a time to nurture yourself
Pregnancy is a time of many changes to a woman's body, her emotions, physical & mental stamina. You deserve and need time and support for yourself.
Bodywork is not only key to helping you feel better, it can be essential in helping you cope with some of the changes that will be taking place. Ligaments need to stretch, and this can cause hip and low back pain. As your tummy get bigger, you may feel strain in your shoulders and neck. Your digestion my be off and you may experience acid reflux, CranioSacral Therapy massage is very effective with this. A soothing massage can relieve physical and emotional built-up tension, helping you to sleep better which is key to being healthy and refreshed. Massage is healthy for the developing fetus as well, studies show that ongoing stress can reduce blood flow to the placenta by as much as 60 percent. Massage increases circulation which will bring much needed nutrients to your cellular level and remove metabolic toxins that stress produces. Bodywork also helps balance hormones as they change.
Some other symptoms bodywork will help with as you go through each trimester;
- Fatigue
- Increased low back pain
- Poor posture
- Heartburn, gas, constipation
- Leg cramps
- Headaches
- Hip pain
- Ligament strain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Pelvic pain
- Sciatica
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shoulder, mid-back, hip pain
- Swelling in legs and feet
- Self-esteem
- Pelvic pain
- and more...(call for a condition you are concerned about)
Bodywork therapy can be an integral part of preparing for labor as well. It can release restrictions in the muscles and connective tissue so your body can do what it needs to do. CranioSacral Therapy is wonderful during pregnancy. It is so gentle, and releases DEEP restrictions to allow your body to attapt to the many changes. One major concern is optimal fetal positioning. Bodywork can positively effect the ligaments that support the uterus, that when restricted can prevent the baby from assuming a favorable position for birth. CST can release these ligaments allowing a better chance baby will move into the proper head down alignment. Zen Shiatsu will balance your energy systems, support your body as it changes, and calm your system. The more often you see your bodywork therapist as you progress through each stage of pregnancy, the easier it will be to carry and deliver your baby.
A bodywork session will also give you some 'down time' to relax and rejuevenate. It is important for pregnant women to have this time available to de-stress and help you enjoy your pregnancy.
Serving Portland, Hillsboro, Cedar Hills, Cedar Mills, Aloha, Beaverton, Bethany, Tigard, West Linn, Lake Oswego, West Linn