Is Shiatsu Massage safe in Pregnancy?
Whether this is your first, second or fifth pregnancy what you experience is likely to be differernt to your friends, sisters, cousins, mother and previous pregnancies. Pregnancy brings about many physical, emotional and life changes so it is important to seek support throughout your entire pregnancy to help you with this major life transformation.
Health professionals such as Shiatsu and Massage Therapists specifically trained in working with pregnancy can be great to have in your support team. As well as nourishing your changing body they can be a good listener where there are concerns over miscarriage, work, money, support, a need to move house, the reality of a new baby whether it is planned or not and just the emotional uphevel pregnancy can bring.
However, many women are still uncertain as to whether massage is appropriate especially if there is a fear of potential miscarriage. The benefits of Shiatsu massage make it completely appropriate for the whole of pregnancy and it provide a nurturing balance to the more medicalised aspects of pregnancy. Following is a list of benefits for each trimester.
In the first trimester the benefits include:
A reduction in stress;
Increased relaxation;
Alleviation of early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, fatigue and emotional overwhelm;
Helps with early pre-natal bonding;
Supports self-awareness around diet and exercise; and
Promotes a feeling of well being.
In the second trimester benefits are:
Continued support in how to look after her body through exercise and diet, reduction in stress and increased relaxation in what is often the easiest phase of pregnancy;
helping to prevent conditions developing especially musculoskeletal issues due to weight gain such as lower back pain, sacro-iliac dysfunction, pelvic instability (PGI);
improving blood circulation to prevent or manage varicose veins and reducing oedema associated with the latter part of this trimester by improving the flow of lymp;
a better awareness of good body posture;
opportunity to develop a deep connection and bond with the baby; and
potentially involving the partner by teaching them appropriate at home shiatsu massage techniques.
In the third trimester many of the ailments of pregnancy become more obvious so a Shiatsu massage may be required more often. The benefits include:
Supports optimal fetal positioning. Shiatsu massage is a safe way to work with breech baby’s;
Alleviation of neck and shoulder tension from heavier breasts, lower back and hip discomfort from increased weight in the pelvis;
Improve quality of sleep and help in feeling more rested from disturbed sleep;
Birth preparation from week 37 including self-care strategies for optimal birth readiness and partner involvement during labour; and
Recommendations for post birth support and care.
Shiatsu massage is performed on a futon on the floor. The mother is supported with cushions, pillows and bolsters to make her as comfortable as possible. As her pregnancy progresses there is less tummy and back lying and more lying on the side. The Shiatsu can accommodate the mother needing to change position many times in order to stay comfortable and relaxed. In the third trimester it becomes appropriate for some of the treatment to be done lying over a ball. This can provide access to the sacral bone holes which are important to work with as tension develops there from the extra weight and energetically they help with birth preparation.
It is important during pregnancy to make sure you are nurtured and nourished as once the baby arrives most of yours and others attention goes to the baby. Developing a good relationship with your Shiatsu Massage Therapist can help ensure you get post natal support and bodywork that is vital to rebuild you after you have spent 10 lunar months building and then birthing another life.
For more information or to book a Pregnancy Shiatsu contact Marian on 0403550695, send us an email or book on the contacts and booking page.