Prenatal Reflexology is simply Reflexology specific to caring for the mind, body, and spirit of the mom, dad, and incoming soul during preconception, pregnancy, and the post-natal period. It can be used to help conceive, as well as throughout the pregnancy for men and for women. Reflexology for babies and children is also effective in easing common illnesses and keeping them healthy and happy. Reflexology is one of the safest, must supportive therapies for pregnant women through all stages of pregnancy. It energizes the mother-to-be – giving her a healthier pregnancy with a greater chance of a shorter, easier labor, delivery, and recovery after the birth. Expectant mothers find Reflexology sessions the perfect opportunity to unwind and focus on herself and her baby.
For many pregnant women, changes in body shape and weight gain from the baby can affect the lower extremities. Tired, sore, and swollen feet and ankles are common and respond well to Reflexology. It can also encourage relaxation and relieve stress and other complaints such as morning sickness and constipation. |
Infertility and Preconception Care
"Infertility is the state of being unable to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse and the term may be used to refer to a state of having never conceived, or that of having difficulty in conceiving again after having previously conceived."
The first problem that some couples face is getting pregnant. If there is a physical problem such as a disorder of the reproductive system the couple should always follow the advice of their gynecologist. If the couple is told there is nothing wrong physically and that their problem is primarily psychological, where can they turn? Worry about being infertile can make the situation worse. You can’t get pregnant until you relax, and you can’t relax until you get pregnant. Anxiety and worry can create the very physical problems that prevent conception.
Non-physical causes of infertility often lie in unnecessary stress and worry. Reflexology encourages a deep relaxation which alleviates stress and tension so that conception may take place. Reflexology works on balancing all of the body’s systems to provide a healthy body for conception to take place. Gentle pressure to reflex points balances the hormonal system and stimulates the reproductive organs. Both men and women are encouraged to have treatments for individual reasons – for example, regulation of menstruation and stimulation of sperm production. About six treatments, once weekly, are recommended, dependent on how an individual’s body responds to treatment.
|
Reflexology During Pregnancy
Under the influence of the hormones of pregnancy and the developing life within her, the woman undergoes enormous physical changes. Pregnancy for some is a long period of discomfort and fatigue – but it doesn’t have to be. Research has shown that ten sessions of Reflexology during pregnancy can reduce the length of time spent in labor, with fewer complications and interventions. The mother and the baby recover quicker and are more relaxed. From the early stages or morning sickness to delivery discomfort, pregnancy can be physically demanding. Reflexology can help with relief of the following complaints during pregnancy:
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and headaches
- Pain and discomfort
- Loss of bladder control
- Backache
- Stress and anxiety
- Lack of sleep and fatigue
- Digestive problems such as constipation
- Swollen/puffy ankles and legs
Reflexology is excellent in maintaining balance during the rapidly changing experience of pregnancy. The skill of the Reflexologist is to balance and harmonize the whole being in preparation for delivery and motherhood. Reflexology can help to make pregnancy an enjoyable experience.
|
Labor and Birth
Reflexology can play an important role during the birth. Many women have Reflexology to encourage labor, especially if they are overdue. Reflexology (applying deep pressure to specific neurological reflex points on the hands and feet) stimulates the pituitary gland to release oxytocin, the hormone that starts uterine contractions.
‘A 1988 study conducted by the Association of Reflexologists in London, England showed that continual Reflexology treatments during pregnancy were instrumental in treating conditions like heartburn, hypertension, irritable uterus, edema, and immunological stress. In women ages 20-25 they had an average first-time labor of five to six hours, with some labors lasting only two to three hours. Second time mothers between the ages of 26 and 30 appeared to have the longest labors, while several 40 year-old first time mothers experienced only two to three hour labors. In addition, Reflexology accelerated the release of the placenta in 70 percent of the women receiving treatments.’
|
Parenthood
Once the baby arrives, parents’ lives may be thrown into unusual routines, lack of sleep, strange routines, lactation, frustration, tiredness, loss of energy, and general exhaustion. Reflexology can help put all of these things into perspective, keeping the new parents calm and in control. It can help to:
- Calm and relax
- Increase energy levels
- Re-balance the body
- Stabilize body weight
- Aid lactation
- Prevent post-natal depression
- Speed up recovery from caesarean
- Improve back pain after epidural
|
Babies
Babies, toddlers, and children have short attention spans and tiny feet. Reflexology is excellent for young ones as they enjoy the attention, it’s relaxing for them, and they have not had a lifetime to pollute their bodies with toxins so they respond to treatment quickly. It is a proven fact that being massaged, touched, and caressed is more important to a newborn baby even than food. Reflexology can help alleviate any small problems babies may have:
- Constipation
Vibrational Therapy is also excellent to eliminate constipation
- Diarrhea
- Asthma
- Skin problems
- Colic
- Teething
- Ear infections
- Insomnia
- Coughs and colds
- Tonsillitis
- Excessive crying
|
Site Content Copyright © 2002-2008 by HolEssence. All rights reserved.
56 E Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Webmistress – Laurie Buchanan |
|
|
