F.A.Q                                                                     

Maternity Reflexology

Pregnancy support  Gentle Birth Method

You can claim for reflexology treatments with Sue via your private health insurance with....

Sue has claim forms available in her clinic.

F.A.Q                               

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the science or method of stimulating reflexes of the foot, hand or ear that correspond to each gland, organ and part of the body. Stimulation of these reflexes serves to relax and normalize all functions of the body in order to   promote a natural balance and revitalization. In ancient times, walking barefoot over rocks and hard ground naturally stimulated these reflexes every day.

Does Reflexology cure diseases or ailments?

Reflexology is not intended to cure diseases or ailments.  Reflexologists are not medical practitioners and are not allowed to diagnose ailments or treat disease. Reflexology can be a valuable way of indicating areas where higher stress or tension is present in the body and can assist to relieve that stress or tension which can promote or encourage the natural healing process. 

What does Reflexology do?

Reflexology can relieve tension and promote relaxation. Medical studies show that over 75% of all health problems can be linked to tension and stress. Our modern lifestyles not only cause a great deal of this stress, but also do nothing to relieve it. In ancient times, we had stress of a different nature, and due to the ancient lifestyle, were able to naturally treat tension and stress without even realizing it.

How does it work?

There are many theories about how Reflexology works, but the most commonly held belief is that Reflexology acts to   relax those reflexes that in turn are connected to various parts of the body, improving lymphatic drainage and  circulation as well as relaxing muscles and stimulating nerve connections. Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique, and while research clearly indicates that Reflexology benefits patients health in both chronic and other ailments, it is not a substitute for medical treatment, and should be considered as complementary to any type of medical treatment. Extensive research on reflexology has validated the  effectiveness of Reflexology. 

Is Reflexology new?

Although recently becoming much more popular and accepted in Western society, Reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years by Egyptians, Native American cultures and Mayan and Incan civilizations. It is widely  accepted in many European countries as an accepted  therapy. Modern Reflexology has its origins in the late 1930's, thanks to Eunice Ingham.

Is Reflexology the same as Massage, Acupuncture, Acupressure or Shiatsu?

Reflexology is not the same as massage, which involves tissue and muscle therapy to promote relaxation.  Acupuncture, Acupressure and Shiatsu are similar in some respects to reflexology in their use of reflexes or meridians of the body as they relate to the gland, organs and parts of the body, however Reflexology focuses on relaxation of those reflexes through manipulation to reduce stress and tension. The other therapies are based on the belief that 'Chi' or    energy flows through the meridians and that the therapy  improves the flow of 'Chi' by reducing or eliminating  blockages.

What are the benefits of Reflexology?

Reflexology primarily eases stress and tension, which in turn can improve blood circulation, lymph drainage, assist in the elimination of toxins, and strengthening of the  immune   system. It enables the body's natural healing processes to promote wellness.

Can Reflexology make a condition worse?

No. Reflexology is a non-invasive natural therapy that relaxes the body and is essentially harmless. On rare occasions, release of toxins as a result of the body's natural healing process may result in symptoms such as perspiration, nausea or headaches, however these symptoms are not directly related to Reflexology, and are temporary and not serious.

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Maternity Reflexology

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Research projects on maternity Reflexology

RESEARCH PROJECTS PUBLISHED RESULTS

EASIER BIRTHS USING REFLEXOLOGY
By Gabriella Bering Liisberg, "Tidsskrift for Jordemodre", No. 3, 1989.

Of 593 women who gave birth at Gentofte county hospital in 1988, 103 chose reflexology as an alternative to both pain killing drugs and to labor stimulating and inducing drugs. Of 68  women who chose reflexology with no analgesic drugs,61( 89.71%) stated that reflexology had helped reduce pain., 6 (8.82%) felt no effect, and, 1 had increased pain in spite of reflexology treatment. 4 of the 61  women who were helped by reflexology also required pain medication. Of 49 women who chose reflexology to stimulate labour, 24 gave birth without additional drug treatment. 14 women who were candidates for surgical delivery, received reflexology treatment between 30 and 60 minutes of birth. 11 (78.57%) were then able to discharge the placenta. The other 3 had it surgically removed. All participants, except 1, found the reflexology treatments extremely pleasant.

THE EFFECTS OF REFLEXOLOGY ON LABOUR OUTCOME
By Dr. Gowri Motha and Dr. Jane McGrath, Forest Gate, London

37 of 64 pregnant women, who were offered free reflexology, completed the set course of ten treatments. The effects of reflexology on labour outcomes were perceived as outstanding. Some had labour times of only 2 hours, some 3 hours. The 20 - 25 year olds had an average time of First stage labour of 5 or 6 hours. The 26 - 30 year olds seemed to have the longest labours. In total, the average first stage was 5 hours, second stage 16 minutes, and third stage 7 minutes. This is compared to textbook figures of 16 to 24 hours' first stage, and, 1 to 2 hour's second stage.

HAS REFLEXOLOGY AN EFFECT ON INFERTILITY?
By Leila Ericksen, FDZ Research Committee, Denmark

To determine the effect of reflexology on infertility 108 women under 35 years with no previous children, and that had attempted to become pregnant for more than 2 years were selected from 260 applicants. 47 of the 108 withdrew. The remaining 61 women were given 16 reflexology treatments over a 7 - 8 month period. 9 women (15%) became pregnant within 6 months after starting treatment. Of two thirds of the women who had menstruation problems 77% experienced an appreciable improvement, with the majority totally getting rid of the problems. Three quarters of all the women reported improvements in other ailments such as: muscle tensions, psychic imbalances, indigestion, poor circulation and general imbalance.

REFLEXOLOGY AND CHILDBIRTH

Whenever stress and nervous tension are present, reflexology, like massage and aromatherapy can be very effective in inducing relaxation. It will also help to 'balance' organs and tissues throughout the body and, acting through the nervous system, actually help strengthen and normalise the circulatory system. In this way, it can help activate the body's own healing force to aid recovery.

Reflexology may also be employed to help stimulate the reproductive organs through the autonomic nervous system and so help strengthen and correct under functioning organs and balance hormonal function. There have been research studies relating to the effects of reflexology and childbirth.

A study at the Gentofte Hospital in Copenhagen revealed that reflexology is beneficial to women during the labour of childbirth. 58 out of 60 women giving birth experienced "outstanding pain relief using reflexology treatment", and 11 out of 14 women were able to avoid surgery under general anaesthesia. Dr Carsten Lenstrup was so impressed by the results that he said: "Taken as a whole, the results are so good that am not in any doubt that reflexology can give many women a better, easier and less painful delivery than they would have had otherwise." (2)

The findings of the Gentofte study were supported by a further study carried out by Dr Gowri Motva at the Jeyrani Birth Centre on the effects of reflexology on pregnant women. 37 pregnant women completed a course of 10 reflexology treatments with remarkable effect. The average length of the first stage of labour was 5 hours whereas the text book average is 16 - 24 hours; the second stage of labour lasted an average of 16 minutes compared to the text book expectancy of 1 - 2 hours, and only 5.4% of the women who had reflexology treatment required emergency caesarian section compared to an average of 13% in Newham district which was the district where the study was conducted.(2)

(1) Reported in "Berlingske Tidende" 15 July 1988
(2) Reflexology Association - Research Co-ordinator Kristine Walker

REFLEXOLOGY AND RECOVERY

According to a 1994 Swiss medical report, foot Reflexology is one of the most useful treatments for post operative gynaecological patients. The researchers demonstrated that reflexology enhances urination, stimulates bowel movements and so aids recovery. Patients who received reflexology treatment also showed a much less need for medication than patients in the control group.

Kesselring A. (foot reflex zone massage) Fussreflexzonemassage. Schweiz med Wochenschr suppl (SWITZERLAND) 1994, 62 p88-93

REFLEXOLOGY AND PMS

In the December 1993 issue of the prestigious American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology a research paper presented by William Flocco and Dr. Terry Oleson showed reflexology reduced women's PMS symptoms by 46 per cent for the eight weeks of weekly treatments.

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What is involved in a treatment?

Firstly Sue will take a brief history of your medical background, take a look at your feet to check the condition of your feet and then begin the Reflex routine.

You will be soothed by soothing music and lulled into a deep state of relaxation.

ENJOY!!!

The whole process is done with the client fully clothed except obviously for the removal of any footwear.

This is one of Sue's favourite therapies, beneficial for everyone especially pregnant ladies!

at Sue's Crystal Peaks clinic

01142 470576