Mums-to-be reflex action

From the archive, first published Friday 14th Apr 2006.

INCREASING numbers of women are turning to a whole host of complementary therapies alongside more traditional methods to help them cope with the rigours of pregnancy.

Reflexology, when the feet are treated in order to balance the entire body, is just one of these therapies.

Its main principle is that by applying pressure to parts of the feet - known as reflex areas - other corresponding and connected areas of the body will feel the benefit.

In pregnancy it can be used to treat:

Pregnancy backache

Constipation

Heartburn

Morning sickness

Stomach problems

York-based practitioner Fiona Harris, 44, is a member of the British School of Reflexology, and has been working as a reflexologist for more than two years. She runs her own mobile company, Your Feet In My Hands, and visits pregnant women in York to administer treatment.

She said: "In reflexology, the feet and hands are like mini maps of the body's anatomy. So any body system can be accessed and stimulated by reflexology.

"A lot of my clients come to me about three months in to their pregnancy when they are starting to think about things to come.

"They can find that reflexology helps with all kinds of discomfort which plague pregnant women including trapped nerves, sciatica and constipation.

"All the client has to do is take their shoes and socks off, and by working on the soles of their feet, I can relieve all kinds of tensions in other parts of the body.

"I believe reflexology is the gateway to health and harmony and creates a wonderful sense of wellbeing, peace and calm."

Records show reflexology was used in Ancient Egypt as far back as 2,500BC, and the early Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Russians and Egyptians worked on the feet to promote good health.

Reflexology is not just for pregnant women either - it can be used to treat a range of ailments including arthritis, diabetes, digestive problems and circulatory problems.

Chris Warren, of the Yorkshire Storks Midwifery Practice in North Yorkshire, is also a keen proponent of the treatment.

She said: "I think reflexology is great - it's really wonderful at helping mums relax and it can be useful for specific things like morning sickness, or if people go over their due date and need to encourage labour to start. It's something I have, and do, recommend."

Ms Warren said reflexology could also help alleviate discomfort and constipation in mums-to-be, and said it was a risk-free treatment. She said: "I do not think there are any problems with reflexology at all. I just recommend people to go with personal recommendations, or make sure the reflexologist is used to dealing with pregnant women."

She said it is important for women to discuss the treatment with their reflexologist before they start, because there were issues to be addressed.

For example, she said much of reflexology is carried out with the patient flat on their back, but that is not recommended for pregnant women.

`An excellent birth preparation'

KATIE FRANKISH, 25, is due to have her first baby on April 24, and has been getting reflexology treatment from Fiona Harris.

She said: "Reflexology has been fantastic - it's really relaxing. I think Fiona is an incredibly talented healer - she is extra special and I would definitely recommend her to anyone who's pregnant.

"Reflexology is one of the best ways you can prepare your body for the birthing process - it makes your body in a prime state for when you go into labour. It improves your quality of sleep and makes you feel less sluggish - and it's an excuse to pamper yourself as well."

Miss Frankish, of Burton Stone Lane, York, has been having reflexology therapy for about four weeks, and says it has made a noticeable difference.

She said: "I have definitely been sleeping better since I started getting it, and the baby feels more relaxed as well and enjoys it."

Miss Frankish has had a one-hour session each week for the past four weeks, but said mums-to-be can have as little or as much treatment as they like, and can also continue after the birth.

She said it is important to drink water after each session. She said: "Because the reflexologist is working on pressure points there are toxins dispersed, so you have to get rid of them with water."

Updated: 11:39 Friday, April 14, 2006

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