Shiatsu And Maternity
Care

Shiatsu and Maternity Care: Focus on using shiatsu techniques to support women during pregnancy and postnatal periods.
Penetrating Vessel: A key concept in Chinese medicine, also known as the "Sea of Blood," crucial for regulating blood flow and nourishing the body during pregnancy.
Essence: Refers to the inherited life force or DNA, which is modified by environmental factors and circulates through the extraordinary vessels.
Extraordinary Vessels: Eight vessels in Chinese medicine that regulate deeper energies, including the brain and reproductive organs, beyond the 12 meridians.
Connection to Earth: The penetrating vessel's role in grounding and connecting to the earth, especially during early pregnancy.
Emotional and Physical Support: The importance of supporting both emotional and physical well-being during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester.
Morning Sickness: Explained through the adjustment of blood flow and hormonal changes regulated by the penetrating vessel.
Ancestral Energy: The influence of inherited patterns and energies from ancestors on an individual's essence and health.
Kidney Energy: The role of the kidneys in storing essence and supporting hormonal functions, especially during pregnancy.
Menopause: The body's adjustment to changes in blood flow and hormonal balance, similar to the first trimester but directed towards self-nourishment.
Breastfeeding Preparation: The penetrating vessel's role in preparing the breasts for breastfeeding and fostering emotional connection with the baby.
Contraceptive Pill Effects: Potential impacts on blood flow and hormonal balance, necessitating support for the penetrating vessel.
Partner Involvement: Techniques and exercises to involve partners in supporting the pregnant woman, fostering a deeper connection.
Physical Exercises: Specific movements and positions to stimulate the penetrating vessel and enhance connection to the earth and one's essence.
Emotional Connection: The importance of emotional support and connection between the mother, baby, and partner throughout pregnancy.
Postnatal Care: Integration of techniques to support both the mother and baby after birth, focusing on nourishment and emotional well-being.

Shiatsu and Maternity Care: Application of shiatsu techniques in maternity care, focusing on supporting birth and maternal well-being.
Girdle Vessel: An extraordinary vessel in traditional Chinese medicine, crucial for connecting the brain, reproductive organs, and hormonal systems, especially during pregnancy and birth.
Fetal Positioning: The importance of fetal positioning for a smooth birth process and how shiatsu can support optimal positioning.
Backache Relief: Techniques to alleviate back pain during pregnancy through shiatsu and specific movements.
Pelvic Space Creation: Methods to create space in the pelvis to facilitate birth, including exercises and shiatsu points.
Hormonal Regulation: The role of the girdle vessel in regulating hormones, which are essential for birth preparation and labour progression.
Structural and Energetic Support: The girdle vessel's role in providing both structural support to the pelvis and energetic flow, essential for birth.
Shiatsu Points: Specific points on the body, such as Gallbladder 27 and 28, and sacral points, used in shiatsu to support birth and maternal comfort.
Movement and Exercise: The use of movement, including rocking, circling, and squatting, to engage the girdle vessel and prepare for birth.
Partner Involvement: Techniques for partners to support the birthing process, including pressure points and physical support.
Birth Positions: Various positions, such as all fours and squatting, that can aid in labour and delivery, with and without the use of a ball.
Emotional and Physical Connection: The importance of emotional well-being and physical relaxation in supporting hormonal flow and birth progression.
Holistic Approach: Integrating physical, emotional, and energetic aspects in shiatsu practice to support maternal health and birth outcomes.
Self-Care Techniques: Practices for pregnant individuals to connect with their girdle vessel and support their own well-being through touch and movement.
Palace Concept: The metaphor of the reproductive organs as palaces, emphasizing their role in nourishing and supporting new life.

Shiatsu and Maternity Care: Focus on postnatal care using Shiatsu techniques. 
Extraordinary Vessels in Chinese Medicine: Emphasis on their role in pregnancy, birth, and postnatal phases. 
Penetrating Vessel: Key focus on its role in postnatal care, especially related to breastfeeding and emotional nourishment. 
Hormonal and Nervous System Connection: Discussion on the link between the brain, reproductive organs, and kidneys. 
Breastfeeding and Energy Flow: The role of the penetrating vessel in breastfeeding and energy transfer. 
Postnatal Exercises: Use of a ball for stabilising and strengthening abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. 
Emotional and Physical Nourishment: Importance of nourishing both the mother and baby emotionally and physically. 
Girdle Vessel: Mentioned as a horizontal vessel providing support and connection to the perineum. 
Baby's Adaptation Post-Birth: Transition from umbilical cord nourishment to mouth feeding. 
Mother-Baby Connection: Emphasis on the deep connection and mutual support between mother and baby. 
Self-Care for Mothers: Encouragement for mothers to nourish themselves while caring for their babies. 
Heart and Emotional Support: The role of the heart in nourishing and supporting both mother and baby. 
Breast Channels: Detailed explanation of the breast channels of the penetrating vessel and their significance. 
Water and Fluid Imagery: Use of water and fluid imagery to describe the flow of energy and nourishment. 
Practical Exercises: Instructions for practical exercises to stimulate the penetrating vessel and support postnatal recovery. 
Holistic Approach: Integration of physical, emotional, and energetic aspects in postnatal care. 
Supporting the Baby’s Development: Techniques to support the baby’s physical and emotional development through touch and connection. 
Self-Nourishment Techniques: Methods for mothers to nourish themselves, including visualization and physical exercises. 
Importance of Touch: The role of touch in providing comfort and support to both mother and baby. 
Emotional Healing: Addressing past emotional issues related to motherhood and self-nourishment. 
Grounding and Stabilising: Techniques for grounding and stabilizing the body and emotions post-birth. 
Integration of Chinese Medicine Principles: Application of traditional Chinese medicine concepts in postnatal care.