What is Fertility Reflexology?
Reflexology for Fertility is a patient centered and integrative approach to supporting men and women on their journey towards parenthood. Using a scientific, evidence-based approach, we rely on medical testing to help determine what the underlying issues may be and to plan effective and appropriate treatment.
Although it can seem strange to think that having your feet worked upon can have a beneficial effect on the rest of the body, our data shows that 68% of patients conceived using these techniques. The results speak for themselves!
Regular fertility reflexology treatment can help couples who are actively trying to conceive, not just those who are struggling. As a holistic treatment it is natural, non-invasive, safe and works well for both male and female fertility issues. Ideally both partners undergo fertility testing before starting the treatment – for men this would be a basic semen analysis, for women it would include the relevant blood tests.
I am qualified in Seren Natural Fertility, an evidence based and highly specialised form of reflexology specifically designed to address fertility problems. In a recent study carried out by the Association of Reproductive Reflexologists, 68% of clients conceived whilst having reflexology, using these prescriptive treatment protocols. The study looked at 180 clients, of whom 122 conceived whilst receiving reflexology, 100 conceived naturally, and a further 22 were being supported during IVF.
How can Reflexology help with fertility?
We know that stress can have a detrimental effect on the endocrine system and therefore the reproductive systems of both men and women, so even managing stress levels themselves can have a beneficial effect. Reflexology can help to support you both emotionally and physically while you are trying to conceive by lowering stress hormones, reducing stress and anxiety and giving you the strength and positivity you need to support the best possible outcome.
It can help to correct imbalances in the reproductive system and is effective in balancing hormones which helps to regulate menstruation, promote ovulation and relieve the symptoms of health concerns such as PCOS and endometriosis.
As a supportive and complementary therapy it can also work in conjunction with the assisted conception methods such as IUI, ICSI and IVF.
Natural and Assisted Conception
Joanna is a qualified practitioner in Seren Natural Fertility, trained by renowned holistic fertility expert Barbara Scott. This programme specialises in the treatment of infertility, and can help you whether you are trying to conceive naturally of if you are undergoing assisted fertility treatments such as IUI, IVF and ICSI.
Consultation and treatments
When you choose to work within this programme you get not only your reflexology sessions but also lifestyle and advice related to your particular concerns as well as support in checking your hormone and ovulation process through temperature charting, hand reflexology exercises as homework in between sessions.
We recommend both parties attend the initial consultation together if possible, however if you are on your own it is perfectly fine to come alone. The initial consultation is appointment only, the aim being to identify what the issues may be. You will be asked about your fertility history, gynecological history and general medical history that might be appropriate along with any previous pregnancy experiences. We discuss lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, energy levels and fitness. When you are happy that fertility reflexology is right for you then we will plan your course of treatments. Treatments take place in a calm and relaxing space.
How does Reproductive Reflexology differ from regular reflexology?
When treating reproductive issues it is important to remember that they can be attributable to both men and women with causal factors being 1/3 male, 1/3 female, 1/3 joint. Therefore we like to see both parties at initial consultation so that we have all the pieces of the ‘jigsaw puzzle’.
ReproflexologyTM uses specific and prescriptive treatment protocols for both men and women aiming to treat any underlying health conditions as part of the process.
Treatment Programme for Men
This focuses on encouraging the production of healthy sperm as well as increasing the volume of sperm. A semen analysis is recommended in advance of starting the treatment as it can identify the areas which need attention and is used as a marker to see how effective the treatment has been. The treatment for men is over 8 - 12 weeks. In the event of more complex issues with sperm the Association of Reproductive Reflexologists have formed a collaboration with Professor Sheena Lewis of Queens University in Belfast who has developed The Sperm Comet test, an advanced semen analysis which can indicate more thoroughly what the issues are.
Treatment Programme for Women
One of the most common things my clients present with is a cycle which is irregular. It can be something as simple as fixing that which will allow the woman to go on and conceive naturally and prevent her from having to go on to more complicated forms of assisted conception. We aim to regulate menstrual cycles and ensure that each stage is functioning as it should be.
Following the initial consultation we begin a 12 week programme to treat any underlying conditions and regulate the menstrual cycle. Following conception I can continue to support the woman with reflexology and reduce issues around maintaining the pregnancy.
