CHI

SHIATSU

WELLMOTHER - HEALING SHIATSU
in Pregnancy and Childbirth

Post- Natal Care
and
Shiatsu Baby Massage

What is Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing art, sharing some of its diagnostic skills with acupuncture. It uses acupressure points and a combination of gentle stretches and massage techniques, including finger and palm pressure along the energy pathways (referred to as "meridians"). This helps to correct the energy imbalances which profoundly affect our physical, emotional and mental well being.

Shiatsu in Pregnancy

Well Mother Shiatsu sessions are enjoyable, relaxing and revitalising, offering support whenever needed throughout your pregnancy and helping you to adjust to all the physical and emotional changes that are happening. You will also be show simple exercises and relaxation techniques to help increase awareness of your body's chaning needs. The quiet healing space created in the Well Mother Shiatsu session gives you the opportunity to connect deeply with the baby growing in your womb. This has a positive effect on you both - before, during and after your baby's birth.
Well Mother Shiatsu sessions are always tailored to your individual needs, either as part of a regular series of treatments or on a "one-off" basis......

First Trimester - months 1 - 3

During these early days, enourmous changes on both physical and emotional levels can cause or axacerbate nausea, oedema, anxiety, constipation and tiredness. Shiatsu and the use of some specific acupressure points (which you will be shown how to use) will help you cope with this time of adjustment. There will be time to talk over, in confidence, any areas of concern that you might have. Simple excercises will be suggested to help your body and mind towards optimal health. (perhaps, also a time to explore meidation, affirmations, singing and chanting as part of the bonding process.)

Second Trimester - months 4 - 6

Usually a more relaxed time. You will be learning some new ante-natal exercises, stretches and postures to help you cope with the physical changes taking place and to help build up stamina for labour.

Third Trimester - months 7 - 9

Getting close to the birth is an exciting time, but also a time when the added weight of pregnancy can cause some physical discomfort, tightness and pressure on internal organs. Fears and anxieties can also lead to stree at this time. Well Mother Shiatsu can offer comforting assurance and wonderful relief for both mind and body, and help to keep you calm and relaxed as the Birth Day approaches.

Preparing for Labour and the Birth of your Baby

About six weeks before the due date, a special two hour session can be arranged in which you are invited to bring along your birth partner, to learn specific massage and Shiatsu techniques, acupressure points for the different stages of labour, and various ways to best support you during labour. We will also look at ways of using your surroundings to best advantage (wether you are at home or in hospital for the birth) and you will both gain confidence in finding your own particular way together. This can be a very rewarding time of deepening your relationship with your partner and your baby.

Baby Shiatsu and Massage

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some fun and relaxation with your baby. Baby Shiatsu promotes halthy lung function - digestion - circulation - immunity - coordination and encouragges good posture, close bonding and trust. It ia also strengthening for the back, arms and legs in prearations for sitting, crawling and walking. In short.... giving your baby the best possible start in life!

Bringing your baby to a post natal session may be a good opportunity for advisinf on particular techniques for your baby's needs, and about the ways you can give massage to your baby.

Post Natal Shiatsu - "by treating the Mother we treat the baby"

The post natal period often seems to be a most neglected time for many mothers, yet this is when the need to feel supported and nurtured can often be at its greatest.
Well Mother Shiatsu can make a valuable contribution towards full post natal recovery by:

Therese Hawkins, Dip. H.S.E.C.
Registered "Well Mother" and "Healing Shiatsu" practitioner Graduate Member of the Shiatsu Society

Moving to Cornwall with my family in 1975, I initially worked as a potter. In 1980 I became a registered healer and in 1983 commenced my training in Shiatsu with the Cornwall (now Devon) School of Shiatsu. I then completed a three year professional course under the tuition of Sonia Moriceau at the Healing Shiatsu Education Centre in Wales, where I furthered my understanding of our ability to heal our lives at the deepest level. I have been working professionally as a Shiatsu Practitoner since 1989 and since then have completed a two year "Well Mother" specialist course for Shiatsu Paractitioners.

The Well House, 6 Fore Street, St. Erth-Hayle, Cornwall. TR27 6HT Tel: 01736 752373