Reflexology during pregnancy

The benefits of reflexology during pregnancy

Pregnancy is usually thought about and prepared for by a woman over a course of time, so it would seem appropriate that everything in her life would slow down so that it happens as easily as possible, ensuring the health of her future child. Sadly, society expects a woman to carry on as usual; in fact pregnancy can even be seen as a burden by some of today's society.

In September, it was revealed by baby charity Tommy's that 36 per cent of 1500 women surveyed were worried about telling their employer that they were pregnant and 31 per cent felt that they had over-exerted themselves in pregnancy. These findings are very worrying, particularly when you consider that a pregnant woman has the additional demands of her social life and family to cope with.

It is important for the woman to factor in time for herself and focus on her unborn baby. This view is endorsed by Consultant Obstetrician, Simon Edmonds, "I advise women to try to rest for at least an hour every day during pregnancy, in particular from 32 weeks."

Reflexology can help counteract all areas of stress, as well as give the Mum-to-be some precious time of her own; in addition it is a very pleasant, relaxing and revitalising treatment. What's more, it is gentle and non-invasive and can actually be enjoyed from the moment the woman knows she is pregnant, unlike many other therapies.

The aim of reflexology is to restore balance to the body and ensure it is working at its optimum level. This is achieved by accessing the body's energy pathways through the precise manipulation of the feet or hands, as they are a map of all the body's parts, organs and glands.

In a reflexology treatment for pregnant women, emphasis is put on rebalancing the endocrine, or hormonal system, which controls the levels of hormones that prepare the body as the pregnancy develops. Whilst they play the important role of relaxing the uterus, bladder, intestines and veins, these hormones can have an adverse effect on the woman, altering her sleep pattern, causing mood swings and affecting her digestion which leads to painful heartburn and constipation.

The following story reveals how regular reflexology helped one woman.

Ciara had her first treatment when she was 20 weeks. She was pretty run-down as she was very busy at work and had the added concern of an 18-month-old son who had been unwell for some time. During her treatment, she became drowsy and she showed signs of very low energy but said she felt very refreshed immediately afterwards. Her treatments continued on a monthly basis and over that time, she noticed it helped her tremendously, not just with her energy levels but with heartburn and reflux problems; it also reduced the water retention to which she became susceptible. From 36 weeks, she had weekly treatments specifically designed to prepare her body for labour. At 38 weeks, Ciara went through a labour that lasted only 7 hours and gave birth to a healthy boy.

There is no getting away from the fact that society today requires a woman to juggle a lot of responsibility and pregnancy is yet another one. Yet it is an incredible and magical experience, so make sure you do give yourself time, now and again, to simply enjoy it.

Article courtesy of Pippa Tucker-Brown
Life and Sole
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