Women's Health
A helping hand towards optimal health
Menstrual Disorders and Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones, these fluctuate during the cycle to either encourage ovulation or to rid the uterus of the endometrial lining that has built up during ovulation, if conception has not taken place. Normal cycle lengths can be anything from 28-35 days. For most women this happens quite naturally with no side effects and their cycle can be very regular.
However some women can experience mood swings, headaches or migraines and bloating in the week just before menstruation. They may suffer from extreme period pain or heavy bleeding making their lives quite miserable each and every month.
Reflexology can be extremely beneficial in regulating monthly cycles as well as allieviating period pain and reducing stress, all of which have an effect on the delicate balance of hormones.
A small research study which compared the effects of Reflexology versus ibruprofen for dysmenorrhea (painful periods) found that reflexology was superior to ibruprofen on reducing painful periods and it's effect on pain continued even though the treatments had stopped.
Generally for any menstrual disorder I would recommend regular sessions over a 3 monthly period. Starting with weekly for 4 weeks, 2 fortnightly sessions & then regular monthly or every 4-6 weeks.
Fertility
Reflexology can work in a number of ways to assist natural conception. As many as 1 in 6 couples have trouble conceiving and have to seek medical assistance. This can be both stressful and expensive.
Reflexology can support men & women with their fertility planning, whether the aim is to improve general health, introduce relaxation time to reduce stress levels or to address specific medical health issues.
I have undertaken specialist fertility reflexology training in order to support clients on their conception journey. During the treatments I work on the endocrine (hormonal) system via the feet and can support couples with particular health issues that affect fertility, such as low sperm count, poor sperm mobility or morphology, fibroids, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis and other conditions. It aims to regulate menstrual cycles & by doing so provides you with your own fertility health picture.
It can also be used to support individuals or couples who are undergoing assisted conception including Clomid, IUI, IVF or ICSI.
Maternity Reflexology
Throughout pregnancy many changes take place in your body, hormonally, emotionally and physically. Reflexology works to keep your body in balance and is great at reducing stress and aiding relaxation.
Reflexology may help with the following pregnancy related conditions:
Cramps
Fluid retention
Constipation
Acid Reflux
Postnatal Reflexology
Reflexology after the birth can be very beneficial in re-balancing hormone levels and to help heal the body. Techniques can be shown to you to help your new baby adjust to the outside world. Gentle reflexology on their feet may help with sleep, colic or teething problems.
Having a new baby can be overwhelming and leave new mums little time to take care of themselves, this research paper shows that reflexology starts lactation earlier in mothers giving birth via caesarean section, supports the breastfeeding period, and increases mothers' postpartum comfort
Menopause
As a woman's fertility decreases, normally from the mid-40's, the body starts to produce less oestrogen. This is an entirely natural process but can be difficult to live with.
Menopause is defined as having no menstrual cycle for 2 years. The time leading up to this is referred to as the peri-menopause and can carry on for a number of years. You may find your cycle becomes irregular, heavier or painful. In addition you may experience joint pain or night sweats and/or hot flushes at any time of the day.
This time, more than ever, is a time to really nuture and look after yourself. Reducing stress, eating a healthy diet, reducing caffeine, sugar and alcohol intake and making time for yourself to do things you really want to do can help. In reality it often co-incides with other signficant life events such as children leaving home for university, caring for parents or, as is common nowadays with later pregnancies, dealing with young children whilst working full time. It can be really difficult to carve out some time to rest, relax and focus on what is important.
Regular reflexology sessions can really help to balance the endocrine (hormonal) system, reduce stress and help you to relax so you sleep better. A small research study on the effect of reflexology on depression during menopause showed reflexology can be effective for reducing women's depression during menopause.