Revitalize is able to provide a broad range of treatments for during and after your pregnancy. The Therapies are also helpful in treating infertility and for preparing your body for pregnancy. This page contains an overview of the services we provide, and an introduction to our practitioners.
During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes many changes not only physically but also emotionally and psychologically. Massage is a great way to help reduce stress, alleviate some of the discomforts of pregnancy and promote general well-being. It helps prepare both the expectant mother and baby for birth and the post natal period.
- Relieves many normal discomforts of pregnancy, such as back pain, leg cramps, headaches, nausea and sore swollen ankles and feet.
- Aids circulation which eases the load on the heart, helps to check blood pressure, and brings more oxygen and nutrients to body cells (yours and your baby). Relaxes tense muscles, especially in the back, shoulders and legs. Helps relieve depression or anxiety caused by normal hormonal changes. Soothes and relaxes nervous tension, letting you sleep more easily and deeply. Maintains the body in good condition, enabling a faster return to normal after birth of your baby (or babies).
- Helps relieve the tension that often occurs when coping with the major changes and adjustments of parenthood.
Note: It is advisable to consult your doctor or midwife first. If you do not presently have regular massage sessions, it is better to commence after the 14th week of pregnancy.
- Relieving muscular tension and pain, especially through the neck and shoulder area which can become quite tense from breast/bottle feeding baby.
- Helps relieve feelings of anxiety/depression. Facilitates the body's return to normal structure.
- Aids circulation and elimination of waste products which will help the lactation and fatigue.
Kath Sinclair and Allison Bell teach couples or pregnant women and their support person massage and acupressure techniques and positioning that can be helpful during the birth process.
The classes are usually held on a Saturday morning every 2nd month, and last approximately 3 hours. For the next available class and for further information please contact the clinic. Katherine and Allison can also teach on a one to one basis if you can't make the class or you prefer a private session as opposed to a group situation.
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on healing therapy originally developed in Japan thousands of years ago. It works on balancing the vital energy (Ki) that flows through the body in the channels called meridians. The therapist uses a variety of techniques including gentle yet firm holding, pressing with palms, fingers and thumbs on the meridians, stretching of the limbs and gentle rotations of the joints to promote and balance the flow of-energy through the body.
The client wears loose comfortable clothing and the treatment takes place on a futon on the floor. Shiatsu is very therapeutic and supportive for women during pregnancy and can be used to assist with birth induction. It is also useful post natally to rebalance the body and treat fatigue and discomfort. It is a deeply relaxing experience.
Natural therapies treat the whole person and the expected baby all at the same time.
Before pregnancy, as part of the planning, it is worthwhile to prepare your body for the substantial changes that are about to happen. It is important to prepare the uterus and ovaries and treat the other important organs – pancreas, liver, kidneys and digestive system – so that they are in optimum condition to support you and the developing baby through the pregnancy.
Once pregnant natural therapists use herbs, cell salts and flower remedies to balance the emotions and the spirit. Sometimes it can be difficult getting used to being pregnant especially if it is unexpected. They can also potentially help carry the baby to term if there has been a history of previous miscarriage. Flower remedies are particularly helpful with the transition of the mind, body and spirit throughout pregnancy.
Natural therapists also use diet as an important tool to keep the body healthy during pregnancy when extra strain is put on the digestive system and the demand for nutrients that the baby needs to develop into a healthy and happy child. The therapist looks at including essential fatty acids in the diet (important for the development of the brain stem), and all available vitamins and minerals through foods and juices.
Natural therapists also use balancing techniques such as massage and herbal teas to take care of the welfare of the mother and baby.
Postnatally, natural therapies are great for helping the body to return to normal functioning and for supporting breast feeding.
Osteopathy is a philosophy of holistic health, a hands-on form of practical care that treats the whole body. Utilizing a variety of techniques including joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, stretching and cranial techniques, Osteopathy can provide relief from pain and discomfort resulting from disturbances to the body’s structural system.
If you are planning a pregnancy, Osteopathic treatment can be used to address any existing strains and imbalances within your body; ensuring that your structural system is at it’s peak for conception and the support of your developing baby.
Your body has to physically adapt to carrying up to 10kg of baby, placenta and water. You may experience discomfort in your back, legs, ribs and pubic bone. Your heart and liver are pulled by ligaments connecting them to the growing uterus whilst other organs are squashed and pushed aside. You may feel nauseous, have heartburn or headaches and develop hemorrhoids.
If you experience any, or all of these or you are planning to become pregnant, Osteopathic treatment will help.
Osteopathy can help restore the balance to your body and assist you in the return of optimal back and pelvic function. It may also help your new baby with adjusting to life in the outside world.
When practiced correctly, acupuncture will benefit both mother and baby. A safe and effective drug free way.
Acupuncture, a form of TCM has been practiced for more than 2500 years, yet it is one of the used health modalities of the 21st century. This ancient knowledge of the body and its functions is still relevant for today's health conditions.
For more about acupuncture and pregnancy testimonials visit www.acuhealth.co.nz
Acupuncture is often very effective in reducing both the severity and the incidence of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Back pain, rib pain, sciatica can be common in the later stages of pregnancy and can be reduced with acupuncture. Back pain in early pregnancy can be due to other causes and should be thoroughly checked by a midwife or GP before acupuncture treatment.
Gentle techniques can be used to help babies that are not in the optimal position prior to birth, such as those in a posterior presentation. Ideally treatment is at 34-35 weeks, but it can still be useful when used later in the pregnancy.
Three weeks before the due date a treatment to prepare the pelvis and cervics is advised. This is followed by one treatment per week until the labour starts. Reports from New Zealand midwives indicate the potential for a more efficient, active stage of labour and a reduction in women requiring medical intervention.
Acupuncture can provide a gentle inducement to labour if the baby is overdue. Please consult with your midwife about this option.
Acupuncture can aid in a quicker recovery from giving birth and C-section. It can help with breast feeding difficulties, general well being, post natal depression and can increase energy levels after the birth.
Reg. Nurse, Dip. Therapeutic Massage, Reg. Massage Practitioner TMA, Reiki Level 2
Kath is one of the leading Pregnancy Massage and Shiatsu Therapists in Wellington.
Kath is a Registered Nurse with a Certificate in Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Massage and a Diploma in Zen Shiatsu. She is also a mother and “young” grandmother.
Dip. Therapeutic Massage (NZQA)
Allison Bell graduated in 2004 from the New Zealand College of Massage with an NZQA accredited Diploma in Therapeutic Massage. She has experience in relaxation, remedial, and sports massage, and has a particular interest in pregnancy massage.
“For me, massage is wonderful, luxurious, essential to ongoing mind and body well being. Whether a massage is for relaxation or treatment, the benefits are multiple. It is immensely satisfying to assist clients to be as healthy and pain free as possible through assessment and treatment techniques.”
Diploma of Naturopathy
As a mother of 2 young children and a Naturopath, Tiffany understands the importance of keeping well pre, during and post pregnancy in order to have a healthy child.
Tiffany is a graduate of the Naturopathic Collage of NZ and has also done 2 years full time homoeopathic study in Auckland. She is now doing further study in Neuromuscular and Cranial-Sacral Therapy to enhance her knowledge and practice.
BSc(Hons)Ost.Med, DO, ND, MNZRO, ACC Treatment Provider
Chris graduated from the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy in the UK. She has been practicing in Wellington since 1998.
Her post-graduate studies include cranial and visceral osteopathy, exercise rehabilitation and workplace assessments.
As part of her holistic approach to treatment, in addition to osteopathy, Chris is able to offer naturopathic advice, workplace assessments, postural assessments and rehabilitation exercises.
Alice is a member of the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists and a registered ACC treatment provider. Her studies were completed at the New Zealand School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Wellington. This involved Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs (patent), Western Anatomy, Physiology and basic Pharmacology.
It was a combination of experiences and interests, which over a period of time focussed Alice’s passion toward traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, leading her into four years of full time study.
© Revitalize Health Practice Limited, New Zealand 2006
