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Topics and articles of interest
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Pregnancy Reflexology
 During your pregnancy, your body will go through significant changes which will affect the emotional, hormonal and physiological balance of your body. Reflexology can help to alleviate or prevent discomfort arising from this imbalance and restore homeostasis.
Studies carried out in the UK and Denmark have shown that reflexology can dramatically speed up labour and reduce pain. In a UK trial in the late 80’s, 37 pregnant women completed a course of 10 reflexology sessions. For these women, the second stage of labour lasted an average of 16 minutes, compared to the expected 1-2 hours. In a Danish study 68 women tried reflexology instead of drugs during labour with an impressive 61% experiencing ‘outstanding’ pain relief.
A more recent study carried out on the effects of reflexology on labour outcome on 248 mothers (Forest Gate Project) was presented as a lecture at the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists in 2001 by Dr Motha, Reflexologist, Obstetrician and pioneer in water births in London. The results were given for women who had 4 and 9 gentle birthing treatments (reflexology). There was a significantly reduced rate of caesarian sections, inductions, use of instruments, episiotomy rate and an increased rate of vaginal deliveries and intact perineums. Those that had the 9 treatments appeared to gain the most benefit.
Is it safe in Pregnancy?
Reflexology is generally considered safe in pregnancy provided all is well with your pregnancy and the reflexologist is aware that you are pregnant. There is no evidence to suggest that reflexology may cause a miscarriage. However, as miscarriages are more common in the first trimester of pregnancy, some reflexologists are not prepared to take the risk that the client may blame them should a miscarriage occur.
There are some conditions where reflexology 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
Women with a risk of serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or pre-eclampsia should seek medical advice before having treatment.
Treatments
When to commence treatments - 12 – 16 weeks pregnant. It may be appropriate to commence treatment earlier depending on individual situations.
 Frequency of treatment - varies depending on the pregnancy, however, a total of 5 to 10+ treatments would be recommended to gain the most benefit.
Treatment - the first lasts up to 2hrs which includes medical history taking. Subsequent treatments last up to 1hr 30mins. Alternatively, you could opt for a course of standard 1 hour treatments.
Maternity Reflexology - Induction of Labour
Reflexology may stimulate the commencement of labour if the baby is overdue and both mother and baby are ready. It can help stimulate the body to produce the hormones needed for birth. Reflexology can also be extremely beneficial in making labour and delivery easier. It can promote dilation, relieve the pain of labour and shorten the duration of each of the stages of labour and birth.
Recommendation from The Association of Reflexologists
“There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that reflexology can help to bring on labour providing both mother and baby are ready. It is always recommended that those clients who wish to use reflexology for this purpose, begin their reflexology sessions at least 6 weeks prior to their predicted term date ie by 34 weeks pregnant. It is recommended that you (the reflexologist) do not use labour inducing techniques unless the client has received at least 2 reflexology sessions in the 2 or 3 weeks prior to term and they are past their due date.”
Maternity Reflexology - After the birth.
Following the birth, reflexology helps the body recover physically, emotionally and hormonally, restoring the body to its natural balance. The physical benefits of post natal reflexology include – a uterus which returns more quickly to its non pregnant size; energy levels can be increased and it can aid lactation. Emotionally it helps to relax and calm and, post natal depression may be less likely to occur.
Maternity Reflexology - Baby Reflexology
 
Babies can also benefit from reflexology to help with calming, colic, teething, earache and a number of other conditions. Reflexology sequences are taught to a parent to treat their own baby. Teaching sessions can either be on a one to one basis or in a parent group setting.
Email info@reflexologyandhealing.co.uk
Phone 07956 100580 |
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