Maternity Reflexology - Case Studies

Are you suffering any of the following through your pregnancy?

• Heartburn
• Leg Cramps
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Pelvic Pain

Maternity reflexology can be helpful in the treatment of all these conditions and many of the other problems relating to your pregnancy. Reflexology is a complementary therapy that encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own balance. It is believed to have a history that traces back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, India and China. Reflexology is based on the principle that all parts of the body are reflected in the feet and by applying gentle pressure to these areas; it will have an effect on the corresponding part of the body.Your body goes through some amazing changes throughout your pregnancy, both physical and emotional. The specialized branch of maternity reflexology is very gentle, and aims to balance and harmonize the whole body throughout these changes. I've found during my work with pregnant women that many of the minor ailments of pregnancy respond well to reflexology, especially with regular treatments as shown in the case studies below:

Case Study 1

Penny first came to see me when she was 36 weeks pregnant with her third child. Her main complaints during her pregnancy were that she was suffering with leg cramps during the night, daily heartburn and uncomfortable Braxton Hicks contractions. Penny came to me for weekly treatments which she found very relaxing. After starting the treatments Penny no longer experienced any leg cramps at night. Her heartburn also improved which she described as occasional instead of daily - very different to her previous pregnancies and pre- treatment and which she feels was due to the reflexology. Unfortunately the treatments did not see any reduction in her Braxton Hicks contractions which continued until the end of her pregnancy. Penny went on to have a healthy baby boy after a labor lasting just one and a half hours.

Case Study 2

Jo also contacted me because of heartburn and said that she was taking Gaviscon all the time. She was also suffering from back ache, normally at night. At my first visit she was 33 weeks pregnant and we continued with fortnightly treatments until the end of her pregnancy. From the second treatment both her heartburn and her back ache improved significantly so that her heartburn became a once or twice a week problem and her back ache only bothered her while driving any distance.

Case Study 3

Jill was 28 weeks pregnant at our first treatment, which again was for general relaxation. However at our third treatment she was suffering with swollen feet and ankles and so we focussed at least half of the treatment repeating a technique aimed at reducing oedema. By the end of the treatment the oedema was much reduced. While we haven't been successful in keeping the oedema at bay as it does keep coming back we have been able to reduce it and make Jill more comfortable during each treatment. However you don't have to be suffering with any problems. Reflexology is also a great way to relax and pamper yourself during your pregnancy.

Case Study 4

Kate contacted me at 30 weeks pregnant without any particular ailments but for some relaxing treatments during her pregnancy on a weekly basis. During Kate's treatments we also incorporate a pregnancy relaxation hypnotherapy CD with guided visualization and positive suggestions. Kate really enjoys her treatments and often "drifts off" early on.

The author of this article has a diploma in reflexology and specializes in "Maternity Reflexology", setting up a mobile reflexology business in the town of Leighton Buzzard and also a reflexology website. You can find out more about the author on the website and on the dedicated page on Maternity Reflexology