The Sowa Birthing Method™

The Sowa Birthing Method protocol was developed by Nashalla G. Nyinda, Menpa (TMD) LMT over several decades of working with expectant mothers.

The hearts mission behind this work is providing expectant mothers and little ones support and care for the body, mind and spirit. Working within natures rhythms, a series of treatments helps ripen and prepare mom and baby to embody a centered confidence for birthing. The nervous system is supported with the aim to help avoid birthing complications and trauma.

Support within the nervous system leads directly to a resourced inner atmosphere, promoting receptivity to the wild and sometimes difficult surrender each unique journey of birthing brings. A series of five-six sessions is scheduled for 1.5 hrs in duration and typically starting at week 35. If the traditional series is incomplete due to going into labor before 40 weeks, care is extended into postpartum phase. Some women also choose to add on postpardum treatments.

This method is deeply rooted in Nashalla’s decades of training as a Menpa, (Doctor of Tibetan Medicine – TMD). Known as Sowa Rigpa: ‘The Healing Science of Tibet’ the name of her protocol draws inspiration from the Tibetan word “Sowa” – meaning Healing..

The inspiration behind this protocol is born not only from Tibetan Medicine and its many external and Kunye Therapeutic treatments; but alongside other wisdom traditions that informed Nashalla’s studies and experiences. Acupressure and Jin Shin work, Traditional Five Element Medicine, Ayurvedic healing, Western Herbalism studies, as well as working with trauma and nervous system health make this protocol both unique and comprehensive. Asian traditions all carry common threads. This system bears the fruit of those roots and is woven into the mechanics of Western Medicine and basic pregnancy needs and challenges. These specifically include health and vitality of the nervous system, proper iron levels, minimizing symptoms common in late stage pregnancy, such as acid reflux, shortness or breath, and iron levels. By looking at the individual woman, and assisting any needed trauma repatterining and preparation for the physical, emotional and psychological states birthing and mothering present are foundational to this work.

The Sowa Birthing Method offers a complete care package and support system for a special and sacred time in a woman’s life. The goal is that these session serve to carries the mother with integrity and vitality well into her postpartum phase.

The “fourth Trimester” as it is sometimes called, can be a tender place where physical, emotional and energetic systems, including hormones and mind need continued support as she is caring full time for a new being.

How it Works

Bodywork sessions include specific massage, compress and acupressure techniques. Scheduled weekly in the last five-six weeks of gestation, and some may also include additional postpartum care. Weekly contact provides stability within the energetic, physical and emotional body, serving to not only prepare and fortify expectant mothers internal process for labor and delivery, but release the expectations which often lead to difficulty surrendering in labors natural process.

Extended into the fourth trimester and postpartum experience, the Sowa Birthing Method can provide new mothers compassionate presence and options to navigate any postnatal issues and experiences. Women often support their pregnancy and self care experience with great diligence throughout gestation. Yet, baby comes, and self care frequently goes out the window. This method sets the stage for support in the ‘fourth trimester’ newborn experience.

When prior to birth the woman is well nourished it can serve as a first line of defense against interventions of both minor and more intensive experiences, or should complications arise. Likewise, extended care can aid many postpartum discomforts. These can include insomnia that extends beyond the normal new mother sleep deprivation, postpartum depression, anxiety, and many other symptoms of PPD. Meditation and stress reduction techniques can be offered in addition to postpartum massage and acupressure therapies during this vulnerable time, all of which can help increase overall wellbeing and support the bonding between mom and baby.

Practitioners of the Sowa Birthing Method™ are not only licensed to touch and work with the body, but are throughly trained in recognizing the need for prevention of possible complications, contraindications as well as the mitigation of such symptoms and influences. Safe and well trained practitioners are an integral part of this program.

NOTE: Due to weekly sessions and 1.5 hr required, schedules fill quickly and far in advance. Please contact Menpa Nashalla early in pregnancy to ensure your space for the series of treatments.

How do Vaginal vapor baths work?

Why they are not just for postnatal care:

The natural postnatal process of cleaning out ten months of stagnancy in the womb is important. Regular and a complete bleed is a partnof healthy postnatal care. We help this process by aiding cleaning out anything left behind, or slow to empty post labor and delivery. Using herbs which are anti-microbial and astringent, will help the uterus to shrink back into place faster and tighten tissues.

This same treatment method can also be applied with other moistening herbals to help in perimenopause and menopause for women whose tissue is thinning, drying and uncomfortable.

Likewise this method of treatment is also useful in cases of persistent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and chronic yeast infections, by using specific herbals to address those exact issues.

Most vital in this process, and to be careful in administration is to not over-steam / over heat the delicate area. Instead do short or even frequent sessions with vapor that is nice and warming and certainly not hot.

This is both a stand alone treatment, or can be added to other sessions when you come in for a consult or bodywork, be sure to ask the clinic to set up for a session as these is both a time requirement to prepare and ensure there is enough time inside your scheduled time.

Adapting ancient Tibetan medicine techniques into the modern healing toolbox we offer in the clinic is always exciting for us to expand. We have really been happy to begin to have the availability to offer this to woman seeking a broad holistic approach in care for their reproductive systems..