Assisting Conception with Reflexology

For some women, getting pregnant is something that just happens, while for others a successful conception can be difficult. It is not uncommon for couples to take 2-3 years to conceive and roughly a quarter of all couples will experience problems, so it is often complex. Reflexology can help by giving the body a bit of a re-boot - kick-starting the reproductive system, regulating hormonal functions and detoxifying the body; it assists by ridding your body of toxins and re-balancing all the body’s systems, so that you are in the best form for a successful conception.

Another way that reflexology can help to achieve a successful conception is by reducing stress. We all know the negative effects that stress has on the body - depleting bodily functions, producing cortisol and prolactin which can prevent ovulation, affect sperm DNA and interfere with a woman’s ability to get pregnant. We live in a time where we are working more than we used to and modern life can be very stressful! Constantly being connected and being on our phones, overuse of social media, not exercising enough, high pollution levels…this all takes a toll on our mental and physical health and throws our bodies out of balance.

Modern life often results in us being in abnormally high states of fight or flight due to the overproduction of cortisol in our bodies (the stress hormone). This can lessen the ability of a successful conception, but there are things we can do to help…

Reflexology brings our bodies back into homeostasis by regulating cortisol production as well as progesterone and other hormones in the endocrine system. Each session of reflexology deeply relaxes and quietens the body, giving it the ability to self-heal to naturally support all of the body’s systems. Reflexology provides space and time away from the speed of modern day life and a gives you a chance to relieve emotional, physical and mental stresses.

The aim of Pre-conceptual Reflexology is not only to reduce stress but also to promote blood circulation around the body, promoting good strong health and vitality in the reproductive organs. Pre-conceptual reflexology also helps to regulate periods, promote ovulation, reduce PMS, reduce the chances of miscarriage and also helps increase sperm quality and quantity so that you maximise your chances of conceiving.

It is also safe to have reflexology as part of assisted conception such as IUI, IVF, ICSI. Reflexology can help de-stress and balance hormones prior to an IVF treatment, during the different stages and even after the completed process.

In summary:

• Reflexology can help prepare a healthy, balanced environment for pregnancy

• Reflexology can encourage ovulation

• Reflexology can help reduce yours and your partner's stress levels

• Reflexology can contribute to the restoration of hormonal balance

• Reflexology can encourage healthy sperm production.

The Association of Reflexologists report on their website that “… on average about 50% of clients seeking help through Reflexology for infertility, find themselves pregnant within 6 months of commencing treatment.”(www.aor.org.uk).