The Importance of Reflexology with Fertility, Pre Natal, Childbirth, Post Natal, Paternity and Babies

The Importance of Reflexology
with Fertility, Pre Natal, Childbirth,
Post Natal, Paternity and Babies

By Trisha Rainbow McQueen
October 2009


Reflexology is a therapy of healing with pressure and stimulation of the hands, feet and ears. Every part of our bodies has a mirror image on these parts known as reflex points. The body can hold toxins that can block the energy flow and cause small crystals to form and with reflexology it can break them down for the body to expel them naturally and in sequence we can balance our bodies point by point. Although there are great results and a number of researches carried out by using reflexology, it is not a substitute for medical attention or treatment. Reflexology harmonises with standard medical care and medication.


Reflexology and Fertility

There are a number of problems that cause imbalances in a body to function that could contribute to problems conceiving such as: In females, irregular or heavy periods, p.m.s, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes and hormone imbalance. In males, blockages in the ducts that carry the sperm; Varicocele (veins that cause is overheating in the testicles; or hormone imbalance caused by estrogen type hormone taken by mothers in the 1950’s and 1960’s to prevent miscarriage. For both sexes the problems would include lifestyle and environmental factors such as: smoking, alcohol, diet and stress. The reflex points that should have attention is the Pituitary gland as this is the master gland and produces many of the hormones regulating the menstrual cycle; the Hypothalamus as it regulates the Pituitary hormone production; the Thyroid as over/under active thyroid function can impact fertility; the Solar Plexus particularly if the client is stressed and the Reproductive organs: Ovary/testicles stimulates the gland to produce sex cells and hormones; Fallopian tubes/Vas Deferens: stimulate the points to release any blockages that may exist and the Uterus/Prostate gland: to increase the blood circulation and promote normal functioning.


Reflexology and Prenatal

Reflexology during pregnancy can help to prevent imbalances in the body as with pregnancy the body will go through significant changes which will affect the hormonal, emotional and physiological balance.
During pregnancy the problems that may arise are: low energy levels, stress and anxiety, physiological discomfort, heartburn, haemorrhoids, backache, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure, swelling of the ankles and feet, ligament and groin pain, pelvic joint pain, sciatica, constipation, cystitis, insomnia and sleep problems. Along with these symptoms, reflexology can help with general relaxation; it can help encourage the baby to turn after 34 weeks onwards and the preparation of childbirth. Research in Denmark and the UK have found that women who receive reflexology treatments during a pregnancy tend to deliver closer to term and have shorter labours. In a UK trial in 1988, 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. Reflexology is safe during pregnancy after the 1st trimester and with pre-consultation before any treatment a client should let the reflexologist know that they are pregnant and how far on they are.


Reflexology and Childbirth

Research carried out in Copenhagen showed that reflexology is beneficial to women during the labour of childbirth. 58 out of 60 women giving birth experienced "outstanding pain relief using reflexology treatment", and 11 out of 14 women were able to avoid surgery under general anaesthesia. As well as, women who have had reflexology treatment during childbirth may have shorter labour, induction of labour, co-ordination and acceleration of regular contractions and preventing a retained placenta. Further studies on the effects of reflexology on pregnant women found that 37 pregnant women completed a course of 10 reflexology treatments average length of the first stage of labour was 5 hours, normally this is 16 - 24 hours; the second stage of labour lasted an average of 16 minutes, normally this is between 1-2 hours, and only 5.4% of the women who had reflexology treatment required emergency caesarian section compared to an average of 13% in the area where the study was conducted.


Reflexology and Postnatal
After childbirth, it take s a mother’s body time to adjust and reflexology can help balance hormones and help alleviate postnatal problems such as: help with breast feeding by promoting lactation, swollen breasts, constipation, backache, release urine retention, sleeping problems, stress and anxiety, low energy levels and postnatal depression is less likely to occur. To treat depression certain reflex points to focus on are the Pituitary, Thymus, Pineal, Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands. Other points that are associated correspond to the Heart, Chest, Solar Plexus, Lung and Upper Limbs will be massaged to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Reflexology can also promote the release of endorphins within the body. Endorphins are the ‘feel good’ chemical that we naturally produce and are known for relieving stress which has a big impact on depression.


Reflexology and Paternity

Father’s-to-be are usually taking this time to rush around, working extra hours, high stressed and supporting the mother-to-be all at once in a short period of time. Their bodies are over stressed and they too need to take time to adjust to changes that are happening around them and to create balance and support in a family unit, reflexology on fathers/partners could also reduce stress and anxiety with having treatments throughout the pregnancy. For both parents this is great for bonding and could lower the risk of paternal depression which is increasingly becoming more popular in fathers over the years.


Reflexology for Babies

With both parents being comfortable with touch and massage, this is a great bonding experience for the parents and also helps build the parent’s relationship with their child that can continue with the Solar Plexus reflex point. Reflexology can be used to help with problems such as colic, teething, Feeding problems, Digestive issues, wind, constipation, Ear/Sinus congestion, boosting baby's immune system, pain relief and for soothing baby when she or he is crying and it can be used any time and anywhere. Along with reflexology Baby Massage and Baby Yoga will continue balance.