treatment oil to contain no essential oils to complement this treatment. For centuries an infusion of calendula (marigold flowers) has been used primarily as an emollient and as soothing and calming oil for stretched or delicate skin. Our opulent blend contains organically grown marigolds which are infused with sweet almond oil and carefully blended with grape seed, jojoba and vitamin E, all of which are equally renowned for properties which help to nourish, soothe and protect the skin.

What is it supposed to do?

At a time when a woman needs to be specially cared for and nurtured, when the skin needs to feel nourished and moisturised, and the body calm and balanced, ESPA has created the pre and post natal treatment. It is a deeply relaxing and cherishing treatment which helps to improve the tonicity and smoothness of the skin.

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment?

To enhance the treatment we blend our smooth and firm body butter with our nourishing treatment oil, this richly hydrating body butter melts into the skin to help nourish, refine skin texture and restore skin’s suppleness. Super active larch extract helps firm and smooth while pumpkin seed extract enhances elasticity and helps diminish the appearance of stretch marks. We also tailor the treatment environment to benefit the client by taking the treatment couch to floor level for easy access, reducing heat for comfort and extra support with pillows and towels.

Is there anyone in particular that you recommend the treatment for?

We recommend clients use our leisure facilities and arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the treatment giving time for them to avail of our dawn relaxation room to relax and unwind in a peaceful environment before your treatment commences. After your treatment we recommend that you leave the oils on your skin to further moisturise and protect, drink plenty of fresh water, rest and eat light. We recommend this treatment specifically for
prenatal clients, mothers whilst breast feeding, postnatal clients, ladies who are trying to conceive or think they might be pregnant, and post operative clients.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this treatment?

There are no contraindications to this treatment, although as with all treatments it is not advisable, until after the first trimester. This is because in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy it still in its most sensitive and fragile stage and we would not want to effect the systems of the body such as blood pressure and heart rate.