WORDSEMILYTHORPEPHOTOGRAPHYADOBESTOCKDuring your consultation, the
therapist should ask you questions
about your health and what you
would like help with. To enable them
to tailor the treatment to you, take
time to consider any specific aches
and pains, whether you’re feeling
anxious, or not sleeping well,
before your appointment.If you’re interested in teaching
yourself how to perform reflexology,
pick up The Reflexology Bible (£14.99,
Godsfield Press) which includes
everything from zone maps
techniques. Or better yet
drop a (heavy!) hintandlea
it on your partner’s
bedside table...Reflexology is generally considered
safe as it does not involve anything
that would affect your baby. However,
it is a good idea to inform your
midwife, as each mum-to-be is
different. Some may recommend
waiting until you are past 12
weeks of pregnancy.Think about...
...Talking to your
midwifeThink about...
...Having a go yourselfThink about...
...How you’re feelingPRENATAL REFLEXOLOGY?
Should I try...It’s a form of massage
The theory behind reflexology is that
your feet represent your body, and
certain pressure points on the footlink
to different parts of your body.For
ex ample, the big toe on your leftfoot
represents the left side of yourhead.
Pr essing on these areas is then
believed to trigger a healing process.
The reflexologist will massage
areas of your feet and
sometimes your hands–
perfect, as the usual
massages can be more
difficult when you are
pregnant.You’llneedtopay
Reflexologyis not availableontheNHSsoyou’ll
need to use a private practitioner. To find a
qualified reflexologist in your area, visit
aor.org.uk for an online directory. This
will usually cost you between £40
and £60 for a 60-minute treatment.Improve your wellness
Reflexology has been claimed to help a range of
pregnancy symptoms such as swollen ankles,
tiredness, aches, and even morning sickness. It
also provides an opportunity for some quiet time
for you to focus on you and your growing baby,
and that’s always a good thing.