"If the mother has access to just one type of treatment during pregnancy, the best all-around treatment in pregnancy would be Reflexology". Dr Gowri Motha, The Gentle Birth Method
Reflexology is a safe, effective and deeply relaxing treatment to receive throughout your pregnancy.
Reflexology is an ancient,natural therapy that uses subtle energies of the feet to create balance and harmony. Balance and harmony enable us to attain and maintain health and well-being. Quite simply everything that happens in the being has a reflexion in the feet and everything that happens in the feet is relayed to the person (1).
Pregnancy is the natural condition of childbearing. It brings great changes not only in the body but also in the emotions and psyche of the mother. Reflexology supports the natural event of pregnancy & birthing.
Reflexology continues to establish its reputation and popularity by the effective results people experience. Some observations and research studies have demonstrated that those receiving regular reflexology during pregnancy have better pregnancies and have shorter birthing with less intervention (2).
Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time in many ways and regular reflexology treatment can provide you with valuable mental, physical and emotional support through every trimester. It can help you feel more comfortable, healthy and calm so that both your mind and your body are in good condition for birthing your baby. The sessions will offer you the opportunity to regularly take time out to nurture both yourself and your developing baby.
BENEFITS of pregnancy reflexology:
Increase vitality -Releasing muscle tension and promoting better blood and lymph circulation by relieving blockages to the vital energy flow around the body
Pain relief -Relieve muscular tension causing headaches, neck and shoulder pain and back ache. It has also been shown to be helpful for sciatica and pelvic girdle pain.
Fatigue -Which is especially noticeable in the first and third trimester. Reflexology can promote deep relaxation, relieve stress and improve sleep, all of which can relieve tiredness.
Improve digestion -This can often be an issue in pregnancy. Reflexology can help with constipation, bloating and acid reflux.
Reduce water retention -This can commonly occurs in the third trimester, especially in the feet, ankles and legs.
Revive tired aching feet and legs -As well as also helps to prevent plantar fasciitis. Many women find they feel light on their feet after a treatment.
Relieve stress and anxiety -This can both be very common in pregnancy. Reflexology can promote deep relaxation and reduce the stress response in the body creating sense of well being for the mother and child.
Dr Gowri Motha, Ms Zia Rowji and Dr Jane McGrath, have published research on 'Reflexology in Pregnancy and Labour Outcomes' which showed that: 89% of women who had regular pregnancy reflexology had a normal delivery, vs the national average of 73.8% more significantly only 5.4% were induced, vs the national average of 25%.
Resources 1. Maternity Reflexology Manual. S. Enzer 2004 2. The Magic of Reflexology in Pregnancy. Dr Gowrie Motha Reflections Dec 1994 3. nct.org.uk
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