Thai Medicine and Bodywork

How it can benefit families during the perinatal period

WRITTEN BY SARAH BIERUT

Thai medicine and bodywork has been around in Thailand as long as there have been bodies birthing in those lands. These practices go back thousands of years and are still practiced today, in combination with modern models of care.

Traditional therapies help during pregnancy with any pains, discomforts, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, itchiness, structural changes and more that may arise during the second and third trimester. Postpartum care is extremely important in Thai medicine and is often received within the first 40 days, starting as early as the first five days after delivery. It is said that these postpartum practices prevent long-term sickness and chronic issues that can develop after delivery due to the amount of energy lost during childbirth. These practices build back up the mother’s fire element, energy and nourish the whole body/mind system; they include herbal medicine formulas, vulva steaming and smoking, herbal steam sauna, herbal bath, belly binding, medical massage incorporating the whole body and targeted abdomen and breast massage with the use of hot herbal compresses.

Thai infant massage can also be started as early as right after birth to stimulate the nervous system; support development of the mind, body and spirit; improve digestion; prevent constipation; reduce anxiety, stress and colic; reduce coughs, hiccups and nausea; stimulate muscular growth and more. Thai medicine and bodywork are not just for mothers and babies but for partners too. It is important to care for the whole family with Thai herbal remedies and Thai bodywork.

Sarah Bierut, B.S. Health, LMT, E-RYT 500, is the owner of Manifest It Wellness, LLC.