Is a specialised form of reflexology aimed at pre-conceptual care, pregnancy, labour and the post-natal period.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is an ancient therapy which can be traced back to early Chinese and Egyptian cultures. The theory behind it is that our feet and hands are like mini maps of the body as they contain reflexes which correspond to all the organs and systems in the body. By stimulating these reflexes, Reflexology may enhance the functioning of the corresponding parts of the body and to stimulate body’s own natural ability to rebalance and heal itself.
What is Maternity Reflexology?
Maternity Reflexology is a specialised form of reflexology aimed at pre-conceptual care, pregnancy, labour and the post-natal period. I have completed a Maternity Reflexology Course (Including Fertility).
It works by optimising the health potential of women. Reflexology can help to get the body and hormones back into balance, reducing levels of stress and tension, and allowing a state of deep relaxation – all vital factors in conceiving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Choosing to have Reflexology before conception or throughout your pregnancy can help to prepare your body for the birth by ensuring that that you are relaxed and calm. It can also help with some of the common pregnancy ailments.
Fertility Reflexology
If you are trying to conceive reflexology is a fantastic natural therapy that can help rebalance the body and restore it’s natural equilibrium.
It can also assist through:
Reducing Stress & Anxiety
Reflexology is fantastic for alleviating stress, which is very important if you are trying to increase your fertility and become pregnant. Stress can negatively affect your ability to conceive and Reflexology is known for being deeply calming and relaxing.
Reflexology and Fertility Treatments
Reflexology can help to ensure your body is in optimum condition for conceiving and to help prepare you for fertility treatments. It can also give you needed mental support by calming anxiety, giving you the strength and positivity for the best possible chance of succeeding.
Is it safe in Pregnancy?
Reflexology is considered to be safe in pregnancy and there is no evidence to suggest that it may cause a miscarriage. However, as miscarriages are more common in the first trimester of pregnancy, it is best to start treatments from your second trimester.
Reflexology should be avoided altogether in following conditions:
- • Pre-term labour - at any time before 37 weeks gestation
- • Placenta Previa - if Grade II or III after 32 weeks gestation
- • Hydroamnios - if there is too much amniotic fluid around the baby after 32 weeks gestation
Women with pre-eclampsia should seek medical advice before having treatment.
Reflexology during pregnancy
Midwifes in the British National Health Service (NHS), concluded that Reflexology during pregnancy can result in shorter labour and reduced pain relief see link:
http://www.nhslocal.nhs.uk/story/how-foot-massage-can-help-pregnant-women-deliver. During pregnancy women undergo enormous hormonal, physiological and emotional changes that allow the body to nurture the growing baby. Reflexology may help to improve or prevent discomfort arising from this imbalance and restore homeostasis.
Maternity Reflexology – Induction of Labour
Reflexology may initiate labour if the baby is overdue and both mother and baby are ready. There is a view that reflexology can help stimulate the body to produce the hormones needed for birth by massaging the pituitary gland, uterus and adrenals. Reflexology may also be extremely beneficial in making labour and delivery easier as it may help to intensify contractions during labour and shorten labour as a result. Certain reflex points on the hands and/or feet can be shown to women at the consultation.
Postnatal Reflexology
Post-natal reflexology may help the body to restore its natural balance on a physical, emotional and hormonal level which may lead to a quicker recovery. Reflexology may help to relax and calm your emotions so post natal depression may be less likely to occur.
Research
Two recent studies have shown that reflexology in pregnancy significantly reduced pain during labour (1), reduced the length of the first stage of labour (1) and improved quality of sleep in post-natal women (2):
- (1) VALIANI M ET AL (2010) Reviewing the effect of Reflexology on pain and outcomes of the labour of primiparous women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. 15(Dec) p302-310
- (2) LI C-Y ET AL (2011) Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve quality of sleep amongst post partum women. Midwifery. 27. p181-186
