Health Advice |
Thai Yoga Massage in Pregnancy
Thai yoga is a wonderful massage during pregnancy. A combination of acupressure and very gentle stretching, it rhythmically stimulates and quietens, relaxes and energises within the movements of the body and with the breath. It can be experienced safely and happily throughout pregnancy. Up to the first 3 - 5 months an experienced practitioner would take care, avoiding certain acupressure points and stretches, especially if the mother has had a history of miscarriage. After that certain postures, usually the more dynamic stretches, decrease and the energy line work increases, allowing the mother to invite deeper stillness, within the rhythmic rocking movements. The massage is usually practised in a side position, depending how long the mother can comfortably lay on her back before the sacrum softens. The massage starts at the feet and works its way up the body gathering the energetic flow and finishing at the head. A bean bag is often helpful as a cushioned prop, when massaging the stomach with oils, then later the shoulders, neck, head and face. The acupressure points on the feet pressed during the foot massage at the beginning will stimulate your baby, due to the energy lines crossing at the navel, causing them to swim around quite happily. Thai yoga massage can help reduce water retention, especially around the feet and ankles and improves the blood circulation, which can thin in the mothers body due to the diversion through the placenta to the feeding baby. It can also safely support the inducement of an overdue baby. 
Thai yoga massage is great at relieving the lower back of all those aches and pains associated with the weight of carrying the little one(s) and is very effective at relieving sciatica and leg tension. It's also great at getting into those obscure and difficult to reach areas of the upper thoracic back area and shoulders. At the end of the massage a serene sense of calm and and yet revitalisation are shared by both mother and baby. This reconnection is very important in this day and age of working women's hectic lifestyles. This stress free "me" time allows women to tune in and get in touch with themselves and their baby. Eve Khambatta has studied in the UK & Thailand for the past few years. Her main teachers have been Kira Balaskas, Asokananda & Chiayuth. Her background is a blend of dance, martial arts and her on-going practise of yoga. Eve is available at Napiers, Goodge Street on Fridays 2 - 7.30pm & Saturdays 10 - 6pm. Thai Yoga Massage is available at several of our clinics - for further details please contact your nearest Napiers branch. More articles about Mother and Baby... |