From the moment of conception through birth and into the first few months of the bonding process, women's bodies and minds go through some major transformations. It is a time full of excitement, anticipation, and mood swings that will range from ecstasy to extreme sadness. The physical discomforts like back and breast pain, swollen legs and ankles, can contribute to bouts of depression. Pre-natal massage, a non-invasive and gentle technique, helps the expectant mother gain a renewed body-mind connection as it relaxes and calms fears and physical aches and pains.
 
Pre-natal massage has also shown to result in fewer delivery complications, shorter hospital stays, less frequent post-partum depression for mothers and fewer post-natal complications for the newborn.

After delivery, massage is of great benefit in the bonding process between mother and child, aiding in recovery and relieving the stress of additional responsibilities for the mother as well. Regular massage sessions maintain proper circulation, and have been shown to have a significant effect on the realignment of the body as it shifts back to the pre-pregnancy center of gravity.

Beyond the bonding process, infant massage provides the child with comfort as it stimulates the skin and increases cardiac output, which promotes healthy respiration and the efficiency of gastrointestinal functions. As the child gets older, continued massage will reduce the pain of vaccinations and teething, and contributes to better relaxation which will lead to a deeper and longer night's sleep. 

The term Swedish massage may be a familiar term to some, but few people know exactly what it is and the benefits associated with this highly effective form of massage. Actually, Swedish massage refers to several techniques that apply pressure to muscles and bone while rubbing with the flow of blood as it is returning to the heart.

The technique was developed in the early eighteenth century by Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish doctor, for the purpose of releasing toxins from the muscles by increasing the flow of oxygen in the blood. Treatment with Swedish massage has proven to shorten recovery time from muscle strain by flushing out lactic and uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. Deep tissue manipulation with this method also increases blood circulation without increased load on the heart. It contributes to keeping ligaments and tendons pliable and supple, all while stimulating the skin and soothing the nervous system for both emotional and physical health. Swedish massage is routinely used as part of a holistic program for stress management.

The technique of Swedish massage is a combination of gliding strokes, kneading movements, and circular pressures performed with the palms, thumbs, and fingers. The technique combines oscillatory movements, brisk tapping or hacking, and the bending and stretching of limbs. All of these movements and manipulations provide the body with an increased sense of relaxation and invigoration and over the long term, promoting overall health and well-being.

Zone reflex therapy is a type of foot massage based on the knowledge that areas of the feet are connected to specific areas of the body, and by rubbing and manipulating these areas of the feet, healing can occur. Based on this belief, a regular foot massage could also have healing qualities because all of the necessary zones may be rubbed and manipulated.

The benefits of a foot massage include stress relief and improved blood circulation, which lowers blood pressure and increases oxygen flow throughout the body.

One basic and undisputed result of a good foot massage is that it feels good and almost always relaxes the body and relieves everyday aches and pains. The maximum benefits of a foot massage usually occur when a professional massage therapist performs the massage. 

The sweet and tangy lime-honey marinade is simmered on the stovetop and then used as a sauce to baste and glaze the chicken. Don't let the chicken marinate any longer than 2 hours; over-marinating in soy sauce and lime juice can make the texture of the meat spongy.
Prep Time: 3 1/2 hours (including 2 hours marinating time). Makes 8 Servings.

Ingredients
6 tbsp honey
6 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp freshly grated lime zest
6 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp crushed red pepper
4 6-oz bone-in chicken thighs, skin and excess fat removed
2 12-oz bone-in chicken breasts, skin and excess fat removed, cut in half crosswise

Directions:
1. Mix honey, soy sauce, lime zest, lime juice, and crushed red pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces; stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

2. About 20 minutes before you are ready to grill, preheat a gas grill (with all burners lit) to 400°F or build a fire in a charcoal grill and let it burn down to medium heat (about 400°F).

3. If using a gas grill, turn off one burner (leaving 1 to 2 burners lit, depending on your grill). If using a charcoal grill, move the coals to one side. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade (reserve marinade) and place bone-side down (with the thick part of the meat facing up) on the unheated side of the grill rack. Close the lid and roast undisturbed for 25 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, place the marinade in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and boil until reduced by about half, and thickened to a glaze, 8 to 10 minutes.

5. Rotate the chicken to other spots on the unheated portion of the grill to ensure even cooking and lightly brush with some of the glaze. Cover and continue roasting, basting once more about halfway through cooking, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat without touching bone registers 165°F, 10 to 20 minutes more.