Reflexology is the ideal complementary therapy in pregnancy, as it offers a gentle, non invasive, completely relaxing time using relaxation techniques on your feet or hands using pressure on specific reflex areas to balance the body, and can easily be performed. It gives many benefits on your well-being, helps you unwind and have some very important time for yourself, and can help face the wide array of pregnancy symptoms, as well as preparing for labour and after baby is born.

 

How can reflexology help in pregnancy?

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During the conception time

Trying for a baby is an exciting time and reflexology can help making you live this “waiting” period feeling more relaxed which can promote the release of fertility hormones. Conception may generate some stress too, especially if fertility issues occur and the great advantage of receiving reflexology in this situation is that the fertility problems won’t be treated in isolation and your overall health will be addressed, so that stress will be reduced and hormonal balance helped to be brought to at an optimum. Reflexology for future dads is a good idea too, as they may feel a bit overwhelmed too!

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In pregnancy

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• Stress reliever

Being pregnant and the prospect of giving birth may bring stressful thoughts and pregnant women often worry about anything, the foods they eat, work, their health, changing bodies and baby’s development, family, personal issues, appointments… life can be hectic juggling between everything and can bring mixed feelings and tiredness, all of this led by the gigantic up and down hormonal release!

Feeling some degree of pressure is part of our modern life but when stress is not well managed and constant, the body goes into a fight or flight more, releasing the adrenaline and cortisone hormones. This has been linked to a poorer pregnancy health, low birth weight and preterm labour. It is therefore important to make your wellbeing a priority in order to release those precious endorphins and place your body , mind and spirit in harmony.

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Being in a relaxed state can also help reduce pregnancy related symptoms such as:

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• Sleeping problems

• Muscle aches and tension

• Digestion issues such as heartburn, nauseas, sickness, constipation

• Leg circulation discomfort such as swelling in legs and feet, leg cramps

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If you are overdue: 

There are many points on the feet and hands that can be used to stimulate the release of the labouring hormones, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid, bladder, uterus and ovaries reflexes. Of course, the body will start labour when everything is ready, so pressing these points will be a ‘helping’ hand and further boost: but they are incredibly effective and do help with the hormonal release hence the whole process.

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In labour

Reflexology use in early labour is beneficial to assist with relaxation, as the gentle pressure and touch will support the stimulation of the very important hormone oxytocin (also known as the ‘love hormone’ which in turn triggers the flow of endorphins, helping with natural pain relief and normal labour process.

Being in a stressed state can prolong the labour time and birth, therefore it’s important for women to be as relaxed, calm and as stress free as possible to allow these endorphins to work. Reflexology can help with this as well as boosting your energy levels.

Regular treatments during pregnancy will bring a better response to the natural release of the labour hormones and help your body and mind coping better in labour.

 

Postnatal Reflexology

Reflexology is very beneficial after the birth of your baby. You may feel emotionally and physically overwhelmed when you get home, so it’s important to take some time to rest up. Reflexology can help bring the body back to balance, facilitates a speedier recovery especially if you had a difficult birth and also giving you some much needed and deserved relaxation time!

Breastfeeding mothers may encounter issues with their milk production and stimulating some specific reflex areas can give a boost to the hormonal supply and enhance the release of the prolactin hormone.

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What to expect from a reflexology treatment?

I typically start with a chat to get to know your history and what could be relevant to focus on some particulate reflexes for the treatment. There may not be any particular symptom or illness you are experiencing, which does not matter as reflexology as well as all forms of energy work are great to maintain us in good health/ prevent disease. All information is of course confidential.

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I make sure you are comfortable and offer a soft blanket and lavender eye mask if you wish. Essential oils and crystals may be use to support healing. 

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Relaxation techniques are the first line of treatment to allow your body and mind to relax as much as possible and let the energy flow freely. I then follow a certain routine that always include the whole body system, working holistically and focusing on some areas where I feel need more attention.

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It is very common to doze during a treatment, and to feel like you are floating afterwards. I'll help you remain in a wellbeing state by giving you aftercare advice and chat about your experience.

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Within 24-48 hours after the treatment, you will typically feel very relaxed but you could also experience reactions such as: tiredness, heightened emotions, thirst, increased micturition, feeling hot/cold, increase in your symptoms. Do not worry, this is part of a ‘healing crisis’ as your body is re-balancing itself, so just put your mind at rest and drink plenty of water to help with this clearing process.