Revitalising Reflexology Dorking, Surrey

Trying for a baby is such an exciting time but when it doesn't happen as quickly as we might like it can become very stressful. There is so much advice out there that it can be hard to know what is right for you. The stress that this causes becomes a further obstacle to conception.

When are bodies get stressed we go into 'fight or flight' mode preparing to fight the enemy or run away from the bear. Our bodies work to ensure that we have sufficient oxygen in our blood by increasing our breathing rate, speeding up our hearts and the spleen releases stored blood so there is more circulating around the body all to allow us to run and make quick decisions. Non essential functions such as our digestive and immune systems shut down to allow more energy to vital organs and functions. Therefore when we are stressed, making a safe and nourishing environment for a baby to grow and draw on our essential functions would be considered, by the body, to be non essential. We therefore need to work to reduce stress and bring our bodies back into balance.

Reflexology works in many ways but taking some time to relax and allow your mind and body to de-stress while specific reflex points on your feet are worked, can be a huge contributor to successful conception. By optimising your personal health and well being, ensuring you sleep well and not allowing stress to get in the way, you are giving yourself the best possible chance of conception.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, we need medical intervention to assist us with conception. This puts additional stress on you, your body and sometimes on your relationship as it can be an anxious time. Occasionally the side effects of the medication can also be a little unpleasant however reflexology can, not only, help you cope better with any side effects but also help you ensure you are in optimum health. My aim is to support you, relax you and keep you balanced as you undergo the fertility treatments.

It is really important to understand that reflexology is here to support you through this process and, although I hope that you will be successful, reflexology does not guarantee pregnancy at the end of it.

Reflexology can be used throughout pregnancy aiming to optimise your physical and emotional health and well-being. It is likely that you have a busy life and having reflexology during your pregnancy will allow you some time to focus on you and your growing baby in a safe and supportive environment.

Carrying a baby brings about many changes both physically and emotionally. With all the hormone changes taking place in the body, it is unsurprising that you can be full of joy and laughter one minute and sobbing your heart out the next! Reflexology aims to balance your hormones and so ease this roller-coaster ride. In addition it can help boost your energy levels and soothe physical discomforts such as joint pain as well as improve the quality of your sleep.

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from women who feel they have benefited from reflexology throughout their pregnancy and two recent studies have shown that reflexology in pregnancy significantly reduced pain during labour (1), reduced the length of first stage of labour (1) and improved quality of sleep in post-natal women (2).

As your due date approaches, we will work together to prepare you for labour ensuring you and your body are relaxed and ready for your new arrival to make his/her appearance!

I will take a full medical history to ensure that any treatment that I carry out is both appropriate and safe.

(1) VALIANI M ET AL (2010) Reviewing the effect of Reflexology on pain and outcomes of the labour of primiparous women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. 15 (Dec) p302-310

(2) LI C-Y ET Al (2011) Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve quality of sleep amongst post partum women. Midwifery. 27. p181-186