Maternity Reflexology is an ancient holistic healing technique which is an ideal therapy during pregnancy as the aim of reflexology is to balance the body.
Maternity Reflexology is the treatment of giving a light touch on the feet that provides significant benefits for both the mother and growing baby through all the stages of pregnancy. The therapy contributes towards positive change in the nervous, hormonal and lymphatic systems. It also stimulates the process of elimination which cleanses the body and improves its natural self-healing function.
Pre-Conceptual Care
In an ideal world the time to begin to prepare your body for pregnancy is about four months before conception. The most important developments in the womb take place in the early weeks of pregnancy so it is a good idea when planning a pregnancy to ensure your body is in optimum condition to carry a baby, having rid the body of as many toxins as possible. Before conception, there are certain techniques that can be used in reflexology that may balance the hormonal system, relax the body , and give an energy boost to the parts of the body that need it.
Reflexology During Pregnancy
Reflexology is one of the most relaxing complementary therapies you can choose to have during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a wonderful thing and many women adjust perfectly to the hormonal changes that are taking place. However, there are others who find the physical and emotional side effects of these hormonal changes cause them a lot of grief! These can include anything from nausea, backache, digestive problems, anxieties, fears, symphisis pubis discomfort, tension and sleeplessness and regular treatments may help ease these ailments commonly associated with pregnancy.
The qualities of reflexology are excellent for creating a balanced mind, body and spirit which gives the ideal environment for the new baby growing within.
Post Pregnancy
Once the baby is born the hormones take a nose-dive and this sudden drop can have a major effect on the new mother's emotions, as well as all the other pressures on the new mother, feeding, caring for the new-born, lack of sleep etc. Reflexology may help calm and ease an anxious mother and balance her hormones and energy levels. Regular treatments following the birth may also reduce the effects of post natal depression.
Maternity reflexology can help with various conditions at all stages of the pregnancy sequence, such as:
- Nausea, morning sickness & Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Pelvic girdle pain (formerly known as symphysis pubis pain)
- Digestive problems – constipation, heartburn, etc
- High blood pressure
- Oedema – water retention, swollen hands & feet
- Backache & sciatica
- Insomnia & sleep problems
- Headaches
- Priming the body for labour
- Backache
- Pain relief
- Accelerating contractions
- Exhaustion
- Water retention
- Constipation
- Sleep problems
- Lack of energy
- Hormonal imbalances
- Stress & anxiety
- Post-natal depression
At your first appointment you will be asked some health questions to better understand what you might be looking for from reflexology and then tailor your session to your exact needs.
Therapist will use a variety of reflexology techniques adapted to suit your individual needs using fingers and thumbs walking in micro movements all over the foot. It is a precise and firm movement that does not hurt or tickle. Pressure can be increased or decreased according to your needs.
This varies depending on the pregnancy and how you feel.
NO ! Maternity Reflexology can not, will not and does not cause a viable fetus to be miscarried nor delivered early. Many midwifes believe that during the first trimester, the most common cause of miscarriage is chromosomal abnormalities.
Miscarriage is a very traumatic time and reflexology can help following this sad time as it provides healing comfort to the client as well as helping to bring the hormonal system back into balance.
You may feel happier informing your Doctor/Midwife that you are receiving reflexology, although it is not necessary if you have a natural, uncomplicated pregnancy.
Wear comfortable clothing to your reflexology session. During the reflexology session itself, only your feet and ankles will be exposed.
If you prefer we can offer you duvet cover, blankets or thin sheets to cover you.