The benefits of reproductive reflexology
Embarking on IVF and fertility treatment can be incredibly stressful, and this time of year can make it particularly challenging. In our latest post, we chat with reflexologist Charlotte Bentley about the benefits of reproductive reflexology.
“Reflexology not only stimulates the reproductive and endocrine systems but also helps put the body into a relaxed state, which is needed at this sensitive time,” she explains.
The holidays emphasise family and celebration, which can be lonely and isolating. At the same time, the demands of the party season can make it hard to focus on a healthy lifestyle. So, this could be the perfect time to find an approach that decreases stress and increases relaxation.
Reflexology, an ancient healing practice rooted in Egyptian and Chinese traditions, involves applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet. This technique is often used to alleviate various health concerns.
“I have been specialising in women’s health, including menstrual cycles, fertility, pregnancy, postnatal, peri-menopause, and menopause since qualifying. I also see people suffering with any kind of ailments which may include insomnia, anxiety, pain management, migraines, sinus issues, and lots more.”
Practitioners believe that the soles of the feet serve as a miniature map of the body, with specific areas corresponding to internal organs and systems, including the fallopian tubes and ovaries. By massaging these points, reflexologists aim to clear energy blockages, helping the body restore its natural balance and promote self-healing.
“Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to reflex areas on the feet or hands to bring about a state of deep relaxation and stimulate the body’s healing processes. Reflexology can help boost the immune system and create a stronger body and calmer mind.
“Reflexology is a safe, natural therapy that helps to give your body what it needs.”
Why did you decide to specialise in reproductive reflexology?
“During my year-long reflexology course, I had to do approximately 100 case studies. One woman had been trying to get pregnant for three years and was planning to start IVF. As a case study, I saw her once a week for four weeks, and that month she conceived.
“That had a huge impact on me, and I decided to specialise, doing additional courses in fertility, pregnancy and postnatal reflexology as well as everything relating to women’s health, such as the menopause.”
What are the benefits for those trying to conceive?
Irregular or missing periods can be regulated through reflexology by stimulating hormonal points such as the pituitary gland.
“I can make a big difference for patients with PCOS and endometriosis. Many girls are on the pill for so long, they don’t know where they are in their cycles.
Couples struggling to conceive will also experience significant levels of stress, which increases the release of adrenaline, cortisol, and nor-epinephrine in your body. Reflexology can help rebalance these hormones while stimulating the release of oxytocin.
“One of the most significant benefits of reflexology is that it puts your body into a relaxed state. This is particularly important for patients undergoing IVF.”
When should clients see you if they are trying to conceive naturally?
“This varies. Some women come to me a year before they plan to start trying, especially if they’ve got PCOS or endometriosis, to regulate their periods. Typically, they’ll see me once a month.
“When they want to start trying for a baby naturally, I like to see them twice before they ovulate. So, once they get their period, they let me know. Then, we will do two reflexology sessions. Obviously, everyone’s cycle is different.
“Then I don’t like to see them until they get their periods or not. If they get a period, we will try again the following month.
When do you prefer to see IVF patients?
“Ideally, as soon as possible, just to have a starting point. You can have reflexology as much as you want in the run-up although, depending on where they are in their fertility treatment, we do not stimulate the ovaries.
“I would see a patient until their egg collection, apart from the 24 hours after the trigger injection. After that, I can see them up until their transfer. Personally, I don’t like to see them post-transfer as nature should take its course.
Do you see patients after the embryo transfer?
“If it is a failed transfer, we can obviously start again. If the transfer is successful, I don’t usually see them during the first trimester unless there are special circumstances.
“One client was seven weeks pregnant but was celiac and didn’t want to take her medication during pregnancy, so reflexology helped her metabolism work properly.
“From the second trimester onwards, it’s all systems go, and they can have as much as they want. After childbirth, women often don’t have the time to prioritise themselves, but I recommend at least one treatment to rebalance hormones and to stimulate drainage of toxins.”
Click here to get in touch with Charlotte Bentley. Go to our Support Hub for access to some of the organisations offering fertility support, advice and information.
