Reproductive & Women's Health
Women's health is not limited to the reproductive years, and ought to be supported across the spectrum of a woman's life. Concerns pertinent to women's health can include:
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Endometriosis
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Menopausal Symptoms
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Adrenal Fatigue
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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Fibromyalgia
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Depression or Anxiety
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Painful or Irregular Menstrual Cycles
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Pregnancy and Birth
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Eating Disorders
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Sexual Health
Bodywork:
A primary goal in treating women's health concerns is to balance hormones, thus re-calibrating the body's chemistry in order to slow down or reverse the disease process, and to prevent disease before it occurs. To aid this process, a large emphasis is placed on supporting the body's natural healing mechanisms. Shiatsu removes energy blockages in the body, which in turn normalize hormonal fluctuations contributing to a variety of symptoms such as PMS, menopausal symptoms, depressive moods, and bloating. Receiving regular bodywork helps to regulate the flow of energy in the body while stimulating the body's natural functions and encouraging optimal balance.
The Childbearing Year:
Receiving prenatal massage and bodywork is invaluable for increasing your energy, relieving discomfort and helping you to relax during your pregnancy. Therapeutic touch can help you experience your changing body in a positive, accepting way. At a time when so much of the focus is on the baby, receiving bodywork is a special way to nurture yourself. Additionally, it can help with many of the discomforts often associated with pregnancy, including constipation, gas and heartburn, edema, muscle and joint pain, and headaches. In preparation for the birthing process, receiving bodywork can help by increasing your body awareness and teaching you how to consciously release tension. As you grow more in tune with your body, the resulting self confidence remains with you throughout labor and delivery. Postpartum, bodywork can help you both physically and psychologically. The reduced tension and increased energy resulting from postpartum bodywork sessions enables you to better handle the physical demands of caring for a newborn. Psychologically, bodywork can nurture and comfort you whether or not you are experiencing postpartum blues.
Self Treatment Techniques:
Like any health concern, a woman's physical, mental and emotional health is a reflection of her body's capacity to bring into balance all aspects of her being. Hence, it becomes essential to bring awareness to one's whole body by evaluating dietary patterns, genetic predispositions, sleep habits, menstrual cycles, sexual health, stress levels, and other lifestyle components such as physical activity, emotional responses, and overall sense of well being.
Your body is a unique entity, thus your treatment should be tailored specifically to your needs. You should always seek the advice of your health care practitioner to guide you along the path of optimal wellness.
Keep in mind that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
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Perform a self breast exam on a monthly basis. Familiarize yourself with the consistency of your breast tissue as it changes throughout your cycle.
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Maintain a regular screening schedule of mammograms and papsmears.
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Maintain a journal of micro-changes in your health, including menstrual cycles and fluctuations in weight, energy levels, libido and mood.