Reflexology for Fertility and Pregnancy
Reflexology is one of the most popular complementary therapies used by women before, during and after pregnancy. As reflexology can help to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium, it is an excellent therapy to encourage regulation of ovulation and hormone balancing during the pre-conception period. Reflexology during pregnancy will put you in the best possible condition for whatever type of birth you experience.
Reflexology for Fertility
The Association of Reflexologists (with whom I trained) believe that reflexology can be of great benefit to clients suffering from sub-fertility. Their understanding based on feedback from Reflexologists is that on average about 50% of clients seeking help through Reflexology for sub-fertility, find themselves pregnant within 6 months of commencing treatment.
If you are undergoing fertility treatment, Reflexology is not known to have any detrimental or negative effect on this treatment. Drugs, such as clomiphene, which is used to control the hormone cycle and stimulate ovulation do not appear to be affected by a client receiving reflexology.
Fertility reflexology promotes fertility by positively directing the flow of vital energy to where it is needed. It rebalances the body's production of hormones, including those needed to become pregnant, and reduces the effect of stress on the body, ensuring it is in the best possible condition for pregnancy.
Reflexology for Pregnancy
Reflexology has many uses during pregnancy. During your pregnancy, your body will go through significant changes; these changes will affect the emotional, hormonal and physiological balance of your body. Reflexology can help to alleviate or prevent discomfort arising from this imbalance and restore the body’s equilibrium. Research has shown that regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy can shorten the duration of labour, with many women requiring less pain-relief.
The benefits of pregnancy reflexology include:
General relaxation
Relief of stress and anxiety
Increased energy levels
Ease physiological discomforts
Reduce heartburn
Relieve backache
Ease nausea and vomiting
Lower blood pressure
Reduce oedema (swelling, mainly of feet and ankles)
Helps with ligament and groin pain
Helps prevent symphysis pubis dysfunction
Eases sciatica
Prevents and treats constipation
Prevents and treats cystitis
Helps with insomnia and sleep problems
Successfully turns a breech baby
Helps prepare the body for labour
Reflexology is safe and effective during pregnancy. It is, however, not recommended if there is a history of premature labour, severe hypertension, placenta previa or recent vaginal bleeding. If you suspect any problems in your pregnancy it is important to contact your doctor or midwife.
Reflexology for Labour
Research has shown that women who have regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy are more likely to have a shorter labour and require less pain relief. Other benefits include:
Induction of labour
Pain relief
Co-ordination and acceleration of regular contractions
Postnatal Reflexology
After nine months of changes to your body and emotions, Reflexology can help you regain your equilibrium along with general post-natal recovery and breastfeeding. It also assists with:
Inadequate lactation
Engorged breasts
Urine retention
Constipation
Backache
Stress and anxiety problems
Sleep problems
Postnatal depression
Increase in energy levels
Towards the later stages of pregnancy, reflexology is extremely relaxing and beneficial, helping with swollen puffy ankles, feet, hands and achy legs. Circulation is stimulated and points are worked on to promote a softening of the cervix and relaxation of the pelvis to encourage spontaneous labour. A calmer and more confident perspective is often felt.
Simple techniques can also be easily taught to partners to use during the birth process to support the body’s natural release of endorphins (pain relieving hormones) and encourage a more efficient labour with consistent contractions.
Treatment Prices
All reflexology treatments are just £30 per session.