Shiatsu

Acupressure for Labour - Terri Fitzpatrick

Terri teaches ‘acupressure for labour – a birthing partners guide’.  Acupressure is the application of finger or thumb pressure, to the same energy points as used in Acupuncture.  In short it is, acupuncture without the needles.  Studies have shown that Acupressure has many benefits before, during and after labour.  Acupressure can decrease labour duration, increase cervix dilation, encourage efficient contractions, reduces the need for intervention, and gives welcome relief to the labouring woman. 

In addition using acupressure offers the birthing partner an active and positive role in during the birth.  The two hour workshop introduces mothers to be and their partners to a number of pressure points which have real benefits during the birthing process.  Up to seven points are demonstrated, their significance explained, and participants are taught how to locate points and to efficitevly administer acupressure.

New Zealand based acupunctuirst and authour of ‘’Essential Acupuncture for Pregnancy and Childbirth’’ reports that: ‘’In studies, women have consistently reported a reduction in their pain combined with an overall sense of calmness and a high level of satisfaction with their birth experience. In 1995 I followed up of a sample of 74 women that I taught acupressure to over the period of a year, 88% percent of the women attempted to use acupressure. Of these women, 86% used it successfully in labour to significantly reduce their pain. 66% using terms such as "excellent" and "brilliant" to describe the effects. Of the four couples that also tried using a tens machine, three discontinued, preferring to resume using acupressure.

Workshops are currently held in:

The Acorn Centre, Drogheda
Southshore Therapy Centre, Laytown
The Healthy Way, Leixlip
The Herbal Clinic, Lwr Mount St, Dublin

Contact Terri: 087 6492754, or see www.shiatsubyterri.com