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Shiatsu Massage for pregnant women.
Treatments usually last for one hour. Because Shiatsu is based on pressure, there is no need for
cream or oil, so the patient usually wears loose, comfortable clothing.
The ideal position for a pregnant woman, when working the back and the posterior part of
the legs, is on her side with the top leg supported, which is also the best position for her to sleep.
The back is at its straightest on this position, which will prevent any pain in the area. For the rest of
the body she can lie on her back with a cushion under her knees.
During pregnancy, the shiatsu session is practised a little bit more slowly, to coordinate our
movements with the mother-to-be's breathing. This will help her, and the baby, relax.
Naturally, we don't press on the abdomen, but we let the palm of our hand rest - with the lightest
pressure - and usually towards the end, on its points, so that the foetus feels the connection.
There are five contraindicated points which shouldn't be used at all during the first three months
of pregnancy, and should never be pressed very deeply unless the condition requires it.
The points are: Bladder 32 (Bl 32) on the sacrum, Bladder 67 (Bl 67) on the fifth toenail (this
point may be used to turn a breech presentation - foetus bottom down- a few months into
the pregnancy, and prevent a breech birth), Gallbladder 21 (GB 21), Spleen 6 (Sp 6) on the medial
part of the legs, and Large Intestine 4 (LI 4) on the hand.
The interior or medial part of the leg should always be treated with caution, and it's best avoided
during the first three months of pregnancy.
The reason these points are not stimulated is that pressing them may cause contractions in the
uterus, which could lead to a miscarriage. On the other hand, these points are very useful during
labour, and we try to get the partners, friends or helpers involved, and learn how to press these
points during the process of giving birth to facilitate the process and reduce pain.
Some recommended points during pregnancy:
(K 9) - 'beatiful baby point', above the medial malleolus. See note above.
Function: Calms the mind, builds or tonifies blood.
Indication: Good for hypertension, fear, anxiety, nightmares, and mental disorders.
(St 36) - Sanri in Japanese
Function: Strengthens overall constitution, builds blood and Qi (Vitality), resolves edema,
and harmonises the meridians that control digestive functions.
Indication: Great point for diarrhea, constipation, gastric pain and indigestion. Also helps with
insomnia, edema (water retention), and increases energy level.
(P6) – 'morning sickness and motion sickness point', above the inner wrist
Function: Calms the mind, harmonises the stomach.
Indication: This is the point for nausea and vomiting. It is also one of the most relaxing acupressure
points and is used for both insomnia and anxiety.
Sometimes, during pregnancy or after childbirth, the joints of the pelvis loosen too much. This can
result in the pelvis becoming unstable or out of alignment. This condition is called 'pelvic instability'
and can cause pain around the joints of the pelvis (pelvic girdle).
Although the exact mechanism of why this happens is not known, doctors believe that during normal
pregnancy a hormone called Relaxin softens the ligaments around the joints of the pelvis.
This is a natural process which assists childbirth and does not usually cause lasting discomfort.
For some women this natural process seems to go wrong, causing pelvic instability.
In our experience, Shiatsu is very useful to treat this condition, but another - perhaps more practical -
way to avoid or correct this problem is to practise Sotai exercise 1 after childbirth.
(Click here to view this exercise on youtube)
If practised regularly, this exercise has shown to line up the bones.
References: Geraldine Lee Treweek (Editor), Tom Heller (Editor), Julie Stone (Editor), Hilary MacQueen (Editor),
Jeanne Katz (Editor), Perspectives on Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Reader.
Flaws Bob, 2005, Chinese Medical Obstetrics. Blue Poppy Press. Boulder, CO
Ilana Machover (Author), Angela Drake(Author), Jonathan Drake(Author): The Alexander Technique Birth Book: A guide to better
Pregnancy, Natural childbirth and Parenthood.
https://www.acufinder.com
Shiatsu Yasuragi Centres
Canary Wharf
Shiatsu Yasuragi Canary Wharf
The Docklands Clinic
1 Scott House
Admiral's Way E14 9UD
Phone: 0207 515 5755
Price: £60 one hour. £35 half hour
SPECIAL OFFER: Pay two, get one for free.
(valid for six weeks from first massage)
Soho / Central London
Shiatsu Yasuragi Central London
Bloww
4 Regent Place W1B 5EA
Phone: 020 7292 0300.
Greenwich / New Cross
Shiatsu Yasuragi Greenwich
Phone: 0208 694 6064
Shiatsu Yasuragi School
Phone: 0208 694 6064
For all other enquiries please contact us at:
yasuragi@shiatsu-london.net
or phone: 0208 694 6064
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