Reflexology is used as the core modality but treatments may also include massage, visualisation and mantra according to what Clare suggests and the client is comfortable with. Clare works with each client to assess her needs and desires during pregnancy and the post-natal period, encouraging open communication to highlight any issues and will then work with the client or refer as appropriate. Clare’s aim is for each mother to achieve peace, acceptance, relief and joy if only for the treatment time!
Frequently Asked Questions :
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is the use of a sophisticated system of touch, usually on the feet but may also incorporate the hands and ears, in which the area being massaged (the reflex point) corresponds to a particular area or organ of the body. The premise is that the feet are mini maps of the body and as such can be manipulated to influence particular areas or the whole body.
Energy (prana, life force etc) circulates throughout the body and if this is disrupted by injury, illness etc then signals are transmitted down energy channels (meridians) to the feet. Here they manifest as thickenings or tiny nodules in the reflex area that corresponds to where the imbalance is in the body.
It is a powerful system of health care, useful for achieving and maintaining health and enhancing wellbeing, as well as for relieving symptoms or causes of illness, imbalance and disease. It aids homeostasis, aiding relaxation and triggering the body’s own innate self-healing capacity.
Reflexology has an esteemed history, used in China and India for over 5000 years and is now widely used in hospitals and general practice clinics throughout Europe.
How can Reflexology benefit me in pregnancy?
Due to its exceptional balancing powers, reflexology is particular beneficial during all stages of pregnancy and can be tailored to the trimester you are in and your own presenting symptoms. Some of the specific issues reflexology can assist with are: normalising blood pressure, assisting digestion, improving sleep quality, reducing swelling in feet and ankles, clear headaches, reducing anxiety, alleviating back and sciatic discomfort and improving blood flow throughout the body and as such oxygenating your baby. It can also be used to help initiate labour if you are overdue. NOTE: I will only offer this service if you are past your due date and your caregiver has advised medical induction.
Reflexology is also of particular benefit in the post-natal period in helping to normalise hormone levels, stimulate milk production, reduce tension in neck, shoulders etc from breastfeeding and generally help to relax your in your role as a new mother.
Is Reflexology safe during pregnancy?
Reflexology is one of the safest, non-invasive therapies for all stages of pre-conception, pregnancy, labour and the post-natal period. There are some reflex points that directly or indirectly stimulate the uterus and as such these are avoided for at least the first trimester. Some therapists suggest waiting until the second trimester before having reflexology treatments, however, my personal experience and that with clients is that it is very beneficial during the early months in balancing the system and relaxing the mother. There is no need to avoid a wonderful treatment as long as your therapist is fully trained has knowledge of pregnancy physiology and foetal development and is aware that you are pregnant (or trying to conceive).
What can I expect from a treatment?
Your first session will include a full general history and a more specific one on this and any previous pregnancy and birth, taken whilst your feet soak in a warm foot bath. If in your first trimester and/or if you have never had reflexology before then a light treatment of approximately 30-45 minutes will be given to assess your general state of balance and induce deep relaxation and to see how you react. Subsequent sessions will then be tailored to your individual needs and will last about an hour and may also include visualisation, mantra and massage as appropriate. The treatment will be administered on a massage bed with you in semi-reclining position rather than complete lying down (prevents fluctuation in blood pressure). Your feet will be felt all over by small, rhythmic thumb movements and deeper, more specific touch as areas of imbalance. Each treatment begins and ends with a foot massage. You will leave feeling relaxed yet energised and literally lighter on your feet!
