Womb Gaia Therapy
Cardiff
Womb Gaia therapy combines somatic counselling with womb-belly massage, neuro-affective touch and compassionate dialogue.
Womb-belly massage is based on a tradition of feminine care that has been practiced for centuries and it involves the application of Ayurvedic oils, warm pads, gentle weights, blankets and eye pillows. Combined with psychotherapeutic support, this therapy offers holistic care that honours the physiological and emotional needs of women.
Chronic stress, anxiety, trauma or grief can leave a lingering imprint in the nervous system and internal organs. Words are not enough to resolve painful experiences whereas touch is remarkably helpful at regulating the nervous system and bringing balance back to the body-mind. Neuro-affective touch communicates safety to the brain and heart and can complete interrupted physiological processes that have gotten "stuck" because of trauma/shock and hurt. This might include numbing, contraction or bracing in the pelvic muscles, belly area or reproductive organs.
How does it work?
The belly, torso, neck, head and feet are palmed or massaged with warm herbal oils. The massage brings comfort and release to the fascia, soft tissue and inner organs as well as extra circulation and energy flow. It guides women to listen to their body responses and to feel how their body can be supported and nourished. It connects the mind to the body, for women to compassionately understand why their nervous system might be holding onto pain and how to release and heal this.
Body based touch approaches are now at the forefront of clinical psychotherapeutic advances.
Support after a pregnancy loss, including IVF failure.
With any pregnancy or womb related loss, women need to recuperate emotionally and physically. A miscarriage, still birth or a neonatal death is tragic and takes time to grieve. Tender care supports women to recover, especially as a loss can feel catastrophic.
If a woman is ready to conceive again, she can still feel disconnected from her body and womb. Numbness, confusion and fear are common feelings that women experience. Womb Gaia therapy restores connection and hope. Support is given for women to feel assured, trusting and open to their womb again.
Post abortion recovery care
Women can experience Post Abortion Stress Syndrome where pain and feelings of grief, anger, shame or guilt can linger for weeks or months after an abortion. For some women there can be a sense of relief but deep sadness. I offer help for women to process their feelings, find closure and peace in their hearts.
Fertility support and sexual wellbeing.
Some women will recognise that there are stagnant, painful aspects lingering or blocking their wellbeing. This therapy helps the body to find homeostatis and evokes self- healing. It is also very effective for fertility support.
Womb massage relieves psycho and somatic symptoms related to menstrual, sexual or hormone imbalance, perimenopause and menopause struggles, pelvic dysfunction, bladder, rectal or vaginal prolapse, vaginal dryness- atrophy, painful intercourse, recurring BV, ovarian/breast cysts, PCOS, womb irregularities, tipped uterus, vaginal infections, PMT/ PMS/depression with menstruation, chronic constipation, digestive issues, IBS, recovery from STD's and sexual assault or abuse.
When womb massage is not to be performed
- Within the first 6 weeks following a normal vaginal delivery or the first 3 months after a caesarean birth.
- For a woman using an IUD.
- Active infection or if cancer is present or suspected anywhere in the pelvis, or the client is undergoing chemotherapy for this condition
- During pregnancy
- Hiatal Hernia
How long does this therapy take?
Working with the body requires patience and care. A course of treatments would typically be anything from 6- 12 weeks. In some cases is can be several months, it depends on the needs of the women. After the first consultation and session, I will be able to give you a general picture for the time and investment needed for your care and recovery.
