Reflexology for Women's Health

During her lifetime a woman will go through myriad hormonal changes: from the development of female sexuality, menstruation, fertility, through to the onset of menopause. These are naturally intense internal physical and psychological experiences unique to women. These experiences can be powerful and intense, wonderful, emotional and physically draining times. Reflexology is here to support women during these stages and help with any associated issues.

Puberty: Hormones cause many of the body’s physical changes during puberty. A shift in hormones can show up as symptoms such as acne, mood swings, anxiety, sweating, weight gain, sleep problems, growing pains. Reflexology works to balance the endocrine system, balancing the hormones and helping to release ‘endorphins’ (the body’s ‘happy hormone and natural pain killer’) thus, improving mood, sleep and overall well being.

Menstruation: This covers a range of complaints including the onset of menstruation, issues associated with menstruation such as irregular periods, painful periods, absence of periods, PMT, lack of energy/lethargy, and insomnia. Maybe you just need some nurturing and relaxation during your menstrual time. Reflexology supports all of this and more. By balancing the hormones (endocrine system) and the reproductive system reflexology also honours and strengthens your feminine power and creative potential.

Fertility: Should you decide you want to start a family, or maybe you have been struggling to get pregnant for some time, research shows that reflexology is beneficial in assisting with fertility. Especially as a ‘work up’ when starting trying reflexology helps balance the whole body giving it the best possible chance to conceive. Reflexology can also work to balance the hormones and strengthen the reproductive system for people struggling to conceive. It may even help regulate periods. Treatments are given at specific times during the menstrual cycle as the therapy supports your body’s natural ability to conceive. Reflexology can also support women going through IVF.

Pregnancy: If you are pregnant then congratulations! Bringing forth new life into the world is a wonderful gift and experience. It is a time to nurture yourself and the growing baby within. Research shows that reflexology features as one of the most popular therapies to be used by midwives and complementary therapists working within maternity care. It can be used to support the whole maternity journey through to labour. It works by keeping your body in balance and enhancing your well-being. It is perfectly safe to have during pregnancy as it will in no way cause any complications or miscarriage in a healthy pregnancy. This is because it is such a gentle and relaxing treatment and does not interfere with foetal growth and development.

As well as supporting the pregnancy journey Reflexology may also help with pregnancy side effects such as:

• Poor sleep
• Stress and anxiety
• Mild swelling of feet and ankles
• Relieving varicose veins
• Preventing heartburn
• Promoting good digestion
• Normalising raised blood pressure
• Clearing pelvic congestion
• Ongoing nausea
• Normal pregnancy aches and pains

Although these are all common side effects of pregnancy which many women 'just put up with' - they can be treated. It is important to note, however, that these conditions should always be checked out by a doctor or midwife first before commencing reflexology. Reflexology cannot diagnose, identify or treat serious problems in pregnancy and a reflexologist cannot replace the expertise of a doctor or midwife. Reflexology works alongside their care as a 'complementary therapy' to improve your well-being during your pregnancy.

Moreover, if you suffer with any of the following conditions reflexology is not recommended in pregnancy:

• Epilepsy
• Cardiac conditions
• Very high blood pressure
• Blood clotting problems
• Placenta Previa (low laying placenta)
• General septicaemia
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), or
• Hydramnios (too much water around the baby).

Menopause: Menopause is a time which marks the end of your menstrual cycles - usually when a woman has gone twelve consecutive months without a period. Usually, you will notice changes and the menopause creeps in over time. It is often viewed as a difficult period in a woman's life where she experiences side effects such as hot flushes and emotional overload. The peri-menopause (the first stage) appears to be the most disruptive period where symptoms become more obvious and unpredictable. Unfortunately, for some, this period can last a few years. Once cycles have ceased for a consecutive twelve months symptoms appear to reduce but women report that some symptoms (typically hot flushes) continue way into the post-menopause stage.

Reflexology works to support women through the menopause (from the first signs and beyond) by balancing the endocrine and nervous systems in particular. It helps you to relax, reduces anxiety, improves sleep and helps you feel good about yourself. Whilst the menopause is often seen as a difficult time it should be viewed as a time of celebration. If you have had children then a celebration of your body for creating and bringing forth life. If you haven’t had children it is also a celebration of your past successes and creations. Our womanly hormones have played an important role throughout our lives and the menopause can be a time to honour that. Allowing your body the time it needs at adjust and being kind to yourself during this time is essential.

Women's medical conditions: For gynaecology related conditions such as uterine problems (endometriosis, fibroids), urinary problems such as UTI’s, support post surgery, support with breast cancer and cancers of the reproductive system, plus many more. Reflexology works on the associated systems of the body, helps improve bloodflow and circulation, clears stagnant energy, toxins and congestion, balances emotions, reduces stress. This wonderful therapy works on so many levels to support the body’s own natural healing ability, bringing balance and enhancing well-being.

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