Pregnancy changes everything — your body, your sleep, your energy levels, and often your relationship with pain. Many expectant mothers in Chelsea and across London are turning to complementary therapies to support their wellbeing during this time, and Shiatsu during pregnancy is one of the most popular choices. But is it safe? And what should you know before you book?
What is Shiatsu during pregnancy?
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork that applies gentle pressure along energy pathways called meridians. Practitioners use thumbs, palms, and elbows to work through specific points on the body. The aim is to release tension, support the nervous system, and encourage the body’s own capacity for balance and healing.
In practice, Shiatsu during pregnancy is adapted considerably from a standard session. No deep pressure is applied to the abdomen. The techniques become gentler (unless appropriate to go deeper) and more supportive throughout. From the second trimester onwards, you will usually be positioned on your side rather than lying flat, with cushions placed wherever they are needed for comfort.
At Chelsea Natural Health Clinic, 208 Fulham Road, London SW10 9PJ, I work with pregnant clients from early pregnancy onwards, tailoring every session to what is needed at that particular stage.
Is Shiatsu during pregnancy safe?
For most healthy pregnancies, Shiatsu is considered safe and beneficial. That said, there are a few important considerations worth knowing before you book.
In the first trimester, most experienced practitioners work more cautiously. This means avoiding strong stimulation of certain acupressure points traditionally associated with uterine activity. It is a precautionary approach — the clinical evidence on this is limited — but caution is the right instinct when pregnancy is still in its early stages.
Some conditions mean that Shiatsu is not appropriate at all, or needs significant adaptation. These include placenta praevia, pre-eclampsia, unexplained bleeding, a history of preterm labour, and other high-risk pregnancy situations. If any of these apply to you, speak with your midwife or obstetrician before booking any complementary therapy.
What to tell your practitioner
Always tell your Shiatsu practitioner that you are pregnant — even if you think it is obvious. A thorough practitioner will ask, but do not assume. The more information you share about your pregnancy, including any complications, medications, or concerns, the better your session can be tailored to keep both you and your baby safe.
What Shiatsu during pregnancy can help with
Many pregnant women find Shiatsu helpful for a range of common discomforts. At the clinic, the conditions clients mention most frequently include the following.
Lower back and pelvic pain is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy, and Shiatsu can help by releasing tension in the muscles around the sacrum and hips. Morning sickness, especially in the first trimester, often responds well to gentle acupressure at specific points on the wrist and forearm. Fatigue, poor sleep, and a sense of feeling overwhelmed are also areas where Shiatsu — with its emphasis on calming the nervous system — tends to have a positive effect.
Some women also choose Shiatsu in the later stages of pregnancy to help prepare the body for labour. This is not the same as trying to induce labour. It is more about supporting the body’s readiness and helping the mother feel grounded and calm as the due date approaches.
What the research says
The evidence base for complementary therapies in pregnancy is still developing, but several studies suggest that acupressure and Shiatsu can reduce nausea, lower anxiety, and improve sleep in pregnant women. If you want to understand how Shiatsu works more broadly, this is worth reading: Does shiatsu really work? What the evidence (and our clients) say.
What to expect in a session
A typical pregnancy Shiatsu session at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic lasts around an hour. You remain fully clothed throughout — loose, comfortable clothing is ideal. You will be positioned on a futon or on the treatment table, usually on your side with support cushions placed carefully around you.
The pressure used is gentle and rhythmic. Many clients fall asleep during a session, which is a perfectly normal sign of deep relaxation. Afterwards, it is common to feel a little tired or emotionally tender. This usually settles within a day or two. Drinking plenty of water and resting helps considerably. For more on what Shiatsu actually feels like, take a look at this article: Is shiatsu painful? What to honestly expect on the table.
Questions to ask before you book
Not every Shiatsu practitioner has specific training in pregnancy work, so it is worth asking a few questions before you commit. Find out whether the practitioner has experience working with pregnant clients. Ask whether they have received additional training in prenatal or perinatal Shiatsu. It is also worth checking that the clinic environment is suitable — accessible, calm, and equipped to support you as your pregnancy progresses.
At Chelsea Natural Health Clinic in Chelsea, London, I have worked with pregnant clients throughout my practice and am trained to adapt each session appropriately to the stage of pregnancy to, including assistance when a baby is late by activating labour points.
Points to be aware of
Certain acupressure points are traditionally considered contraindicated in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. A qualified practitioner will know which to avoid. Strong pressure on the lower legs, ankles, and specific points on the hands and feet is typically avoided in early pregnancy and, in some cases, throughout. This is why it matters to seek out someone with the right experience — Shiatsu during pregnancy is not the same as a general Shiatsu session, and should not be treated as such.
It is also sensible to avoid any treatment, including Shiatsu, in the 24 hours following a medical procedure, scan, or if you are feeling unwell for any reason.
A whole-person approach to pregnancy wellbeing
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time, but it can also be exhausting, uncomfortable, and emotionally demanding. Shiatsu during pregnancy offers a way to feel genuinely supported — not just physically, but in a much more complete sense. Many clients tell me that their sessions help them feel more present in their bodies, more connection to the baby and less anxious about what lies ahead.
Chelsea Natural Health Clinic takes a warm and collaborative approach to client care. If you are not sure whether Shiatsu is right for you at this stage of your pregnancy, I am always happy to have a short conversation before you book. You can reach the clinic at 0207 352 3087.
Ready to book?
Jan Murphy (MRSS)(MTBCCT) is a registered Shiatsu Practitioner and holistic therapist at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic, 208 Fulham Road, London SW10 9PJ. Jan offers Therapeutic Shiatsu, Auricular Acupuncture, Facial Acupuncture, Cosmetic Facial Shiatsu and Facial Rejuvenation Therapy. To book a session call 0207 352 3087, visit chelseanaturalhealt.co.uk, or book online at chelseanaturalhealth.fullslate.com/employees/91
