Reflexology and chiropractic care aims to be a valuable part of any pre-conception program to increase fertility by balancing all body systems and hormones, on both a physical and emotional level.  Reflexology and chiropractic care may help place both partners in a more optimum condition to conceive by;​ 

• Relieving stress – any therapy which relieves stress and tension and promotes deep relaxation will enable glands, organs and body systems to work more efficiently.

• Ridding the body of toxins.

• Improving hormonal and reproductive function – by working the endocrine system reflexology aims to balance hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle.

• Balancing all body systems and energy pathways – It only needs one area of the body to be out of balance to lead to disorders in other areas.  Removing stagnant or blocked energy leads to a restoration of health and balance.

Recent research has indentified a clear link between stress and infertility. Scientists have found that those with high levels of the stress hormone cortisol stop ovulating and can’t fall pregnant. Those with hectic jobs were identified as most at risk.

Some of my most rewarding moments as a Reflexologist have been meeting babies born to clients who came to me having little or no hope of ever having a baby.

​

              Many women experience frustration and disappointment that coping with pregnancy is not as straightforward as they may have hoped.  They’re often unaware of the options available to them to help optimize their physical and emotional health during pregnancy, and help them prepare for a straightforward birth.

Reflexology is one of the most popular complementary therapies used by women during pregnancy.  Trials have found that those receiving regular treatments during pregnancy tend to deliver closer to term, have shorter labour pain and are less likely to require medical intervention.

As well as relieving anxiety and promoting a general sense of well-being, some specific benefits of pregnancy reflexology may include:

• Increasing energy levels

• Reducing fluid retention and swelling

• Aiding digestion and prevention of heartburn

• Improved sleep

• Relieving discomfort and back ache

• Reducing stress induced hypertension

• Relieving symptoms of symphysis pubis dysfunction

• Reducing the likelihood of medical induction at hospital.

​

How can reflexology help prepare my body for pregnancy?

​

 Reflexology is a therapy which is all about achieving balance. Reflexologists believe it to be effective at balancing hormones, increasing circulation and helping the body get rid of toxins.
             It is a very relaxing therapy that promotes a sense of health and well-being. Many couples find the process of ‘trying to conceive’ a stressful time, some have had previous traumatic experiences that bring an element of fear. Reflexology may help to calm the mind and ease these stresses.

​

Sub-fertility / Infertility

 

Many couples experience fertility problems which may be as a result of ovulation problems, sperm quality or sperm count, clotting disorders and many, many more. Sometimes there doesn’t appear to be a reason at all.

I have had clients who believe their reflexology treatments helped them achieve regular menstrual cycles and they have since managed to get pregnant.

Many clients feel that the treatments have helped them to feel more relaxed and positive in their quest to become parents.

​

Assisted fertility

 

Reflexology may be immensely beneficial to those undergoing assisted fertility treatment because it is so relaxing, balancing and calming.

 

Should I have reflexology while having In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

 

Although there are no hard and fast rules about this, my personal opinion would be to avoid reflexology treatments during the down regulating and stimulation stages of IVF. This is because during these stages you are taking fertility drugs to encourage your body to go into a temporary menopause and then to produce several eggs. Reflexology is all about achieving a natural balance and would not be complementary to this part of the process. However, once you are past the egg collection stage, reflexology may be fabulously calming in the dreaded ‘two week wait’.

 

Should I have Reflexology while taking Clomid?

 

Again, there are no definite rules for this. Some Reflexologists would advise against treatments until after the course of drugs is completed. However, I feel that as Clomid is taken to induce ovulation that reflexology would be complementary to this process.