 There have been so many new and expecting parents in my life lately! Many of my friends are becoming parents and I have seen an influx of bodywork clients who are pregnant or new parents in the last couple months. All this parentness has inspired me to write a post about how awesome bodywork can be during pregnancy and as a person enters the realm of parenthood. Medical professionals are increasingly recommending bodywork during pregnancy for pain, stress and anxiety relief. Although one massage during pregnancy is great, regular bodywork during pregnancy and throughout the time of parenthood can be a wonderful addition to any expecting or new parent's self care routine.
For clients that are pregnant, massage can be a great way to relieve discomfort from the musculoskeletal changes that are inevitable during pregnancy. It is also a wonderful way to sooth anxiety or stress that comes with the current and expected changes to life. Bodywork is generally safe for pregnant individuals through the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester. High risk pregnancies can still benefit from bodywork, but be sure to let your practitioner know so that they can additionally modify the session. If you are not sure if bodywork is right for you it's always a good idea to check with your doctor first. Specific Symptoms that bodywork can address during pregnancy:
How is bodywork during pregnancy different than regular bodywork? Focus of the session: In general, bodywork for pregnant clients is focused on relaxation and increasing comfort. A session can focus on addressing any of the common symptoms that arise during pregnancy: sciatica, muscle/joint pain, stress and anxiety, edema, and decreased circulation. Specific work can be done to relief muscle and joint pain, but there are certain areas of the body where deep digging is avoided because of the vulnerability of these areas. During pregnancy, the body releases relaxin, a hormone that allows for the bones and joints to shift to make room for the baby. Work in the hips and low back is more gentle. Greater care is taken when stretching to take into consideration that the joints and bones are more loose and easily manipulated. In Shiatsu, certain acupressure points are avoided as to not move the energy too forcefully downward. Positioning: Special cushions are used to support the body during pregnancy. The cushions can be used to a certain point in the pregnancy (usually through the 1st trimester) to allow you to lay face down without pressure on the abdomen. The cushions can also be used to support you in laying on your side or in a semi-reclined position on the back. Getting a massage while laying on your side feels different than a regular massage, but still covers all the bases and allows for areas like the back, neck and shoulders to be worked on. How often to come: While one bodywork session during pregnancy is awesome, regular bodywork can have additional benefits and increase comfort for the parent and child. According to an article in Parent's magazine: "Studies from the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami suggest that moms-to-be who get a weekly massage have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and higher levels of the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. Researchers have linked these hormonal changes to fewer childbirth complications, including a 75 percent reduction in premature births among depressed women. Though you don't need to be depressed to reap the benefits of massage, another Touch Research Institute study found that pregnant women suffering from depression had significant improvement in mood, as well as decreased anxiety, after receiving a 20-minute massage twice a week." Bodywork for all new parents Continuing to get regular bodywork after pregnancy is a great way to establish much needed self care into the new routine of raising a child. Postnatal massage can help the body adjust back to it's pre-pregnancy shape more comfortably. It can also be helpful to all parents as they get used to new movements that come with raising children: feeding, carrying the baby and juggling carriers and bags. I have found that many of these sessions are focused on neck, shoulders, back and hips as you get used to these new movements. Stress and anxiety relief are also incorporated to sooth the mind and enhance the mood as parents move through this transitional time. References: 1. https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/pampering/prenatal-massage/. The Benefits of Prenatal Massage by Belle: University Chancelor.
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 I don’t like to pick bodywork favorites, but shiatsu is pretty magical. To quote one of my teachers,”If massage and acupuncture had a baby, it would be shiatsu.”
Well, that sounds good, right?! The form of shiatsu that I work with the most is based in Traditional Chinese Medicine and called Shiatsu Anma. This form takes into account the whole body (physical, emotional, and energetic) when developing a treatment. A person might book a shiatsu treatment for a myriad of concerns including chronic physical pain and tension, pain from an injury or accident, headaches, sleep or digestive issues. Chinese Medicine considers any pain or dysfunction in the body as a symptom of imbalance. Shiatsu means “finger pressure,” and most techniques are applied with the thumb, fingers, or palms of hand pressing into the body. Kneading techniques may also be used and joint mobilization and stretching is an integral part of most treatments. Shiatsu treatments focus on restoring balance by working on the meridians (energy pathways) and specific points along the meridian. What will you experience during a treatment? A thorough intake is done on the first visit. This includes discussing your main concern and any related areas that may help me get a clear picture of your current and past health history. I will look at your tongue and take your pulses. Tongue and pulse diagnosis is a common way for a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to get a clear understanding of where you may be struggling with balance. During the treatment, you will remain fully clothed. No lotion or oil is used, except for occasionally on the neck or abdomen. Staying fully clothed can make this an exceptionally accessible form of bodywork for those that have mobility issues, past trauma, are shy about practitioners working directly on their skin, or just don’t enjoy the oily massage feeling. It’s best to wear something that is loose and comfortable. In the same way, that therapeutic massage techniques can be performed more gently or more deeply, shiatsu also works at varied levels in the tissue. I always encourage clients to give me feedback about pressure. The whole body will be addressed during a treatment. The reason for this is that shiatsu focuses on the meridian system of the body and also that bodies function as a whole, not in parts. The meridians run in different lengths and pathways throughout the body. During a treatment, I work on the area that you are experiencing pain as well as the whole length of the meridian and/or any meridians that may be involved to create a smooth flow of Qi (energy) and other vital substances in the body. What happens afterwards? Post treatment effects vary from person to person and are based on your sensitivity as well as the treatment itself. Most often people feel more balanced and grounded after a shiatsu session. Muscular pain and tension should be decreased and you may notice your sleep or digestion improved. Like any other forms of bodywork you will most likely have marked changes right away and may continue feeling the work unravel for 24-48 hours after the session. It’s always a good idea to drink extra water and take it easy after any bodywork. If you enjoy baths, taking an epsom salt bath or a relaxing walk after your treatment can be beneficial. Each person and situation is different in regards to the way that they respond to a treatment. Follow up work may be needed and I always encourage regular treatments (usually every 4-6 weeks) for folks interested in continuing to explore the magic of shiatsu.  Despite our wintry excitement this week, it's beginning to feel a lot like springtime. Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. There is nothing like feeling the warmth of sun on your face after many chilly months. I also love clearing out the clutter, throwing the windows open and finally being able to go on long walks with my pooch. Conversely, springtime can be a physically, mentally and energetically uncomfortable time for many of us.
Learning more about Chinese Medicine and it's connection to nature has made a world of difference in my life as I move through the extremes of season here in Minnesota. My dad always told me to "work smarter, not harder." I like to take that phrase to heart when thinking about navigating through the seasons. Would you like to learn more about the springtime according to Chinese Medicine principles and how you can support yourself through the season? Here goes: In Chinese Medicine, it is thought that our bodies are simply a small universe within the larger universe. In this way, changes to the external world are often replicated in our bodies. One major way to observe this is how our bodies respond to season changes. Each season is connected to one of the five elements (fire, earth, metal, water and wood). Each element is connected to a pair of "organ systems". An organ system is a holistic and more energetically focused understanding of some of the forces that govern our body's functions. This is not to be mistaken with the Western physiological function of the organs, although there is considerable overlap. Each element is associated with a season, color, sound flavor, balanced/unbalanced emotion and much more. By association, Spring is connected to the Wood element and the Liver and Gallbladder organ systems. It is also associated with upward/expansive energy, new beginnings, the color green, the sour flavor, and the sound "Shhh." The balanced emotions are generosity and kindness and the unbalanced emotions of anger and frustration. The Wood element's energy is upward and expansive. During the winter, a lot of energy is spent reflecting and restoring our bodies. Plans get generated and energy is build to implement them. When spring hits we are ready for action. Think about the amount of force a little sprout has to use to push through the ground to get to sunlight. It's a lot! We feel the energy within us. This makes the springtime a wonderful time to start new projects, renew goals, join a group, and generally plant seeds for the future. The Liver and Gallbladder organ systems are particularly prone to fullness. Additional upward and expansive energy in these organ systems during the spring can result in increased neck and shoulder pain and headaches. I see this a lot in my practice! It's a great time to add in more stretching, especially lateral stretches. It's also a good time to schedule regular bodywork and acupuncture. Grounding exercises, meditation and journaling are also helpful tools for balancing all the outward energy if it's starting to feel like too much. Spring is the time for new beginnings and it's also a great time clear out any clutter in your surroundings and in the body. Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage) is a great way to support any cleanse or detoxification program you may be doing this spring. It's also a great stand alone therapy to support clearing and detoxify the organs. Incorporating cleansing breathwork, going for walks, and simply committing to drinking more water can also help get your system moving. Anger and irritability are the predominant emotions of an imbalanced wood element. You may find these emotions more prevalent in the spring time. Preemptively focusing on kindness and generosity can be a particularly great practice during the spring. Volunteer, donate the items that you no longer need, help a friend, give all the hugs. Also look for ways to express that anger in a healthy manner. Other fun ways to support the Wood element would be to incorporate the colors, sounds and flavors. You can't go wrong with eating more green foods. Also incorporating more sour foods into your diet can be supportive, although this it is best to not go too overboard with this one. A little sour goes a long way. The sound associated with the Wood element is "Shhh." One way that you could incorporate this is by taking 10 deep breaths and when you exhale make the sound forcefully. This could help dissipate any extra Wood element energy that is rising in the body. There are so many ways to support the Wood element during the springtime. I hope you enjoyed learning about some of them. This is a topic I like to get really nerdy about, so please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to know how you can learn even more.  I'm not one for New Year's resolutions, but there are some big changes in the works. Personal improvement is often at the forefront of my mind. I struggle with wanting to be more intentional, kind and patient AND remain accepting and loving of myself right where I am at.
As we move into the new year, my focus is on: Reconnecting to my breath. The breath has a powerful ability to nourish, break up stagnation and ease anxiety. Deep belly breathing is my go to. I notice that times of stress, anxiety and overwhelm often correlate with a feeling of breathlessness. Using deep belly breathing, helps my mind and body relax which gives me space to organize my thoughts. How to deep belly breath: during inhalation, focus on gently pulling the breath all the way down to your pelvis, letting your abdomen and rib cage expand. Exhale when comfortable. Take as many of these breaths as you need. Moving from Fear to Fearlessness. I'm learning that my actions often come from a place of fear. Fear about finances, fear about security, fear of the unknown. Fear is our bodies way of telling us that there is a potential threat. This may or may not be true. Being aware of the fear, but not attaching to it allows for more intentional choices. This year, I am planning on moving from a place of fear to a place of fearlessness. Creating deep connections with my community and clients. As I spend a longer period of time in practice, I have had the opportunity to observe how regular bodywork can be a catalyst and support for deep change. It may sound a little woo woo, but I truly do think that if more people got bodywork there would be less war. To help make bodywork more accessible to EVERYONE I have started offering a limited number of sliding scale opportunities. More info about sliding scale is under the Practice Updates section of this newsletter. I'm also enjoying becoming more rooted in the Kingfield neighborhood and am looking forward to doing more collaboration with small businesses in the area. Growing my business. My practice relies on having a solid client base. Go Figure! I have found that word of mouth referrals are my bread and butter. Please keep me in mind if someone you knows could benefit from bodywork. A solid internet presence is also key to building a business in this day and age. Please help me be found on the internet by reviewing me on google. You don't even know how much an awesome review can give a small business owner the warm fuzzies. Continuing to learn from client feedback. What you think matters. ALOT! I strive for the highest level of client satisfaction. Feedback of any kind is super helpful and allows me to better serve you. Do you love or hate the music that I play? Is the pressure too deep or just right? Are you broiling under that blanket, but afraid to speak up? Let me know! Also what changes in yourself have you noticed since we started working together? Bodywork is often focused on pain management, but it can be so much more. Regular bodywork can improve mood, sleep and digestion. It can help with stress management and anxiety. It can break down areas of stuckness that we didn't even know existed. Additionally, what areas you are interested in learning more about outside of the treatment room? If you haven't noticed, Traditional Chinese Medicine theory is my jam, but what kinds of information do you crave? Are you interested in learning more about anatomy, stretches to alleviate pain, self-massage techniques that you can do at home? What kinds of workshops are interested in attending? Help me help you! Email me at adawsbodywork@gmail.com Over the last year, I have been delving deeper into the world of Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage) and it is so exciting! As you know, the abdomen is the physical storage container for all major organs. In Western Medicine, we connect these organs to many functions of the body including digestion, detoxification, and elimination. In the Taoist tradition, which Chi Nei Tsang is rooted in, very similar physiological functions are attributed to the organs as well as a number of other associations including emotions, colors, seasons of the year, sounds, animals etc. Under this holistic framework,Chi Nei Tsang sessions can:
Want to know more? Here are some frequently asked questions about Chi Nei Tsang: What are you doing when you are massaging my belly? The main goal for treatments is to clear out physical and energetic knots and tangles (stagnation) so that Qi (energy) can flow smoothly. A smooth flow of Qi allows for a pain free environment where organs can function at their best. Balanced organs are connected to balanced emotions, strong immune systems and healthy bodies. Are you really going to rub my belly the whole time!? Yes, the majority of the session will involve massage directly on your abdomen. I often incorporate breathwork and meditation into the session. Also don’t be surprised if you are sent home with homework. Doing self-massage on the abdomen and/or a specific meditation focused at an organ between sessions is a great way to speed up the clearing and healing process. Does it hurt? Massage should never hurt, but there may be tenderness in areas. We will work to a depth that is comfortable for you as well as deep enough to affect change. I like to think about it as peeling an onion. We will start by addressing the first layer of tension. Within the session and with regular sessions we will be able to peel away layers for long lasting change. Can Chi Nei Tsang help with pain/tension in other areas of my body? Yes! Releasing physical tension in the abdomen can have a direct affect on other areas of the body such as the low back, neck and shoulders. Here's an example of how abdominal massage can affect lower back pain due to constipation: When a person is chronically constipated the large intestine physically enlarges with fecal matter that is not being eliminated. The expansion of the large intestine puts pressure on the surrounding organs as well as the lower back. Addressing chronic constipation with abdominal massage and promoting regular elimination reduces this pressure from the lower back. Interested in trying a session!? I recommend a 30 or 60 minute session if you would like to work solely in the abdominal area. Chi Nei Tsang can also be incorporated into a longer full body session. I recommend a 75, 90 or 120 minutes if you would like to include abdominal work into a full body session.  What is Chi Nei Tsang?
Chi Nei Tsang is a form of abdominal massage that is rooted in Taoism. It focuses on clearing energetic and physical blockages in the abdomen so that the Chi (energy) can flow smoothly. Chi Nei Tsang treatments:
Who is a good candidate for Chi Nei Tsang? Most people can benefit from Chi Nei Tsang, BUT it can be especially helpful for:
What is a Chi Nei Tsang session like? Sessions start with a thorough intake focused on the client's goals for the session, their health history, energy levels, sleep/digestion patterns, physical activity, and where any pain in the body is felt. The client will lay on the massage table face up and bring shirt up and shimmy pants down to pubic bone to expose abdomen. We will start with connecting to the breath and having the client sense areas of tension in the abdomen and whole body. I will use manual technique with oil and essential oils to increase circulation, break up areas of tension, stimulate organs, clear pathways of elimination, etc. We may also do specific breathwork or mediations based on the client's needs. Between sessions: I like to give homework! Homework depends on the client's goals for the sessions. I may have them do daily abdominal breathing, self massage, or meditation. I often also recommend an observational exercise related to their goals. Feel free to contact me with any questions you have about Chi Nei Tsang and how it could benefit you. Cupping and Gua Sha are techniques that can be incorporated into your regular bodywork session or scheduled as a separate 30 minute service. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the cause of pain, stiffness and tension is often due to blockages in the meridians (energy pathways) of the body. Cupping and Gua Sha (and Shiatsu!) all focus on clearing these blockages for an easy flow of Qi and Blood, which can help with chronic/acute pain, headaches and migraines due to muscular tension, and even reduce the severity and recovery time from colds and fevers. Cupping can be done in a variety of ways using glass, plastic or bamboo cups. Suction is created with fire or a manual pump. I use plastic cups and a manual pump. The cups are placed on the area of discomfort and related areas. The cups can be moved, called slide cupping or left in place. Gua Sha is a scraping technique. A variety of tools can also be used for this including: wood, stone, bone. Techniques are usually used on the area of discomfort and related areas. I use a small wooden hand tool. What does it look like and how will it feel?Cupping
 After the cups are removed, you may have round marks that vary in color from light pink to dark purple. The color indicated the amount and type of blockage in the meridian that is causing the tension. The marks usually go away in 3-5 days. They should be covered until they are no longer visible. Sometimes the area will feel dry after a treatment. Apply lotion as needed. Gua Sha
How do you know if it's right for you?A thorough intake is always done before utilizing either of these techniques. Cupping and Gua Sha are not recommended for clients that are weak, have a compromised immune system or if the blockage in the meridian is due to deficiency. Generally they are safe techniques. Please let me know if you are interested in learning more! I would be happy to talk to you about it and demonstrate what it looks and feels like. Above is a very general description of Cupping and Gua Sha.
If you want to get science nerdy about it follow this link for an in-depth article about the science behind Guasha: https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/press-releases/2015/05/05/science-gua-sha. One of the most common areas of discomfort that I hear from my clients is low back tension, especially in the winter. Between shoveling, trying to stay upright on the ice (or not), wearing heavy boots, and huddling to stay warm your back can get the brunt of it. Many of us have suffered from tension in our low backs ranging from stiffness to debilitating pain at some point in our lives. Low back pain can also be caused by injury, accidents, repetitive stress and/or poor posture. Massage is a great way to ease low back pain, strain, tension and stiffness. Stretching between sessions may help you recover faster and prevent reinjury. These simple 5 stretches address and target a few of the most common muscles groups that can contribute to pain in the low back. When should I to stretch?? Listen to your body. If you tend to feel stiffness in your low back in the morning, then try doing these stretches right away when you get up or after a shower. If you work a desk job, then try doing these stretches during a break time or at the end of the day. Make a commitment to stretching for a couple minutes each day. cat/cow pose
These foundational yoga poses are a great way to get gentle movement in your spine. Start on all fours and slowly arch your back like a cat (Cat Pose). Next slowly release your spine until it is flat (Cow Pose). You should not feel any pinching in your low back when doing Cow Pose. If you do, back off a bit and focus on pulling your tailbone away from your head to create extension in your spine instead of compression in the low back. Throughout the movement, focus on engaging your abdominal muscles. lunge with a twist
Start in a lunge with your knee on the ground. Make sure that your bent knee is not in front of your toes. Your hands can either be on your bent knee or on the ground. Try to keep your spine as straight as possible. If this is enough of a stretch stay in this position. If you feel like you want more of a stretch, slowly twist towards the side of the bent knee. Place a hand on the bent knee leaving the other hand on the ground to stabilize. hug your knees to your chest Lay on your back. Bring both of your legs up to your chest. Wrap your hands around your knees and hug them into your chest. You can also do this with one leg at a time or make it into a dynamic stretch by hugging and releasing slowly and back again. figure four on the ground While laying on your back, cross one leg over the other at the knee. Wrap your hands around the back of your thigh. Gently pull that leg into your chest. The stretch may be felt in the hamstrings of the bent knee or more on the outside of the crossed leg. hamstring stretch with a chair This stretch can be particularly helpful to do if you sit a lot at work or are taking a long car ride. Stand in front of a chair. Bring one leg up so that the heel of your foot is resting on the seat of the chair. With a straight back, open chest and flexed foot slowly start to lean forward until you feel a good stretch in your hamstrings and calf muscles. Hold for a couple seconds and release. You can go in and out of the stretch several times then switch legs.
*If you are in severe pain, I recommend seeking help from a healthcare professional. Please, always work within your comfort level when stretching. The past year was a big year for business and personal growth! I finished my first year in private practice and it feels like a ball gaining momentum as it rolls down the hill. Which is AWESOME! My client base has grown and so has my understanding of how I want to be as a business owner and practitioner.
In the treatment room, I have continued to hone my massage and shiatsu skills while working with a variety of clients, all with their own unique goals. I've kept my Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) knowledge fresh by offering workshops focused on ways that you can use TCM's Five Element Theory to "Support yourself through the Season." The use of essential oils and hot stones have become a staple in my practice for added grounding and centering. I'm also enjoying incorporating cupping into sessions for added pain and tension relief. Earlier in the year, I received my Reiki Level I attunement from a good friend and Reiki Master, Ali Bemont Mareck. This has created a profound yet subtle shift in my treatments. In December, I embarked on a journey to learn Abdominal Massage (Chi Nei Tsang), which will allow me to do some really deep work with those that have energetic, emotional or digestive distress. On a personal note, my partner and I bought a house this summer. Every day we are more and more settled in. Nikki, our dog, is enjoying the endless opportunity to hunt squirrels in the back yard. Even when it's -5 degrees outside... When I sit down to reflect on the year, I can't help but think "Damn, I've been busy!" Looking into 2018, I'm excited to continue working with clients towards their health goals, deepen my skills and practice, teach more workshops and finish my training in Abdominal Massage (Chi Nei Tsang). On a personal level, this will be the year of opening my heart to more joy. What are you looking forward to in the new year? Can I help you get to where you want to be? Let me know! -Amy I've decided to add a new form of bodywork to my toolbox. This month, I started training in Chi Nei Tsang a form of abdominal massage rooted in Taoism. Let me tell you, my first lesson was AWESOME! It included abdominal breathing, a heart clearing mediation, exercises to keep the spine moving smoothly, and general ways to assess and address tension in the abdomen. Pretty cool, huh!?
So, what is Chi Nei Tsang? Chi Nei Tsang is a form of bodywork focused on breaking up stagnation (tension and stuckness) in the abdomen. Stagnation can be caused by many things such as digestive issues, energetic blockages or emotional trauma. It can also be caused by everyday stress and tension built up over time. Now, who doesn't have that?? According to Mantak Chia, whose lineage I will be learning under: "The Taoists discovered that most maladies could be healed once underlying toxins and negative forces were released from the body. They developed the art of Chi Nei Tsang to recycle and transform negative energies that obstruct the internal organs and cause knots in the abdomen." (Chia, 2007) Sessions include manual manipulation of the organs, muscles and fascia in the abdomen as well as breathwork and meditation. There is a strong component of teaching client's techniques to continue the healing at home. So far, I'm having fun exploring other's bellies as well as my own. Are you interested in learning more? Become a practice client! If you are an existing client, I would be happy to add a couple extra minutes to your session so that we can include some Chi Nei Tsang technique to your treatment. I am also looking for practice clients for longer sessions. If you are interested in setting up a practice session please email me adawsbodywork@gmail.com. References Chia, M. (2007). Chi Nei Tsang: Chi Massage for the Vital Organs. Vermont: Rochester: Destiny Books. |
AuthorAmy Daws is a trained Therapeutic Massage, Shiatsu, and Chi Nei Tsang therapist. She is interested in the way that these modalities can bring healing and joy to people's lives. Archives
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