Pregnancy is probably one of the most exciting times in a woman's life and one where the mum-to-be wants to do everything she can to look after herself and her unborn baby. Reflexology can be of great help during pregnancy, in fact the Association of Reflexologists says "Nearly everyone can benefit from having reflexology during pregnancy." So, what are the benefits?
Firstly, reflexology is probably one of the most relaxing holistic treatments you can have and we all know how much good relaxation does for the body. It is very successful in the treatment of a wide variety of pregnancy discomforts and conditions, such as morning sickness, back ache, fluid retention and swelling. It helps to calm your hormones by balancing the endocrine system, and research has shown that women who have regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy have far shorter labours than those who don't and also can reduce the need for pain relief .
Once the baby is born the hormones can take a plunge and the 'baby blues' or more seriously postnatal /postpartum depression can take effect. Add to this all the other pressures on the new mum like lack of sleep and breast feeding and you can start to feel like your whole world has been turned on its head. Reflexology is excellent at balancing hormones and energy levels so stress and anxiety should start to alleviate. Making time for reflexology treatments after the birth is a wise investment.
If you are not pregnant yet but are wanting to conceive, reflexology is a important option. Ideally pre-conception care should start 4 months before conception occurs. This is because it takes 3 months for immature eggs to mature fully in a woman, and also for sperm cells to develop in a man. So by allowing yourself those 4 months it gives you chance to make changes in your life like eliminating alcohol and caffeine, eating a healthy diet and reducing stress that can aid fertility and give your baby the best start.
Reflexology during this period helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, balance the endocrine (hormonal) system and promote internal cleansing. It also has a balancing effect on all the systems of the body. These treatments will help to increase the production of endorphins - our bodies ' feel good ' hormones which gives us a sense of well being. It is beneficial if the treatments coincide with ovulation and if possible both partners should have a treatment, after all it takes 2 to make a baby!
A lot of people find that by making positive changes in their lifestyle, reducing stress levels and having reflexology treatments they conceive naturally. However, some choose to receive medical fertility treatment, and this can put extra stress and tension on the couple. Reflexology can be of great help to reduce the feelings of anxiety and help aid relaxation in this area too.
Reflexology is not a 'magic cure-all' and no one can guarantee pregnancy. Reflexology works by creating a healthier environment for a possible pregnancy to occur and helps to get balance and harmony within the body. I would recommend a course of 6-8 treatments, weekly if possible, and then if pregnancy has occurred, further treatments to support you during that wonderful time.
Firstly, reflexology is probably one of the most relaxing holistic treatments you can have and we all know how much good relaxation does for the body. It is very successful in the treatment of a wide variety of pregnancy discomforts and conditions, such as morning sickness, back ache, fluid retention and swelling. It helps to calm your hormones by balancing the endocrine system, and research has shown that women who have regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy have far shorter labours than those who don't and also can reduce the need for pain relief .
Once the baby is born the hormones can take a plunge and the 'baby blues' or more seriously postnatal /postpartum depression can take effect. Add to this all the other pressures on the new mum like lack of sleep and breast feeding and you can start to feel like your whole world has been turned on its head. Reflexology is excellent at balancing hormones and energy levels so stress and anxiety should start to alleviate. Making time for reflexology treatments after the birth is a wise investment.
If you are not pregnant yet but are wanting to conceive, reflexology is a important option. Ideally pre-conception care should start 4 months before conception occurs. This is because it takes 3 months for immature eggs to mature fully in a woman, and also for sperm cells to develop in a man. So by allowing yourself those 4 months it gives you chance to make changes in your life like eliminating alcohol and caffeine, eating a healthy diet and reducing stress that can aid fertility and give your baby the best start.
Reflexology during this period helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, balance the endocrine (hormonal) system and promote internal cleansing. It also has a balancing effect on all the systems of the body. These treatments will help to increase the production of endorphins - our bodies ' feel good ' hormones which gives us a sense of well being. It is beneficial if the treatments coincide with ovulation and if possible both partners should have a treatment, after all it takes 2 to make a baby!
A lot of people find that by making positive changes in their lifestyle, reducing stress levels and having reflexology treatments they conceive naturally. However, some choose to receive medical fertility treatment, and this can put extra stress and tension on the couple. Reflexology can be of great help to reduce the feelings of anxiety and help aid relaxation in this area too.
Reflexology is not a 'magic cure-all' and no one can guarantee pregnancy. Reflexology works by creating a healthier environment for a possible pregnancy to occur and helps to get balance and harmony within the body. I would recommend a course of 6-8 treatments, weekly if possible, and then if pregnancy has occurred, further treatments to support you during that wonderful time.
