Prenatal Tuina is a form of therapeutic massage designed specifically for pregnant women, utilizing gentle and non-invasive methods to cater to their unique needs. In contrast to standard massage, Prenatal Tuina is specifically designed to address the physiological changes and sensitivities experienced during pregnancy. It encourages the free movement of Qi (vital energy) and blood, enhances circulation, and alleviates common pregnancy discomforts.
Pregnancy typically causes a variety of bodily discomforts, including:
Prenatal Tuina uses specific methods to treat these symptoms, fostering relaxation and physical well-being.
Prenatal Tuina supports good Qi and blood flow by using controlled acupressure and meridian massage. This improved circulation helps to minimise swelling in the lower limbs, avoid varicose veins, and relieve numbness or leg cramps. Improved circulation also benefits the body's metabolism, reducing metabolic waste and increasing overall energy levels.
Pregnancy can cause emotional changes and sleep difficulties. Prenatal Tuina addresses these problems by activating certain acupoints associated with relaxation and emotional balance. Regular sessions can help reduce tension, anxiety, and improve restful sleep, so improving overall emotional well-being.
Good for expecting mothers who work sedentary jobs and may experience muscular stiffness and pain
These women may have significant physical strain and may benefit from supportive treatment
Pregnant women suffering from edema or muscle cramps: Prenatal Tuina can help ease these frequent pregnancy-related symptoms.
Yes. In some high-risk pregnancy circumstances, prenatal tuina is not appropriate. This covers situations involving placenta previa, a history of miscarriages, threatened miscarriages, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Unless closely supervised by a trained professional, massage is generally not advised during the first trimester (before 13 weeks), and techniques that involve the abdomen or sacral region should be avoided at all costs.
Prenatal Tuina can still be helpful in the third trimester (after 28 weeks), but caution must be used to avoid vigorous or stimulating methods that might cause uterine contractions.
Prenatal Tuina is especially designed to accommodate the physiological shifts and sensitivities that occur during pregnancy. Trained therapists perform it using gentle techniques appropriate for each stage of pregnancy and carefully chosen acupoints. In contrast to regular tuina, the emphasis is on the mother's and the baby's safety, comfort, and therapeutic benefits.
For comfort and maintenance, one session every 2 weeks is usually adequate during the second trimester. Depending on your condition and your therapist's advice, the frequency may be increased to once a week during the third trimester.
Yes, it's normal to observe a slight increase in foetal activity. This frequently indicates that blood circulation has improved. As a precaution, you should consult your obstetrician if the movements become abnormally intense or prolonged.
Regular sessions utilising gentle techniques and natural plant-based oils may help support skin elasticity, even though tuina does not directly remove stretch marks. As your pregnancy goes on, this may lessen the possibility or intensity of stretch marks.
At Liang Yi TCM, we provide Prenatal Tuina / Prenatal Massage as part of our wellness therapy, and TCM treatments. If you would like to know more, feel free to contact us and we will be in touch soon.
