Reflexology

Reflexology is one of the oldest forms of natural medicine. It is thought to have originated in China and records indicate that a form of it was practised 5000 years ago.

In reflexology every organ and gland in the body can be mapped out on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands. These are known as reflex points and any tenderness will alert a practitioner to areas of weakness, which can be treated before they become a serious condition. The therapist applies pressure to the reflexes to correct any imbalances in the body’s ten Zen zones and so restores health to the body.

Restoring the uninhibited flow of energy helps healing in several ways.

 

Among other things reflexology:

• Stimulates the body’s self-healing mechanism
• Stimulates the thousands of nerve ending in the feet
• Reduces tension, which can lead to a number of stress, related conditions
• Increases blood flow, helping to clear away accumulated waste products and toxins. Some waste products appear in the form of crystals made up of uric acid and calcium. These feel like grains of sugar or sand under the skin and usually accumulate around the joints. By working on them, they can be broken down, carried away in the blood and flushed out of the system.

 

Reflexology can be helpful in a wide range of conditions including:

 

Migraine Back pain Sinus problems Menstrual problems Kidney disorders

 

Reflexology for Fertility

Many couples have found that reflexology has helped them to conceive. This may in part be due to decreased stress and anxiety levels, but studies have shown that it can be very effective, particularly when both partners receive treatment. It is important to remember that having a child is a partnership from the very beginning, and that if your partner is as open as you are to the entire process then your chances of succeeding in your aims are far greater.

Reflexology is a truly holistic therapy that really can rebalance body, mind and spirit and prepare the body for the incoming soul. It is wonderfully effective at inducing deep relaxation, allowing the mind to address any disturbances at a very deep level.

Some fertility-enhancing benefits of reflexology:

• Regularising menstruation
• Stabilising the body's systems
• Helping to rebalance the reproductive system
• Stimulating the ovaries at time of ovulation
• Working with the endocrine system to balance hormone production necessary for conception to occur
• Helping to increase sperm count in men

Research undertaken in Denmark and the U.K. has shown that reflexology can increase fertility. Reflexology works best for fertility if both partners commit to treatment and agree to sustain it for a certain period of time. Ideally, treatments would be given once a week for 4-10 weeks as part of an agreed treatment plan. Over time, this can help to regulate the female cycle, encourage ovulation and boost sperm count.

In some cases, conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis may also experience relief; ideally this would involve liaison with a GP. Most importantly, reflexology works to achieve balance, or homeostasis, throughout the entire body, mind and spirit.

A regular reflexology treatment during pregnancy is completely safe and can help to maintain a healthy pregnancy and guide you towards a safe, natural and healthy birth experience. Treatments normally begin at twelve weeks of pregnancy and can continue to term, during birth and post natally.

As you progress through your pregnancy you may find that regularity of treatments is helpful. 2-4 treatments per month can work well, depending on your individual schedule and requirements.

Reflexology During Birth

While it is inadvisable to claim that reflexology – or any other complementary therapy – can “start off” the birthing process, it is possible to gently encourage your baby to begin the process of being born through the use of reflexology. A treatment during birth can help to relax the mother, stimulate the body to produce the hormone Oxytocin, encourage the cervix to open, and strengthen contractions through gentle working of the uterus reflex. A reflexology treatment has also been known to increase a baby's downwards movement towards the birth canal and encourage a natural induction on an overdue pregnancy.

Ideally, a mother to be will approach birth feeling confident and calm, theoretically without the “need” for anyone to accompany her in labour. However this is not always the case in reality, and the calming presence of a reflexologist can provide wonderful support for both parents!

Post natal Treatments

Many women find post natal treatments invaluable in helping their bodies to accelerate the natural healing processes following a birth – whether natural or Caesarean. Every new mother is 100% dedicated to her child, but most soon realise that it is important to hang onto a little “me time” if they are to remain sane! A relaxed, centred woman is invariably a calmer, more patient mother.

On a more physical level, reflexology can boost hormone levels to stimulate more, or better quality, breast milk. It encourages healing on every level: helping to stabilise mood swings, adjust to the body’s new sleeping and eating patterns and energise body and mind. More to the point, if you are lucky enough to ask for an hour of childcare from a relative or friend, it allows you to grab an hour of desperately needed sleep.

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All content within is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.LSCT is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the LSCT website.Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
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