Reflexology in Pregnancy and Childbirth Book

Foreword ix

Preface xi

Acknowledgements xii

Chapter 1 Theoretical Background to Structural Reflex Zone Therapy 1

Introduction to reflexology 1

Mechanism of action of reflexology 3

Types of reflexology 7

Reflex zone therapy 10

Introducing structural reflex zone therapy 12

The evidence base for reflexology 20

Conclusion 22

Chapter 2 Clinical Practice of Structural Reflex Zone Therapy in Maternity Care 23

Aims of structural reflex zone therapy in pregnancy and childbirth 23

Professional issues for midwives and reflexologists 25

Preparation for treating pregnant and childbearing women with structural reflex zone therapy 31

Contraindications and precautions 37

Reflex zone therapy treatment sequence 46

Reactions to treatment 54

Chapter 3 Reflex Zones used in Structural Reflex Zone Therapy for Maternity Care 58

Relaxation points 60

Pituitary gland 62

Reproductive organs 64

Diagnostic potential of the reflex zones for the reproductive organs 68

Head and neck 71

Musculoskeletal system 72

Lymphatic system 76

Renal tract 76

Gastrointestinal tract 78

Endocrine system 79

Hepato-biliary system 80

Cardio-respiratory system 81

Chapter 4 Structural Reflex Zone Therapy for Pregnancy 83

Introduction 84

Infertility and preconception care 84

Stress, anxiety and panic attacks; tiredness and insomnia 88

Nausea and vomiting; hypersalivation 91

Headaches and migraine; neck pain 98

Heartburn and indigestion 99

Constipation 100

Haemorrhoids 101

Backache, sciatica and symphysis pubis discomfort 104

Oedema and carpal tunnel syndrome 107

Sinus congestion 110

Breech presentation 110

Chapter 5 Structural Reflex Zone Therapy for Labour 113

Introduction 113

Pain relief in labour 114

Estimation of the onset of labour with reflex zone therapy 116

Induction and acceleration of labour 117

Retained placenta 123

Chapter 6 Structural Reflex Zone Therapy for the Puerperium 126

Introduction 126

Psycho-emotional recovery from birth 128

Musculoskeletal system 131

Uterus and retained products of conception 134

Pelvic floor 135

Kidneys, bladder and micturition 138

Gastrointestinal tract and defaecation 142

Lactation and breastfeeding 143

References, further reading and sources of information 147

Glossary of terms 155

Appendices 158

1 Suggested treatment sequence for reflex zone therapy relaxation 158

2 Manipulative techniques for structural reflex zone therapy 159

3 Structural reflex zone therapy for pregnancy 161

4 Structural reflex zone therapy for labour 163

5 Structural reflex zone therapy for the puerperium 165