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Shiatsu for Pregnancy, Support in Labour and Baby Massage |
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 During the nine months of maternity the mother’s energetic system is having to work extremely hard. Enormous changes are taking place which throw her body out of balance while they draw deeply on her reserves of energy. Shiatsu treatments can address the usual discomforts (eg. exhaustion, morning sickness, cramps) as well as help towards integrating these changes positively.
Working on the deeper meridians, which act as reservoirs for the 12 classical meridians, can be tremendously helpful at this time. The Conception Vessel, Governing and Penetrating Vessels all directly support the mother’s energy, the latter being very useful for nausea. Working on the Girdle Vessel can really help with pelvic pain whether caused by stress on the round ligament or Symphysis Pubis.
Apart from coping with these physical changes, mothers-to–be are also having to adapt to their new role as mothers. Sometimes this can be difficult, especially if the mother is working and used to her independence. Shiatsu can really help here by energetically integrating mind and body so the mother can more consciously accept what is happening to her at a deeper more feeling level. (See article).
An essential aspect of pregnancy is the bonding between the baby and mother. It is being increasingly realised how early the unborn child can connect energetically through the mother to the world outside. Often she is working till quite late on in the pregnancy and has had little time to make that connection. A quiet Shiatsu treatment helps the mother to deepen this bond. During the treatment we will also practice breathing exercises that she can use at home.
I usually tell pregnant clients that I am quite clear that I am working on two people – not just one!
I offer a 2 hour Labour Preparation Session for the mother-to-be and her birth partner. Initially I focus on their connection to their child through positions and energetic work. This can be both moving and powerful. Then both are given the oppoortunity to experiment with positions that support labour. The partner will also be able to try out various acupressure techniques so they can make an active contribution during the birth. This kind of energetic support and holding can really help ease the experience of birth at all levels.
Tuition in Shiatsu Baby Massage for small groups of mums and babies is also available. My aim is to show how deeply rewarding touch can be as a means of communication between mum and baby. This has a powerful effect on their development as balanced human beings and their health. A key aspect of the 3 session course is to emphasise the importance of the mother’s wellbeing as well as that of her child.
Leaflets on the work covered in both workshops are be provided
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