As someone educated in several holistic modalities, I find it incredibly important to share my knowledge with those who need it. During pregnancy I find that holistic practices are especially beneficial. Since many women are trying to find natural ways to provide themselves with relief.
Remember, all holistic modalities should be practiced side-by-side with any medical interventions recommended by your doctor. None of these methods are designed to diagnose a medical problem. Instead they are excellent self-care tools that may help bring balance and relief to your entire body.
Body Tapping
Body tapping is a practice that can help bring awareness to your body. It helps identify areas that are tight, uncomfortable or experiencing blockages. I suggest doing a body tapping session every morning to help energize yourself and get your blood flowing. Make sure to pay attention to each area you touch to see if you feel any discomfort as you tap. It’s amazing how many things we miss, solely because we don’t take time to listen closely to our bodies!
You’ll start at the crown of your head by using the fingertips on both hands to literally “tap”. I like to keep my hands positioned similarly to how I would if I were typing on a keyboard, with my fingers slightly bent and loose.
From your head, continue tapping as you move down your face towards your body, to your neck, then your chest. Continue down your left arm towards your fingers, and repeat the process on the right arm. Once you get to your lower back, hips, and butt, I like to use a very light fist rather than my finger tips for increased pressure. Then, go back to using your finger tips and travel down one leg at a time. Make sure you touch every part of your body as a way to “check in” and make sure everything is feeling OK.
Reflexology
Reflexology is designed to pinpoint specific body system and bring balance to those regions. In reflexology each one of the nerve endings in your feet is connected to a specific organ, muscle and tissue in the body. When you stimulate the nerve endings, it can help release tensions and blockages in the associated system. If you look at the bottom of your feet, your body is mapped out with the points related to your head at the top of the feet, and the points related to your lower body near the bottom of the feet. For example, if you wanted to help relieve blockages and discomfort in your sinuses, you would gently pinch the tip of each toe starting at your big toe and working outwards.
There are points on your feet believed by many practitioners to help induce labor. Because of that, it’s important to practice reflexology only after doing your research. To start, it’s a good idea to visit a qualified practitioner. If you’d prefer to try it yourself, I designed reflexology maps specifically for pregnant and postpartum women that only contain points that are considered safe and effective during this period. You can also check out our Body Atlas socks that conveniently show the points right on the soles of the socks for a map to use during a foot rub.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is used for everything from energizing yourself to encouraging sleep. By applying essential oils topically or diffusing them, you may find relief from a variety of annoyances. For example, citrus scents typically energize people and oils like lavender produce a calming effect.
All oils you apply topically have been diluted for safe application. Avoid any oils not recommended for pregnancy. I always suggest that pregnant women consult an aromatherapist before using any essential oils. If that’s not feasible, try to buy blends through a manufacturer that creates products specifically for pregnant women.
I’m a Doula, how can I introduce holistic practices to my clients?
Unless you take a certified holistic course in reflexology or other modalities, learning about this practice does not enable you to work outside a doula’s scope of practice or touch a client in any way you’re not currently permitted. That being said, reflexology and body tapping are perfect self care tools! You can share this knowledge with your clients. Then either they or their partners can stimulate reflexology points themselves. and explore aromatherapy blends. To dive deeper into these practices, The Relievery is launching a doula training course on Reflexology in Pregnancy which you can sign up for starting this week!
By: Melinda Mickshaw, Co-Founder of The Relievery
