Going with the flow

Tina Kirkham Smith from Akiki Spinal Flow talks us through the importance of releasing built-up stress from the body, especially during pre-conception, pregnancy and the all-important postpartum healing period. 

The incredible process of creating a baby truly is a miracle. Did you know that the brain and the spinal cord, the conduit of consciousness, are formed in the very early stages of pregnancy?

The spinal cord connects to every organ, gland, muscle, fascial tissue and blood vessel, supplying information, oxygen and nutrients. In fact, you could describe your nervous system as the “grand coordinator” that controls thoughts, movements, emotions and desires, as well as your body’s daily systems. 

Unmanaged emotional reactions can build up in the body, creating blockages which in turn can lead to more serious issues such as problems with spinal alignment, slipped and bulging discs, insomnia, fatigue and infertility.  

In terms of pregnancy, when the body is in prolonged stress or trauma, it may not feel safe to bring new life into the world. By encouraging her body to step out of its fight/flight state and return to a parasympathetic healing state, a woman with conception issues may find it easier to conceive.  

Pregnancy and Birth

Once pregnant, dedicating regular time to embody a state of calm and wellbeing throughout this period of incredible change may reduce anxiety and lessen fears.  

Enabling your growing body to expand with greater comfort and creating a deeper connection to self and your growing baby helps build confidence and trust for a positive birthing journey. 

Postnatal

Although every birth experience is unique, all bring an element of stress which may impact the flow of energy within your newborn baby. This can potentially anchor life-long stressors, leading to on-going health and behavioural issues, and concentration and learning difficulties.

Blockages derive from physical, chemical and emotional body stress experiences—think of it like a kink in the hose. Inviting an infant’s body to release these kinks and encourage the optimum flow of oxygen and nutrients throughout the nervous system helps to minimise symptoms such as colic, reflux, sleep and settling issues, eczema and breastfeeding difficulties, and to improve digestive health. 

During a woman’s emotional postpartum recovery, her mental, physical and spiritual rejuvenation are also in need of healing support. Encouraging the pelvis to contract efficiently is paramount. A common cause of future back pain, such as herniated disks, is repetitive movements while pelvic ligaments are still so elastic.  

Spinal flow realignment has its roots in both philosophy and science. As humans, we are complex, holistic beings with bodies that require on-going support. Understanding that the body contains all that it needs to heal is key to releasing the stresses that prevent healthy spinal flow. 

Tina is a certified practitioner of the Spinal Flow Technique -  gentle touch to the access points in the areas of your sacrum and cranium to communicate with your neural tissue which reminds your brain to release your stressors - your blockages - with ease and flow. Tina believes ANYTHING is possible as the human body is designed to heal no matter what and when given the opportunity to activate it's own in-built healing potential. Find out more at www.akikispinalflow.com.