Pregnancy is an exciting period in your life, a time of hopes and dreams but for some it is also a time of anxiety, nausea, exhaustion and sometimes discomfort. Pregnancy Reflexology is one of the most popular complimentary therapies used by women during their pregnancy.
During pregnancy the body goes through changes which have profound effects upon the emotional, hormonal and physiological balance of the body. Reflexology treatments are very gentle and are a wonderful way of supporting the body through the different stages of pregnancy and beyond. Treatments are deeply relaxing and they give the body a chance to relax which may in turn relieve some of the symptoms of pregnancy.
The Benefits:
- alleviating many of the discomforts of hormonal disruption during Pregnancy
- reducing pregnancy anxieties
- alleviating the symptoms of post-pregnancy blues
- reduced stress levels & associated symptoms of stress
- Increased energy levels
- General relaxation and relief from anxiety and tension
- Reducing fluid retention ( such as in ankles and feet)
- Sleep difficulties
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Backache and sciatic pain
- Indigestion and heartburn
Is Reflexology Safe In Pregnancy?
Reflexology is generally considered safe throughout pregnancy, provided that there are no complications and your Reflexologist knows that you are pregnant. Some women choose to wait until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy before commencing a course of Reflexology treatments, especially if they have not had Reflexology before. However women who have been using Reflexology to help them conceive often continue with Reflexology treatments during the first trimester and beyond. Reflexology can also help you with a smoother labour by allowing you to be relaxed and ready for the big day.
Post Pregnancy
Once your baby is born, hormones drop dramatically which can have a major effect upon your emotions. This is then coupled with having to deal with a lack of sleep together with feeding and caring for a newborn. Reflexology may help to reduce anxiety and help with postnatal problems such as:
- Low mood
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Low milk supply
- Backache
- Constipation
- Regulation of menstrual cycle
Finding A Reflexologist
Reflexology is gradually becoming more accepted by NHS GPs and midwives some of whom are recommending it during pregnancy and labour. To ensure that your Reflexologist is properly qualified, you should check that they are a member of an appropriate professional body. The Association Of Reflexologists (www.aor.org.uk) publishes a referral register of qualified Reflexologists.
Jackie Garwood is a fully qualified professional and is a member of the Association Of Reflexologists and is training to become a Seren Reproductive Reflexologist.
Please note that any advice or treatment I give is holistic and that I am not diagnosing or providing treatment as an alternative service to that of your GP, consultant or other medical professionals.