Prenatal Massage & Acupuncture
in Greater Victoria
Do you have the feeling that pregnancy was meant to feel more gentle and supported than it does?
Pregnancy is an expansive, powerful, and deeply transformational chapter of life. It is also an incredibly sensitive time that deserves special care and support.
Alongside the excitement can come a host of unexpected mental, emotional, and physical challenges – within an overstimulated society that praises independence while offering surprisingly little support. You were not meant to do this journey alone…
If you are in Victoria, BC and looking for a prenatal massage that supports the whole being, or if you are wondering whether acupuncture during pregnancy is right for you, look no further…
Drawing from Prenatal Massage, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Zenthai Shiatsu, Clara’s treatments are designed to support not only your changing body, but also your nervous system, emotional wellbeing, and your transition into motherhood.
The Difference
Many forms of prenatal massage focus primarily on safety of mother and baby while providing general relaxation.
Zenthai Shiatsu pregnancy massage and prenatal acupuncture certainly do offer safety and deep relaxation, but they also have a broader therapeutic focus.
These treatments are designed to address the underlying patterns contributing to your pregnancy discomfort, and to support you in finding relief from what is taxing your system.
Every treatment is tailored specifically to you, helping to create more ease within your body, and restoring regulation to your nervous system
Pregnancy Back Pain, Morning Sickness & Common Concerns
These are the most common concerns that Clara supports in pregnancy care, though her work is not limited to this list.
Physical Discomforts
- Pregnancy back pain, pelvic and round ligament pain
- Sciatica & hip pain
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Headaches
Digestive & Energy
- Morning sickness, nausea, reflux, indigestion
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
Emotional & Nervous System
- Anxiety and overwhelm
- Grief and emotional changes during pregnancy
- Insomnia and restless sleep
Physiological Changes
- Frequent urination
- Swelling & Oedema
Many mothers also choose prenatal acupuncture for labour preparation later in pregnancy, or to support optimal fetal positioning including acupuncture for breech presentation. When appropriate, acupuncture may also be used to encourage the natural onset of labour.
If your pregnancy involves more complex medical concerns such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, recurrent miscarriage, or other complications, acupuncture and therapeutic bodywork can often be used alongside your primary maternity care team to provide additional and complementary support.
Benefits of Prenatal Care
While many mothers initially book because of discomfort, they often leave appreciating benefits they weren’t expecting.
Treatment can help you experience:
- A calmer, more regulated nervous system
- Emotional release and integration
- Deeper rest and sleep
- Easier breathing and more openness
- Greater freedom of movement
- Improved circulation and reduced swelling
- More confidence in your body’s capacity
- A deeper connection with your baby
- A greater sense of being held and cared
Zenthai Shiatsu vs Acupuncture: Which is Right for You?
Both Zenthai Shiatsu Therapy and Acupuncture work beautifully during pregnancy, and they are often wonderfully complimentary. Each has its own strength, though both can address most concerns outlined above.
Pregnancy Zenthai Shiatsu Therapy shines if you are looking for:
- Relief from muscular tension
- Therapeutic touch that helps you feel deeply nurtured
- Emotional grounding and regulation during times of change
- Increased mobility and ease throughout your body
- Gentle fascial work to create more spaciousness for both your organs and your growing baby
- Support with frequent urination and pelvic discomfort
Prenatal Acupuncture shines if you are looking for :
- Relief from Morning Sickness, fatigue, or insomnia
- Labour preparation
- Acupuncture for breech presentation
- Natural labour induction when appropriate
- Additional support alongside your maternity care team for more complex pregnancy concerns
What to Expect In Your Session
Every pregnancy is different, and every treatment is individually tailored to meet your needs.
Your care is guided by informed consent, clear communication, and aligned intention. We will likely include:
Assessment & Preparation
- Traditional Chinese Medicine pulse and tongue diagnosis
- A conversation about your needs and intentions
Treatment Experience
- Full support with pillows and safe positioning
- Gentle and/or deeper pressure
- Tailored acupuncture points or Zenthai bodywork techniques
Integration & Support
- Personalised self-care recommendations
- Support for nervous system regulation and integration
Most importantly, you’ll be met with an experienced, knowledgeable, and deeply attuned presence. You will leave feeling more at ease in your body, more deeply nourished, breathing more freely, and with a deeper sense of connection to yourself and your baby
Additional Therapies that may be included in your Acupuncture Treatment
Cupping
Many traditional medicine practices from around the globe have used cupping for thousands of years. The western world is starting to catch up in appreciation for its ability to reduce pain and increase immune function.
Kind of like a reverse massage, glass cups are used to suction and lift the tissue.
What it Supports
- Muscle recovery
- Pain and inflammation
- Muscular tension
- Blood flow to old injuries
- Immune system activation
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cupping is said to pull out toxins from the body, and expel or prevent “wind invasions” (i.e colds/sickness)
Does it hurt?
When the right amount of suction is found, cupping does not produce pain. Many find it to be a relieving sensation, kind of like the satisfaction of a deep tissue massage.
Cupping does, however, leave red, pink or purple-ish marks on the skin, sometimes equated to “octopus tentacle kisses”, which can stay for up to 2 weeks. They look somewhat like bruises, but they are not usually tender to the touch. However, it may not be the best therapy to choose if you are about to put on a strappy dress and go to a photoshoot!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we call this colour “Sha”, and it can tell us more diagnostic information.
What it Supports
- Muscle recovery
- Pain and inflammation
- Muscular tension
- Blood flow to old injuries
- Immune system activation
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cupping is said to pull out toxins from the body, and expel or prevent “wind invasions” (i.e colds/sickness)
Gua Sha
A small jade tool is used to gently scrape along areas of tightness in the muscles and fascia. Having a similar effect as cupping, it increases circulation and blood flow to the area, thereby supporting injury recovery. Its used in smaller or more curved areas where the cups may not fit
Tui Na Massage
This chinese term translates to “push and grasp”. Using fingers, palms, knuckles, and elbows, a variety of techniques are used to stimulate the acupressure points and channel pathways. Techniques may include percussion/tapping, pressure, kneading, and stretching. As a hands-on bodywork tactile kind of a person, Clara usually includes at least a little bit of touch in all her acupuncture sessions. Pressure can vary from very gentle to powerful, depending on your needs and requests.
Moxibustion, or “moxa”
Moxibustion is an aged and fermented version of the herb mugwort, burned near the skin to create a warm, penetrating heat.
It is especially helpful in conditions such as:
- Menstrual Pain
- Diarrhea, loose stools, and indigestion
- Acute and chronic injuries
- Exhaustion and burnout
- Cold hands and feet
- Chronic or lingering injuries
When mugwort burns, it emits infrared light, allowing it to penetrate much deeper than a simple heating pad. It also contains volatile oils that have special healing qualities.
Did you know that the chinese character for acupuncture actually translates as “needle-moxa”? Moxibustion is the yang to the yin of acupuncture. While needles are cooling, reach deeply inwards, and excel at draining excess energy, moxibustion is warming, expansive, and generates more energy. They were always meant to be used together!
Session Length & Investment
75 Minutes - $110
Initial Acupuncture
60 Minutes - $110
Acupuncture or Zenthai
75 Minutes - $135
Acupuncture or Zenthai
90 Minutes - $160
Acupuncture or Zenthai
recommended for your first Zenthai
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zenthai Massage Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes. Prenatal massage is considered safe for most healthy pregnancies when performed by a practitioner who has specific training in working with pregnant clients.
Every treatment is adapted to your stage of pregnancy, using positioning, techniques, and pressure that prioritise the wellbeing of both you and your baby.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy or any concerns, we can discuss your individual situation before treatment and, where appropriate, work alongside your maternity care providers.
Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes. Acupuncture during pregnancy has been used safely for thousands of years and is commonly sought for concerns such as morning sickness, pregnancy back pain, pelvic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and labour preparation.
Treatment is always adapted specifically for pregnancy, using techniques and acupuncture points that are appropriate for your stage of pregnancy and individual circumstances.
Are these treatments covered by insurance?
Yes! As a registered Acupuncturist, Clara’s acupuncture and bodywork treatments are covered under most extended health-care plans. She does not however offer direct billing, but is happy to help explain the process and ease of self-billing!
Booking Your Prenatal Appointment
To book your pregnancy massage or prenatal acupuncture session in our Saanichton home-clinic , there is a special selection on JaneApp. Having the heads up that you are pregnant means we’ll make sure everything is prepared so you can feel completely supported from the moment you arrive.