A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing

Reflex Zone Therapy

Reflexology, cited in ancient Chinese obstetric texts, has been used for over 3000 years. Reflex zone, a variation of reflexology used more widely amongst midwives and pregnancy trained reflexologists, focuses on safety and effectiveness in pregnancy. It is believed that all the body’s internal organs, structures, systems and glands are represented in the feet, and by stimulating specific pressure points on the feet, any imbalances can be detected and treated to restore harmony and equilibrium. The effect is the same using reflex points on the hands if this is preferable.


Reflex zone therapy helps nurture positive attitudes
Reflex zone perfectly complements routine antenatal care and has shown to enhance wellbeing and positive attitudes to natural childbirth. Techniques can be used to help the body release tensions, balance hormones, ease anxiety and prepare you mentally, physically and emotionally for labour. If you are approaching your planned caesarean reflex zone therapy can help to prepare you in the same way and assist with easing any anxieties you may have leading up to the big day.


Reflex zone therapy can contribute to spontaneous labour
Regular reflex zone therapy towards the end of pregnancy has shown to contribute to the natural onset of labour, good labour progress and birth outcome. With a relaxation focused treatment the aim is to restore harmony between oxytocin, stress hormones and endorphins and thus facilitate natural onset of labour.


Reflex zone therapy to induce labour (when appropriate)
Reflex zone is a natural therapy, however, to use specific techniques to induce labour would be intervening in the natural process of childbirth and this should be taken into consideration when making any decisions. Nonetheless, reflex zone does present an alternative to medical induction which is routinely offered when you go 10 to 14 days past your expected due date but this must first be discussed with your midwife to assess your individual circumstances. This also applies where reflex zone therapy is considered for helping accelerate labour to determine if it is completely safe to do so.


Reflex zone therapy for pain management and coping strategies
Reflex zone has the potential as a natural pain relief method in labour by stimulating endorphin and hormone production, normalising the birth process and helping you cope with labour and birth. Reflex zone therapy consists of specifically targeted succinct techniques which can be used during any stage of labour to help you remain calm and in control and may involve a few points on your hands or feet. You can be treated in any position you find the most comfortable for labour, I will work around you, whether you are on all fours, standing/rocking, sitting on a birth ball, lying on your side or semi-reclined.


Reflex zone therapy for fertility support
Sub-fertility is a complex condition which can affect one or both partners. Specific treatment can only be given once the cause has been identified and has been agreed with your consultant doctor. However, as this situation naturally brings anxieties for the couple, reflex zone has a beneficial role in helping to relax, lower stress hormones and restore homeostasis in both partners. In cases of non-ovulatory menstrual cycles it is thought reflex zone therapy may aid the rebalancing of deficient hormones and in such cases I offer reflex zone relaxation focused treatments.
For couples who are receiving medical fertility treatment, reflex zone may be a beneficial therapy to complement this but only after the consultant gynaecologist has given approval as it is outside my remit as both a midwife and a reflexologist to give advice concerning infertility.


Contact Me

Location: Norwich
Phone:07974 098147
E-mail: zaralouise69@gmail.com