Reflexology and Pregnancy
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Reflexology and Pregnancy
Are you feeling tired, uncomfortable, or nauseous in your pregnancy?
You may be surprised to know that an ancient form of healing called
Reflexology can actually help treat many common pregnancy ailments
and even help you during your labour.
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.
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 it safe in pregnancy?
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 specialises 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 it 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:
Finding a Reflexologist
Reflexology is becoming more commonly used within the NHS,
especially in maternity units. Sigal Sabag, a qualified Reflexologist
with a special interest in Reflexology during preconception and
pregnancy, says, "Many health care professionals now recognise
Reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy."
The NHS Trusts Association (NHSTA) which represents the Primary
Care Trusts including all NHS GPs says, "Many NHS practitioners now
endorse its use, some recommending that patients consult a
Reflexologist privately, with a growing number being prepared to
fund treatment via the NHS."
They have compiled an NHS Directory of Reflexologists after a recent
debate in the House of Lords concluded that all major forms of
complimentary health should be integrated into mainstream
healthcare. The Directory allows GPs to access details of appropriate
local practitioners quickly and easily during the consultation.
Some maternity units have their own Reflexologists either working
within the unit or accessible through the unit so try asking your
midwife if she knows of any that your local Trust uses.
Where to next?
Booking:
To book an appointment click here or contact us to ask any
questions. You can use our contact us link or call.
Prices:
Click Here
Related therapies: Aromatherapy Massage, Indian Head
Massage, Reiki
Are you feeling tired, uncomfortable, or nauseous in your pregnancy?
You may be surprised to know that an ancient form of healing called
Reflexology can actually help treat many common pregnancy ailments
and even help you during your labour.
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.
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 it safe in pregnancy?
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 specialises 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 it 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.
Finding a Reflexologist
Reflexology is becoming more commonly used within the NHS,
especially in maternity units. Sigal Sabag, a qualified Reflexologist
with a special interest in Reflexology during preconception and
pregnancy, says, "Many health care professionals now recognise
Reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy."
The NHS Trusts Association (NHSTA) which represents the Primary
Care Trusts including all NHS GPs says, "Many NHS practitioners now
endorse its use, some recommending that patients consult a
Reflexologist privately, with a growing number being prepared to
fund treatment via the NHS."
They have compiled an NHS Directory of Reflexologists after a recent
debate in the House of Lords concluded that all major forms of
complimentary health should be integrated into mainstream
healthcare. The Directory allows GPs to access details of appropriate
local practitioners quickly and easily during the consultation.
Some maternity units have their own Reflexologists either working
within the unit or accessible through the unit so try asking your
midwife if she knows of any that your local Trust uses.
Where to next?
Booking:
To book an appointment click here or contact us to ask any
questions. You can use our contact us link or call.
Prices:
Click Here
Related therapies: Aromatherapy Massage, Indian Head
Massage, Reiki