The Benefits of Prenatal & Postpartum Reiki
Reiki during Pregnancy and Postpartum is timely and impactful...pregnancy and motherhood are times of rapid change and Reiki is a gentle way to help make all of the changes much more manageable, while keeping you connected to your baby. Reiki is a centuries-old healing art from Japan that uses light touch on, or just above the body, to help facilitate deep relaxation, promote balance, healing and an optimal state of well-being.
Prenatal Reiki
Reiki supports women through the on-going physical, emotional and spiritual changes of pregnancy; this process helps to prepare them for childbirth. Many moms-to-be report feeling more centered, rested and grounded after a treatment. This gentle, healing energy can therefore be of great benefit to both the mother and her developing baby. Reiki can safely be used at any stage of pregnancy and in conjunction with conventional medicine and complementary therapies including prenatal massage, prenatal yoga and chiropractic care.
Reiki during early pregnancy relieves many common discomforts such as exhaustion and nausea. Safe and gentle, Reiki will support the mother's body as she grows and changes, and can give relief to lower back pain, tension in the neck and shoulders and insomnia. The common ‘fog’ of pregnancy is often lifted after a Reiki treatment. Relieved of some of the physical and emotional discomforts of pregnancy, the expectant mother will sleep more soundly and will feel more relaxed and connected with her baby.
The Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut conducted tests in a clinical setting during pregnancy involving the use of just the simplest form of Reiki. These showed:
Reduced stress and anxiety during pregnancy by 94%
Reduced pain by 78%
Nausea and morning sickness reduced by 80%
Quality of sleep was improved by 86%
Postpartum Reiki
For new mothers, a Reiki treatment offers a safe and supportive space for them to re-orientate to themselves and their bodies after the birth of their baby. The comforting, gentle energy of Reiki helps stimulate and accelerate the body’s own natural healing processes, bringing it back into balance and alignment. As the nature of Reiki is deeply relaxing and calming, it can help to reduce stress and promote sleep.
Reiki can also be used to ease postpartum depression and anxiety. It also promotes physical and emotional healing from a lengthy or traumatic birth. Reiki is also helpful for mothers that have been working through breastfeeding difficulties. It helps ease the stress in both mother and child which promotes many beneficial effects like better milk production and confidence in your ability to nurture your baby and yourself. Reiki can be so relaxing that new moms often drift off to sleep during the session. Baby is welcome to come along for the session too!
About the Guest Author
Jane Thompson is a Certified Reiki Master Teacher and specializes in working with moms and moms-to-be. She is the mother of a beautiful little girl and she compassionately understands both the joys and challenges of pregnancy and motherhood.