A pregnant woman has special needs as her body changes with the developing baby. Shiatsu massage, when properly applied during pregnancy and labour, is soothing, safe, natural, and effective.

Shiatsu massage can safely eliminate or reduce many of the normal discomforts of pregnancy including: backache, fatigue and tension, sinus congestion, headaches, neck and shoulder problems, muscle cramping, and swelling of hands, feet and legs.

Ten Top Benefits of Shiatsu during Pregnancy

Shiatsu massage helps the body eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory systems thereby reducing fatigue increasing energy
Shiatsu massage aids circulation and reduces the work load on the heart which assists in keeping blood pressure in check
Shiatsu massage stimulates glandular functions which stabilize hormones

• Shiatsu massage relieves the normal discomforts of pregnancy-backache, leg cramps, headaches and edema (swelling)
• Shiatsu massage increase circulation which brings more oxygen and nutrients to cells (thereby reducing varicose veins) and to your baby’s cells providing your baby with better nourishment

• Shiatsu massage soothes and relaxes nervous tension which helps you to sleep better
  Doctors and midwives agree that a relaxed mother will have a healthier pregnancy.
• Shiatsu massage relaxes tense muscles and tones loose muscles,cramping, knots, tension, tightening , stiffness and muscular discomforts can be alleviated with Shiatsu massage,
• back labor can be relieved with proper massage techniques to the sacrum area

Shiatsu is an ideal therapy to help you cope better with stress and physical discomforts of pregnancy. A healing, caring touch is comforting. Always check with your GP as well as your Obstetrician prior to Shiatsu massage and select a trained pregnancy Shiatsu massage Therapist.

In conclusion, enjoy a Shiatsu massage for a healthier, happier pregnancy and childbirth experience.

Shiatsu massage is the perfect way to relax, decrease stress, relieve physical discomforts and bring you a deeper connection to your baby.

Should you have any questions, feel free to call Jan Murphy on 0788 6655 705 or use the form below to email her.

Her website www.Zenki.co.uk also gives you more understanding of her training as a therapist and background as a person

Jan works at The Chelsea Natural Health Clinic on Tuesday afternoons between 2.30pm – 7.30pm

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• Shiatsu Shown to Improve Health
• Shiatsu and Building the Immune System
• Shiatsu Massage for Pregnancy and Birth

Shiatsu is an elegant, restorative, sometimes truly relaxing therapeutic experience. At other times, it can be revitalising and replenishing. During your time spent with myself I will incorporate a variety of techniques, including gentle holding and applying pressure to the meridians with hands, thumbs, knees and elbows to support you and improve your energy flow. If appropriate I may apply more dynamic rotations of the joints and stretching the limbs to ease out stiffness and stimulate the body’s energetic functions.

In Shiatsu, touch is the most significant method of diagnosing your energy levels, I may lightly touch the diagnostic areas on the abdomen (called Hara in Japanese) or the back that relate to each meridian. A case history is taken to attain information about you, your medical history, aches and pains, sleep patterns and dietary preferences. These methods allow me to diagnose your current condition from an Oriental Medicine perspective.

Each Shiatsu session lasts approximately one hour, with the treatment itself lasting about 45-50 minutes. A treatment session usually takes place at floor level on a futon (padded mat) with the client wearing light, loose clothing. The treatment should not be painful although occasionally there may be some discomfort due to a particularly sensitive area being contacted but this is usually experienced as ‘good’ pain. As the quality of Ki changes the symptoms associated with a lack of flow will gradually improve. This is generally experienced as a sense of deep relaxation and connectedness.

Guidelines for treatment

Wear loose, comfortable clothing preferably cotton, e.g. sweatshirt, tracksuit trousers and cotton socks. Please do not eat heavily in the two hours prior to a treatment. Do not drink alcohol before or after a treatment. After treatment I recommend you drink plenty of water to help smooth the flow of changes through your system.If possible, avoid strenuous or stressful activities after your session.

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