"Even in the hottest weather a
restful mind will keep you cool"
Articles
What is Shiatsu? Is it Shitsu?- no that's a type of dog, Sushi?- no that's a raw fish. Suzuki? er no that's a motorbike. As you can see many people find it hard to even pronounce the word but in laymans terms it is a type of Oriental bodywork, akin to Acupuncture but without the use of needles. Some Thai stretches are used to release tensions, but unlike massage no oil is used. The pressing & stretching techniques work directly to help release muscle tension, easing joint stiffness & realigning the body. Fingers, palms, elbows even knees are used to palpate the client, utilising specific pressure points, functions & imbalances of the internal organs can be aided. The treatment can be adapted to relax or energise acknowledging chronic & acute symptoms.
It can be vary powerful complement to targeting stress working at a much deeper level than swedish massage. The Oriental roots of this therapy look at how the mind & body interact rather than treating the surface symptoms of work related stress e.g tight shoulders, headaches, palpatations from nervous tension, it looks deeply at where these problems are developing from.
Shiatsu can play a powerful part in strengthening the mind in how it looks at problems such as what is good for the business & what would be detrimental to it. Our Small intestine also does this in real life keeping the pure food from the matter that really isn't of benefit to our bodies. We can work this meridian channel that governs the organ to not only help on a physical level but on the mental aspect too. Each organ is strongly effected by our emotions. Too much information overload will cause stagnation, the mind blocks, creativity becomes stunted , stress builds & eventually tempers flare this does lead to physical symptoms to develop particularly if we supress these emotions, it's not good sense to show our anger in business.
If you want to look at how a single 15 minute break can lift your energy & raise the level of how you think & react to your business look no further than to consider the benefits of On-Site-Massage using Shiatsu, brought to the work premises a single short session, no undressing required can achieve full relaxation. A specially adapted chair allows full support of the body ensuring key areas of the neck, head & back can be targeted. Our thought processes can be cleared to allow a relaxed way of thinking as the body unwinds the mind follow suit.
Shiatsu is not just an indulgance for the company but a responsible route to maintaining self-esteem & respect from the workforce. Britain works many more hours than our European cousins, we take no siestas like our mediterranean neighbours nor do we take regular exercise in our working day unlike many parts of Asia, therefore our bodies become compromised early starts, shifts, working late are common in many enterprises nowadays. Our work may not suffer but our bodies although adaptable long term will break down. Being one step ahead of the competition & seeing the bigger picture of how preventing stress forming in the first place will lead to a fit & healthy company.
For further details contact Denise at barceidillo@hotmail.co.uk or Nicky at nickyabell2@hotmail.com
Most Acitvebirth classes are specifically designed to help you as an individual to cope & be in control of your Labour. It allows & encourages partner involvment prior to & during birth. Many fathers feel a little left out & confused as to what they can do to help, by learning a few simple & very effective techniques a lot of relief can be produced for mum to be. Helping take your mind off things & occupy the time of labour which can be lengthy.
Classes may vary to what therapy the instructor specialises in. This article will cover SHIATSU based on a traditional Japanese approach to health. It encourages the body to balance it's natural energies known as 'KI' by working gently with ACUPRESSURE along energy pathways (MERIDIANS) the same theory used in Acupuncture.
Ongoing research has been going on at Bristol Midwifery with various results from effective in inducing labour to reducing pain relief required. Other studies elsewhere of 28 pregnant mums found massage therapy during the first 15 mins of each hour of childbirth decreased anxiety & pain as well as the need for medication & length of labour. (field el al 1997).
Many vital pressue points & gentle MAKAHO STRETCHES can relieve or reduce general symptoms that are so uncomfortable during the later stages of pregnancy, from fluid retention, heartburn to cramps & constipation. At six months mums to be can start to learn & experiment what their body likes & dislikes ready for the birth itself. By working in sympathy with their body & birthing partners. Near to labour techniques to encourage the turning of breech babies or overdue babes to start labour naturally can be utilised in a safe & gentle manner. Once labour begins Shiatsu skills can be used to speed up this process if things start to slow, energy can become stuck through fear or discomfort, the pelvis constricts literally holding in baby. By working the base of the neck this being closely associated with the base of the spine we can soften & release the pelvic girdle ( akin to a long rope if we wiggle one end gently a lot of movement can occur at the other end with hardly any effort). This is particularly useful if mum is sensitive to touch by now or suffering backpain.
In the final stages energy levels of the mother can drop KEY POINTS to gain stamina & gain strength allowing you the final urge to push can be beneficial to use now. By practising gentle moves & various upright positions for birth we can enable mum to actually & effectively help herself give birth naturally & in total control.
The classes are divided into two segments Part 1 to cover the start of relaxation & treatment of various pregnancy symptoms that can be rather irritating in the last 3 months, Part 2 covering the final period leading up to labour & the birth. They are fun & relaxing for mum if but a little taxing for your birthing partner. But bearing in mind it's you who will be doing the most work on the day I wouldn't feel guilty one little bit.
references :to research Shiatsu for Midwifery by Suzanne Yates published 2003
Article written for National Childbirth Association by N. Abell-Francis
The simple touch of massage can help relieve many discomforts & stresses of pregnancy. Gentle work over the abdominal area can be beneficial for relieving the stretched feeling often experienced during the latter stages, with the application of different carrier oils sometimes lessening the possibility of stretchmarks.
During pregnancy the hormone progesterone allows the body to expand gently via the stretching & softening of ligaments. With the expansion of blood vessels relaying an increased volume of blood. These changes although subtle can create certain effects in the body, from backache, haemarroids, oedema (swelling) of legs which may result in varicose veins to general problems of heartburn & insomnia.
Massage weather self-administered or professionally done can provide great relief to the expectant mum. After the first three months abdominal massage is a great way of introducing yourself to your developing child. Both mother & partner can observe & feel their baby from it's first kick to more subtle movements that occur in the womb.
Babies are aware of this touch & massage can help calm an overactive baby which has a tendency to occur once mum is trying to rest herself, this has been repeatedly tested 'whereby an active babies heartbeat as monitored by a cardiotocograph machine'. It was found a gentle & soothing massage calmed the fetus whilst still maintaining a good 'variable' heartbeat being medically correct at that stage of development.
Regular body massages throughout pregnancy can help lift a mums mood which can flutulate rapidly. By helping her feel her best & allowing fatigue so common in early & late stages to be eliminated. General toning, improved posture & stiffness associated with the sheer weight being carried can be greatly improved.
Most pregnant ladies can book for their first massage generally after their first anti-natal appointment, this being about 12 weeks, if essential oils are to be used. But general work can be done throughout as the pregnancy progresses a more upright position for treatment is used such as sitting in a chair leaning forward on pillows for support or sidelying. Some therapists even have specially adapted couches with holes for the ever increasing bump now that is luxury.
The main area of strain & tension is in the lower back area being the centre of gravity. Work here will gently relieve discomfort but care must be taken so not to be too stimulating in the early stages of pregnancy. No pressure points or deep strokes should be used. Once nearing birth when tightness & aching can become uncomfortable, deeper work on the buttocks & spinal area can be performed along with relaxing & soothing techniques on the feet & legs. This bringing utter relief to the working mum who may have been standing all day. Nothing is worse than throbbing varicose veins & tired feet as bedtime approaches. The healing & theraputic effects of massage is unsurpassed.
PREGNANCY -massage therapy provides a gentle & effective support during this precious time of developement, of a child, aiding & reducing a variety of symptoms.
LABOUR- enhances a shorter & less painful labour, stimulating endorphin production, easing the passage of birth for baby & mum, as well as comforting & soothing.
POSTPARTUM- promotes rehabilitation & recovery of the birth process, aiding mother to adapt & cope with the new challenges of motherhood.
If you want to warm yourself in this cool climate of ours then the ultimate treatment is to seek out some HOT STONE THERAPY. This unusual treatment was bought into existance in 1993 by Mary Nelson Hannigan a massage therapist from Tuscon, Arizona, U.S.A. But it is believed that this healing art has been around for many years even as far back as 2000BC-1500BC in China as an ancient form of bodywork.
Using clinical application of HOT BALSALT LAVASTONES for deep penetration of heat these are accompanied by the use of FROZEN MARBLE STONES at certain points to enliven & invigorate the body systems. These HOT & COLD temperatures create a "VASCULAR GYMNASTICS" of the circulatory system assisting the body to self heal.
One stroke is equivilent to ten european strokes. Treatment begins by the laying down upon hot stones specifically placed along the spine & sacrum to warm the muscles of the back. The hot balsalt stones (used for their smoothness & ability to retain heat) vary in size, some for long stroking movements others for more deeper trigger point work. Certain stones are placed on the front of the body to work special energy points known as the CHAKRAS with tiny baby ones placed between the toes.
Due to the warmth all tenseness can be melted away prior to more penetrating massage work. Each stone working as a mini heating pad. It can feel very much like "two therapists working upon you. Most people become "ROCK ADDICTS" as quoted when the treatment first appeared in America once having experienced a session, never wanting another style. For shyer clients a "QUICK STONE" of head, neck & scalp can be a delicious way to sample some of the delights of this ancient art.Truely a very unusual but extremely beneficial treatment to try.
Normally the reaction to the words 'Baby Masage' is but a baby isn't stressed so why does it need a massage? Most parents think of only why they need one. A baby is unique & quite different to an adult therefore massage is performed very differently , the reasons for this being quite diverse.
Our natural instinct to any physical trauma is to rub the tender spot & massage was one of the first healing techniques used many years ago. In ancient Rome they employed Greek slave girls, often well educated with a strong belief in massage, to use these skills to promote tranquillity in the babes under their care.
Infant studies have shown that the senses of touch, movement & sound stimulate nerve pathways, speeding neurological growth. Also weight gain is faster & circulation improves allowing better lymph drainage boosting baby's immunity & therfore requiring less antibiotics & releasing endorphins (natural painkillers) aiding baby's pain defences.
The gentle touch of baby massage helps promote relaxation & can encourage this self-healing potential to develop. In Asia & the Far East specific times throughout each day are planned for massaging & the lubricants used vary according to the season & baby's health. Most young are carried in slings & therfore constantly being massaged by the movement of their mother. In contrast most Western babies spend the majority of their time in cots or prams, with no close touch or togetherness- it is not therfore surprising that many of our young cry for attention so much!
When a parent massages their baby the benefits are always unique due to the emotional bond adding that extra special personal factor to the touch. Massaging our children must not be thought as fashionable, it has been happening for centuries, or that parents that don't masage will disadvatage their child. It should be thought of as a natural positive touch.
For massage to be beneficial it does not have to begin & end within the first year of life. Often small children are delighted to receive a session or even become involved with the treatment of their baby sister or brother.Stroking hands or feet can start to teach the older child the necessary gentleness required.
Special needs children can achieve great enjoyment from the focused one to one contact, when increased mobility & nerve control can also be achieved.The initial aim of baby massage is to enable the baby to experience freedom of movement, after being curled up & confined in the womb.Gentle opening of clenched hands & feet, extending the arms to open the chest aiding & improving breathing. It can also become a teaching aid, introducing language skills via nursery rhymes, making it an educational as well as entertaining time for baby.
Massaging on premature babies has been done but must be treated in a different manner by a method known as TAC TIC. Working over the energy fields of the pre- term baby can also take place. Small circles in the air close to the skin - not on it - can bring great comfort & soothe a fractious babe after a difficult birth, or one who may still be in intensive care where holding is kept to a minimum.
Amazingly, this introduction to touch & stimulation has been found to help premature babies to catch up with their peers in terms of I.Q. skills such as balance, leading to walking occurring much earlier than otherwise. Obviously, full term infants would benefit in a similar way.Massage has a vast range of beneficial effects on both parent & child.
• New parents gain confidence in handling their baby
• Bonding improves particularly if postnatal depression has occurred in the mother
• Fathers can feel needed & normally have a great affinity to massaging their infant, not worrying too much about the how & why of the session, but just geting on with it de-stressing themselves into the bargain by forgetting outside worries.
General physical factors that baby massage can help are quite obvious. The different oils that can be used relieve the symptoms of nappy rash & cradle cap, nourishing those dry areas that are commonly found on babies. Painful & distressing colic & sluggish bowel movements are also helped by encouraging a healthy digestion through the body.
One very improtant factor is regular massaged & relaxed babies who feel loved & secure may sleep more soundly & so might their parents - now that's what I call a very good benefit!
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