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 teaches 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 2.5 hours. For the next available class and for further information please contact the clinic. Katherine 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.
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.
© Revitalize Health Practice Limited, New Zealand 2006
