Reflexology In Pregnancy

Reflexology in Pregnancy - can it help?

I have been asked many times if reflexology is helpful during pregnancy - I can say that as a qualified reflexologist and aromatherapist, reflexology does help with pregnancy, both during and after and it can also help with fertility issues too.

Are you feeling tired, uncomfortable, or nauseous in your pregnancy? You may be surprised to know that an ancient form of healing called reflexologycan actually help treat many common pregnancy ailments and even help you during your labour.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology has been around for over 4000, originally practised by the ancient Egyptians and Chinese but it was first recognised in the Western world in 1913 when Dr William Fitzgerald noticed that pressure on specific parts of the body could have an anaesthetising effect on corresponding areas in the body. This was further developed in the 1930s by Eunice Ingham, who defined reflexology as it is practised today.

Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to the reflexes (pressure points) on the feet or hands to clear the vital energy pathways that can become blocked due to the stresses and strains of life. It is thought that the hands and feet are like mirror images of the body, with various points representing different structures and organs. (see a simple reflexology chart below)

         

A treatment involves the therapist applying pressure, stretching, and movement to find the blockages and break up patterns of stress, restoring balance and relieving tension. Reflexology treatments can also improve a patient’s circulation and elimination – two very important factors in maintaining good health and well-being.

Is reflexology in pregnancy safe?

Obviously when you are pregnant you want to make sure that everything you do is safe for both you and your baby. Midwife Hannah Hulme Hunter says, “Reflexology is generally considered safe in pregnancy, provided all is well with your pregnancy and your reflexologist knows that you’re pregnant.” However, some reflexologists will not treat a pregnant woman during the first trimester. The Association of Reflexologists (AOR) says that this is due to a misplaced patient fear that reflexology may cause a miscarriage.

“There is no evidence to even suggest that this may be the case,” the AOR says. “However, as miscarriages are more common in the first term of pregnancy, some reflexologists are not prepared to take the risk that the client may blame them should a miscarriage occur.”

In their book, A Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology, authors Kevin and Barbara Kunz say, “A miscarriage is a reaction of the body, NOT a reaction to reflexology. Under no circumstances has reflexology ever been shown to have caused the body to do something it didn't want to do.” Hannah’s advice to expectant mothers would be to contact a qualified reflexologist who specializes in pregnancy for further information.

When should it be avoided?

Although there are very few contraindications to reflexology, it should be undertaken by a qualified practitioner, preferably with experience in all stages of pregnancy.

Kevin Kunz recommends, “Reflexology is like exercise. It should be done gradually and within your comfort range.” However, there are some conditions where reflexology in pregnancy should be avoided altogether and these include:

• 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

Suzanne Ezner, a midwife and reflexologist, also advises women with some conditions to seek medical advice before having reflexology. These include:

• Women with a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Women with a risk of pre-eclampsia

She also suggests that in cases where the mother-to be is diabetic she should be asked to check her blood sugar before and after treatments, as reflexology helps to balance the endocrine system and insulin production.

How can it help?

The Association of Reflexologists says, “Nearly everyone can benefit from having reflexology during pregnancy.”

Babyworld moderator and complementary therapist Lynne Morgan says, “It is very successful in the treatment of a wide variety of pregnancy discomforts and conditions. “During labour itself, it can be used for relaxation and pain relief and research has shown that women who have regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy have far shorter labours than those who don’t.” Practitioner Valerie Lowe recommends that both expectant parents have reflexology during pregnancy to help couples during the emotional changes of pregnancy and birth. Other benefits include:

• Relief from common pregnancy ailments such as morning sickness, back
  ache, fluid retention and swelling
• Adjusting to the demands of coping with a new baby
• Support as your menstrual cycle returns to normal

As well as this, much research has shown that reflexology is excellent for maintaining or increasing milk supply as well as helping with postnatal depression and general relaxation.

If you'd like anymore information on reflexology in pregnancy or would like to book a treatment, you can contact me at http://www.airmidtherapies.com/contact.html 

I wish you well on your pregnancy journey.
Kind Regards
Anne-Marie

Some of the information above has been sourced from babyworld.com.

Is a complementary therapy treatment a necessity or a pamper session?

"Your treatment and relaxation beigns when you travel down the drive at Airmid Therapies"

 

Having a complementary therapy treatment is something different, yes it’s a treat, to some, it's even a luxury.  But there is also another side to receiving sessions of a complementary therapy. Not only are they relaxing and de-stressing, they have many benefits which are not often considered. For too long, complementary therapies have been seen as just a treat, now is the time to realise they can help general well-being and your overall health. 

 

There are a wide range of therapies available which may help many aliments including: reducing stress, tension, anxiety and brings about deep relaxation, improves mood and sleep, helps asthma sufferers, depression, digestive disorders such as IBS, migraines and many other stress related conditions. Boosts the immune system, eases joints, improving mobility and improves such conditions as arthritis and rheumatic disorders, increases energy and stimulates creativity and productivity.

  

What do you know about some of the most common complementary therapies?

 

Reflexology is a science that teaches that every gland, organ and part of the body is reflected in the feet and hands and that by working on these areas, balance is restored to the body. The therapist applies pressure to the feet using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques.

Aromatherapy is the controlled and therapeutic use of essential oils from plant extracts. Different methods are used to enhance the well-being of the mind, body and spirit such as massage, bath, inhalation and compresses. Massage is one of the oldest and best methods to use aromatherapy.  Aromatherapy can also be applied through cosmetic items like creams and gels which can be tailor made.  The essential oils have many different properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-infectious, anti-rheumatic, anti-septic to name a few.

 

Massage is a hands-on treatment in which the therapist manipulates muscles and soft tissues of the body. It helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress and bring about a feeling of calmness.  During the treatment towels are used to ensure your modesty. Promotes deep relaxation, Eases joints and improves such conditions as arthritis and rheumatic disorders therefore improving mobility, assists in alleviating fatigue both physical and mental.

 

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes the body's natural healing system.  The recipient lies on a couch or in a comfortable seated position. They remain fully clothed at all times. The therapist places their hands on or above the recipient and uses a sequence of hand positions over the whole body. Each hand position can be held for 3 to 5 minutes. Reiki aims to balance the body by unblocking energy within our bodies.

 

Indian Head Massage is a massage treatment that works specifically on the areas surrounding the head, scalp and face, neck and extending to the shoulders, upper back and arms.  The recipient sits on a low chair and leans on a couch.  Indian Head Massage has been know to reduce stress, improve hair condition, increase energy levels and improve circulation.

Note: Complementary Therapies are not a substitute for medical treatment nor is it a diagnostic system. Always consult a GP or other health professional for medical attention and advice.

 

For more information on the therapies mentioned above visit our website here

 

If you'd like a treatment call Anne-Marie on 07708382931 or email Airmid Therapies info@airmidtherapies.com and see www.airmidtherapies.com