From the early stages of morning sickness to delivery discomfort, pregnancy can be physically demanding. Reflexology is a gentle, holistic treatment, which is ideal to help maintain balance and harmony during the changes of pregnancy. It is my opinion that many of the minor ailments of pregnancy are thought to respond well to reflexology therapy, such as:
- digestive disorders
- circulation problems
- aches, pain & discomfort
- bowel problems
- sleep issues
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- blood pressure fluctuations
- stress & anxiety
Many of my pregnant clients believe that reflexology helped ease the above symptoms and complaints.
I also believe it can specifically help women who are overdue, by potentially reducing stress hormones, which in turn allows labour to commence.
LABOUR, BIRTH AND BEYOND
BIRTH
Reflexology can play an important role during the birth. Many women have reflexology to try and encourage labour, if they are overdue. Due to its superb relaxation qualities, reflexology may help lower levels of adrenalin and cortisol, which then allows the body to release of oxytocin, the hormone that starts uterine contractions. During labour, reflexology might help to keep the body relaxed and calm and may be useful for pain control as it can steady the nerves as the contractions become stronger. It will also help keep your body calm and in control. It is advised that you have at least two reflexology treatments prior to term before receiving labour promoting reflexology, but this is not essential.
POST-NATAL PERIOD
Babies tend to throw your world upside-down as you battle with loss of sleep, strange routines, lactation, stress, frustration, tiredness and loss of energy. Reflexology may help put all these things into perspective, keeping you calm and helping you to cope should it become difficult.
The balancing, harmonising, and restoring qualities of reflexology therapy are superb. Even if a woman has had a straightforward, trouble free labour, her entire system will appreciate balancing back to a non-pregnant state, and after all that hard work she deserves a relaxing reflexology session.
BABY – THE NEW ARRIVAL
Reflexology is not just for mums – babies can benefit too. Reflexology may help to alleviate any small problems babies may have, such as:
- digestive disorders
- skin problems
- colic
- jaundice
- teething
- coughs & colds
- sleep problems
- irritability
- ear & respiratory problems
Treatments may also help calm a baby after the trauma of labour and delivery and may also help with sleep problems.
Happy, contented babies will benefit from regular reflexology too as it will help to keep them calm and comfortable. General, all over loving and nurturing massage will gentle the distress felt by baby and mum. Please visit my Baby Reflex page for more information about my workshops for parents.
A summary of issues reflexology
can help with in pregnancy
Although reflexology does not claim to cure or diagnose, many pregnancy related ailments respond well to the balancing, stress relieving benefits of the therapy.
A few examples of issues I’ve found that reflexology may help with:
- Aches, pains and general discomfort
- Morning Sickness & Nausea
- Constipation & Heartburn
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Back Pain and Sciatica
- Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction and Ligament Pain
- Sleep Issues
- Odema
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Stress and Anxiety
- High or Low Blood Pressure
- Overdue Baby
- Postnatal and C-Section Recovery