AN INTRODUCTION TO

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

&
ACUPRESSURE FOR NATURAL PAIN RELIEF DURING LABOUR
FOR
MIDWIVES, DOULAS AND STUDENTS

THIS IS AN AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF MIDWIVES CPD RECOGNISED ACTIVITY

Module 1.
Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine seminar - 2 points
Module 2.
Acupressure Workshop - 3 points
Total points: 5 points
SEMINAR & WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
This interactive and stimulating seminar is designed for Midwives, Doulas and students who
have an interest in exploring the basic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicines approach
to health and wellbeing.
The workshop will be particularly useful to those seeking to apply acupressure techniques
for natural pain relief during labour.
PARTICIPANTS
This seminar is designed for participants who have little or no knowledge of the principles
and practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
10 15 places are available.
SEMINAR & WORKSHOP
The morning seminar will introduce some foundation principles of Traditional Chinese
Medicine with reference to the peri natal period.
The afternoon workshop will be cover hands-on Acupressure techniques for pain relief and
symptoms during childbirth and the post natal period.
If you have previously completed the introductory seminar to TCM then you are welcome to
attend the acupressure workshop in the afternoon.

AN INTRODUCTION TO TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE & ACUPRESSURE FOR LABOUR

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE EXTENDED:

By the end of the seminar, participants should be able to:
1.

Describe to clients in simple terms, relevant principles of TCMs approach to health

and wellbeing, particularly as part of a health recovery program during the peri-natal
period;

2.

Outline to clients what to expect when seeing a TCM practitioner for the first time; and

3.

Apply acupressure during labour for pain relief and to alleviate particular problems in
labour.

CONTENT
Module 1: Introduction to TCM

An overview of the history of TCM

Philosophies influencing TCM
The application of TCM during the peri-natal period.
TCMs integration of the mind, body and emotions.
TCMs examination methods.
TCMs view of the origins of disharmony leading to peri-natal syndromes.
The modalities used by TCM to individually customise treatment including herbs,
acupuncture, cupping, massage, moving meditation (Qi Gong/Tai Qi), nutrition and
dietary advice.
What to expect when seeing a TCM practitioner for the first time
Module 2: Acupressure for Labour and the post natal period
Acupressure techniques by Debra Betts to:
Help manage pain during labour;
Encourage a baby to turn into the correct position using acupressure;
Encourage contractions to re-start or become stronger;
Help calm the birthing woman;
Help reduce nausea during labour;
Reduce after-pains;
Encourage initial milk flow; and
Help with post-natal recovery.
PRESENTERS PROFILES
Rina Reiss - BA (Social Work), Dip Remedial Massage (TCM Tui Na)
Rina Reiss graduated in social work and is a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine remedial
massage therapist. Twenty years ago, Rina established a private practice combining
counseling, TCM physical therapies and TCM dietary advice for recovery from physical or
emotional stress, illness or injury. Rina collaborates with and refers clients to registered TCM
practitioners for herbs and acupuncture.
Glenys Janssen-Frank - RN, Grad Dip Midwifery, Master Public Health.

Glenys has worked as the manager of Childbirth Education at the Royal Womens hospital in
Melbourne, where she delivered Childbirth Education training to Doulas and Midwives
across Australia. In the last 6 years she established and developed the Healthy Mothers
Healthy Babies program in Community Health in City of Hume, Melbourne. Her current role
is midwife co-ordinator at Birth for Human KIND. She is passionate about supporting
vulnerable women through their journey of pregnancy, birth and the early days with their
baby.

AN INTRODUCTION TO TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE & ACUPRESSURE FOR LABOUR

DATE
Thursday 4th August 2016
TIME
Module 1 - Introduction to TCM
10:00 am - 10:30 am Registration for seminar and workshop
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm Lunch
Module 2 - Acupressure workshop for childbirth
1:00 pm - 1:15 pm Registration for workshop
1:15 pm - 4:45 pm
LOCATION
Prahran Library
180 Greville Street, Prahran,VIC
CATERING
Afternoon tea will be provided while the Prahran Market and many cafes are nearby the
venue for you to purchase your preferred lunch.
COST
Module 1 - Introduction to TCM

2 hours

$ 65

Module 2 - Acupressure workshop

3 hours

$100

Both modules

5 hours

$165

20% Discount for full-time students and health care card holders. Contact Glenys for details.
REGISTRATION
To secure your place in the seminar, please email your completed registration form to
Glenys Frank: glenysfrank25@gmail.com
PRE - READING
Download, read and bring a copy of the free booklet by Debra Betts, which will form the
foundation of the acupressure workshop. http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/download-booklet/
WHAT TO BRING
2 Cushions or a yoga mat for kneeling during the acupressure workshop.
Debra Betts free acupressure booklet (see pre-reading above to obtain a copy).
A small comb.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact: Glenys Janssen-Frank,
Mobile: 0413 201 277
Email:
glenysfrank25@gmail.com