Shiatsu can assist women hopeful of conceiving, either through IVF or without assistance, throughout the trimesters of pregnancy, during labour and whilst recovering from all types of birth.
In pregnancy, the shiatsu treatments support the changes that each trimester brings and can alleviate the physical and emotional discomforts associated with the changes of pregnancy. Shiatsu nurtures both the mother and the baby throughout the entire cycle of pregnancy, helping mother and baby bond as well as during the physical and emotional transition of welcoming a new child into life, playing a significant role in supporting women during labour.
Shiatsu is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that can offer significant physical, emotional, and energetic support during pregnancy. This traditional Japanese practice involves applying gentle pressure and stretches along the body’s energy pathways (meridians) to promote balance and well-being. Shiatsu is particularly well-suited to the unique needs of expectant mothers, helping to ease discomfort and foster relaxation during this transformative time.
Shiatsu is a deeply supportive therapy that can help new mothers recover physically, emotionally, and energetically after childbirth. During the postnatal period, the body undergoes significant changes as it heals and adapts to the demands of caring for a newborn. Shiatsu offers a holistic approach to restoring balance, alleviating discomfort, and fostering overall well-being. In postnatal recovery, shiatsu can support that process by relieving back and shoulder aches, supporting pelvic and abdominal toning and by improving circulation and lymphatic flow. It can bring you into a deep state of relaxation which benefits sleep, hormonal balance and giving space for rest and easing fatigue, as well as bonding with your baby.
Benefits of Perinatal Shiatsu
Relieves Common Pregnancy Discomforts: Helps to reduce back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica. Can ease nausea, heartburn, and other digestive issues. Alleviates swelling in the legs, feet, and hands.
Promotes Relaxation and Stress Relief: Calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety or emotional tension. Enhances sleep quality by promoting deep relaxation and reducing stress and tension. Encourages mindfulness and connection to the pregnancy experience. Provides a calming and nurturing environment for new mothers to unwind.
Supports Hormonal Balance: Helps regulate hormones associated with pregnancy and emotional well-being. Reduces mood swings and fosters a sense of emotional stability. Helps regulate postnatal hormones, reducing mood swings and emotional turbulence. Eases symptoms of the "baby blues" or postpartum anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and emotional stability.
Improves Circulation and Energy Flow: Enhances blood flow to support oxygenation and nourishment for both mother and baby. Restores balance to the body’s energy flow, increasing vitality.
Prepares the Body for Labor: Helps soften and relax muscles to prepare for childbirth. Encourages optimal positioning of the baby. Stimulates acupressure points that may aid in inducing labor naturally when the time is right.
Aids Physical Recovery: Relieves tension in the shoulders, neck, and back caused by breastfeeding, carrying the baby, and postpartum posture changes. Supports the recovery of abdominal and pelvic muscles, aiding in the healing of diastasis recti or pelvic floor strain. Reduces swelling and improves circulation, promoting the elimination of excess fluids retained during pregnancy.
Balances Energy Levels: Restores vitality after the physical and emotional demands of childbirth. Stimulates energy flow along the meridians, combating postpartum fatigue.
Alleviates Postpartum Discomforts: Addresses residual discomfort from labor and delivery, including cesarean recovery or perineal healing. Helps with breastfeeding challenges by reducing engorgement or mastitis-related discomfort.
Fosters Emotional Well-Being: Creates a space for emotional release and self-care, essential for mental health during the postpartum period. Supports bonding with the baby by helping mothers feel more balanced and present.
When to receive perinatal shiatsu
Shiatsu is a therapy that adapts to your needs, it can be given at any point during your pregnancy and even in labour, as long as you feel comfortable with it. Shiatsu adapts to your needs, and can be received at any point postnatally, as long as you feel ready for a session. Healing and stages of recovery will be taken into account and the treatment will be modified accordingly.
Shiatsu is a safe and supportive therapy for pregnant women, tailored to the individual’s stage of pregnancy and specific needs. It offers a holistic approach that not only addresses physical discomfort but also nurtures emotional well-being. Shiatsu is also gentle, non-invasive, and tailored to the unique needs of postnatal recovery. It offers a holistic approach to healing that nurtures both body and mind, helping mothers feel cared for and supported during this transformative time. Emma is a qualified and experienced Shiatsu practitioner specialising in the postnatal period.
Experience the nurturing benefits of shiatsu during your pregnancy, and take time to care for yourself with postnatal shiatsu.