Never heard of haramaki? Neither had we, until we began searching for ways to support our bellies during and after pregnancy. We stumbled upon this ancient idea of keeping your internal organs “warm” through wearing a haramaki and we wondered why didn’t we know about this sooner?
Julia Aynsley, during her time living in Japan, discovered this must-have fashion and health accessory. Upon her return to Canada, she founded Haramaki Love, which specializes in local, sustainably handmade haramaki.
Basic wearing of a haramaki
So exactly what is haramaki? Loosely translated, haramaki comes from the Japanese words hara, meaning the center of the body, and maki, meaning ‘to wrap up’. Historically worn as a piece of Samurai armor, haramaki evolved into a fashionable, tubular garment worn around the midsection.
But the haramaki is not just a pretty face – it also happens to be good for you! Here are some of the benefits of wearing haramaki:
· They warm your internal organs, your kidneys in particular. According to Eastern medicine, the kidneys are the foundation of health. When your kidneys are warm and working well, the whole body is healthy, and the vital energy, or chi, flows throughout the body.
· Haramaki is also great for the relief of menstrual cramps, especially the one designed with a little pocket at the front in which you can put a heating pad.
· Pregnant women also favor haramaki. Expecting mothers can greatly expand their maternity wardrobe, while lightly supporting and warming their bellies during pregnancy.
Wearing a haramaki when pregnant
· Finally, haramaki are excellent for postpartum use. They give you a little privacy while breastfeeding. Also, wearing a haramaki can help with the transition of getting back into your pre-pregnancy wardrobe.
For more information on Julia Aynsley and Haramaki Love, visit www.haramakilove.com.