Although I treat about equal numbers of men and women, I thought I’d give an insight in to how I help with two women’s issues: pregnancy and menstrual pain.

Pregnancy and Child Birth

 I have worked for many years with women at all stages of pregnancy using massage therapy. At later stages this involves lying on the massage table being comfortably supported in a side-lying position. The bodily changes during pregnancy can lead to various complaints, including back or sciatic pain. More general therapeutic touch is a great way to relax and enjoy this special time and many women have massage throughout their pregnancies. 

Although giving birth is one of the most natural processes in the world, it has a reputation of being extremely painful, with most mothers resorting to medications to help with the process. The good news is that there is another option. By learning easy self hypnosis techniques, the labour process can be made much easier and more enjoyable. There are also hypnotic techniques for self anaesthesia, to remove painful sensations, which can be learned by mums to be. 
 
"I would like to acknowledge the help I received from Marianne Macdonald of Advanced Body Mind Therapies in preparing for the birth of my son (first child). I was able to achieve a natural labour and birth without interventions of any kind, and without any pain relieving medications. My labour was also shorter than the average for first time childbirths. Marianne’s coaching on relaxation and hypnotherapy techniques gave me the tools to keep focused and very relaxed when coping with contractions. This enabled me to labour at home for the most part, and I was met by a pleasantly surprised midwife on arrival at the hospital, who on initial examination assessed me as being 8 centimetres dilated. This was coupled with a comment along the lines of “aren’t you a good manager then”. My grateful thanks to Marianne, and I would recommend her sessions to other expectant mothers." 

 Fiona Blackmore

 Another common ailment is pain and discomfort associated with menstruation. Again, many women have come to rely on pain-killers to get them through this monthly cycle. However, the majority of menstrual pain is caused by trigger points in the deep abdominal and back muscles. For those of you that have had treatment with me, you will know that Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a highly effective method for alleviating and even getting rid of the trigger points that cause pain and those techniques work just as well on getting rid of menstrual pain. So if you, or someone you know, suffers in this way, give me a call.

 “I first began seeing Marianne (Advanced Body Mind Therapies) a few months ago. I had been suffering from upper back, shoulder and neck pain for years which was also affecting my sleep. After my initial session I felt a lot better within a few days, I am now virtually pain free, I have more flexibility in my neck and am able to get a full night’s sleep. I also used to experience bad period pain every now and again which I told Marianne about, she started treating me for the pain and I no longer have any painful periods - which is fantastic. I would not hesitate in recommending Marianne!”

Monique Facon

 
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