Shiatsu as complimentary therapy for pregnant women: Pregnancy is a special time to be cherished but will place great demands upon your physical body and spirit. It is important to prepare your general health and emotional well-being from the moment you decide to have children. Shiatsu may be an appropriate complimentary therapy to assist you through your preparation, as well to ease your pregnancy, birth and post-natal recovery. Symptoms that may be relieved are fatigue; nausea; heartburn; lower back pain; and tired legs. Relaxation is always included to soothe your body and mind. Partners are welcome to learn techniques that may be practiced together at home, either by private consultation/appointment or through workshops.
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Why Receive Shiatsu During Pregnancy?
Shiatsu therapy may be suitable to help prepare your body and mind for labour, and to address current discomforts such as heartburn and back pain. The healthier you are physically and emotionally, the more positive energy you have to pass on to your baby at the moment of birth and beyond. Remember, as mentioned above, the premise of shiatsu is “prevention”. According to Traditional Oriental Medicine, Ki, Jing (essence) and Shen are considered “the three treasures”. “Ki” is our life energy or life force, supplying nurturing energy to our entire body/mind. “Shen”, also known as “spirit”, is our consciuosness and human personality. It’s origin, like essence, is passed on through the Shen of our parents. “Essence” (Jing) is the mother of our Ki, also know as our “ancestral Ki”. During the moment of birth, a burst of ancestral Ki (essence/jing) is given to our baby, which is our gift for our child to carry for the rest of their growing lives. While our Ki can be influenced and received by the air we breathe, the food we eat and our emotional state, our essence is our gift that we carry through generations. We can have an influence on the quality of Ki during pregnancy, to ensure positive essence to be passed on to your baby. This in part can be accomplished with regular Shiatsu therapy.

What Can I expect from a Shiatsu session for Pregnancy?
A Shiatsu treatment during pregnancy is very specialized and gentle to meet your individual needs. We practice on the floor on a futon, and the client is completly clothed. Various lying or seated positions are used supported by cushions and blankets. You can expect to receive gentle stretches by your therapist. Specific meridian work will be applied for pregnancy to help prepare your body for labour, and to help ensure your Ki is balanced and ready to be passed on to your baby.Massage techniques are also used to soothe your body and mind. Manny symptoms will be addressed according to your needs. Stretching, self-massage, breathing and meditations may be recommended for you and your partner to practice at home.

Why Receive Shiatsu Post-nataly?
A shiatsu treatment may help and excillerate the healing process after labour. During breast feeding, it is still important to ensure the balance of your own Ki which is being passed on to your baby.

For further information, or to make an appointment, please call Kelly McGrath at 514-569-7652.

Visit the classes page for the full Shiatsu appointment schedule and session rates.