Reflexology for Sub-Fertility / Infertility
Whilst reflexology does not claim to diagnose, treat or cure a disorder,
it is thought that some disorders, such as these, have been shown
(through mainly anecdotal evidence due to limited investment in
scientific research) to respond well to reflexology.
There are many types of glandular / endocrine disorders, some of which are extremely rare. Sub-fertility / infertility is glandular / reproductive system disorder and is a growing health problem in industrialised nations, with increased numbers of ancillary causes being found amongst both men and women.
Glandular System – Reproductive
The glandular system is a communication network that regulates the
basic drives and emotions, promotes growth and sexual identity,
assists in the repair of broken tissue and helps generate energy.
Therapeutic effects of reflexology on the glandular system
• Release of muscular tension directly affecting the lumbar and
pelvic area.
• Stimulates and balances nerve supply to the pelvic area, improving
functioning of reproductive organs.
• Helps balance the functioning of the hypothalamus, which is a
bridge between the endocrine / glandular and nervous systems.
• Offers support, especially women through times of transition and
change associated with this body system e.g. pregnancy.
• Stimulation of the ANS activates the endocrine / glandular system
and a cascade of hormonal responses may result.
• Break down of deposits in the feet and the stimulation of reflexology
decongests energy pathways allowing the glandular system to work
optimally (as it does for all systems).
The Association of Reflexologists (AoR) believe that reflexology may be of great benefit to clients suffering from sub fertility. However, there is no scientific research to prove this, though it is thought that the reduction of stress may help with the success of the medical intervention.
By stimulating the parts of the feet relating to the reproductive organs, it can help couples who have been otherwise unable to conceive. It is beneficial in treating women’s complaints including pre menstrual syndrome, heavy and irregular periods, painful periods and some fertility problems.
Patients have reported feeling 100% more positive, relaxed, they
sleep better, have improved sex drive, more regular cycles, better
flow, less pain and a percentage of women are likley to successfully
conceived within a course of treatment. Some of these women have
suffered from conditions from polycystic ovaries, recurrent miscarriage,
annovulation to dysmennorrhoea, unexplained infertility and hostile
cervical mucous.
For many women, the stress and anxiety associated with failing to
conceive can be overwhelming and the reflexology treatment can make
them feel more positive and relaxed allowing them to deal with their
fertility issues in a more positive way.
Reflexology is not a magic cure-all, it cannot guarantee a pregnancy,
unblock fallopian tubes, treat chlamydia or cure endometrioses.
It can however create a healthier environment for a possible pregnancy
to occur by encouraging the body to work more efficiently.
It is suggested that a minimum of
between six to eight treatments will be required depending on your
body and how well it responds.
The Benefits of Reflexology for Fertility
Reflexology can prove to be a valuable part of any pre-conception programme to increase fertility by balancing all body systems, on both a physical and emotional level.
Reflexology can help place both partners in a more optimum condition to conceive by;
*Regulating the hormones.
*Improving ovary and reproductive function.
*Increasing the flow of blood to the uterus & increasing the thickness of the lining.
*Preventing the uterus form contracting.
*Creating better semen to improve the quantity and quality of embryos.
*Lessening the side effects of drugs used in IVF.
* Boosting the immune system.
*Helping throughout the pregnancy and minimises the likihood of miscarriage.
*Relaxing the patient and lessens their stress factors.
What is Sub-Fertility / Infertility?
Infertility is a growing health problem in industrialised nations, with increased numbers of ancillary causes being found amongst both men and women. Problems may stem from hormonal, dietary, structural and environmental factors and in each case a thorough investigation must be made if a swift solution is to be found.
Known Causes
Male Infertility: - Over the last fifty years the quality of the average man's semen in the UK has considerably declined. The average sperm count has dropped from 113,000,000 per millimetre in 1940 to 66,000,000 in 1990. (1) During the same period, the average sperm volume fell from 3.4 millilitres to 2.75 millilitres.
There are several factors believed to account for the dramatic increase in male infertility including diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption. It is also known that both excessive ejaculation and prolonged abstinence can have the effect of reducing the number and quality of sperm.
Smoking and alcohol is known to affect the quantity and quality of sperm - smokers are only half as fertile as non-smokers and 40% of all cases of sub-fertility in men have been attributable to only a moderate intake of alcohol (i.e. less than 21 units per week). One unit is a half pint of beer or one glass of wine. It is therefore always advisable to avoid alcohol completely and give up smoking at least 3 months before trying to conceive as sperm levels can rise within this period.
It should also be pointed out that the scrotum needs to be 4 degrees cooler than body temperate for the testes to produce the required quality and quantity of sperm. Therefore tight, constricting underwear should be avoided and replaced with cotton boxer shorts and loose fitting trousers. Many experts even recommend bathing the testicles in cold water every day as well. One doctor reported that one patient who had been unable to impregnate his wife for over two years was able to do so within three weeks of taking daily baths in water at a temperature of 65 degrees.
Environmental pollutants have also been implicated in male infertility. One study found that organic mercury used as a herbicide lead to high levels of this heavy metal in the urine and is thought to reduce fertility. The study also found a correlation existed between the concentration of pesticide in the area of residence and in the place of employment and the male infertility.
Microwaves, lead, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane, oestrogen, heat, lead and microwaves have all been reported to impair spermatogenesis in workers.
Frequency of sexual intercourse: - Sexual intercourse every two to three days is said to help maintain the volume of semen to a level above 2 millilitres with a minimum of 20,000,000 sperm per millilitre with 60% - 75% motilite spermatoza of normal shape and size. Sub-fertility is commonly found where quantities of sperm drop below this level.
Female Infertility: - Once again there are numerous factors that affect the fertility of women including: blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalances and failure to ovulate, allergic reaction between mucous of the cervix and the male sperm, environmental factors, diet and nutritional deficiencies.
In some cases, conception may be achieved but is then followed by an early miscarriage which may be no more obvious than a normal period. This may be caused from ongoing infections (e.g. herpes), the presence of fibroids as well as diabetes and an imbalance of the thyroid gland.
Exposure to certain environmental toxins can also cause female infertility. One often overlooked factor is the VDU screen. A study of over 1,500 pregnant women found that those who used a VDU for more than 20 hours a week were nearly twice as likely to have a miscarriage as those who didn't.
It therefore follows that use of a VDU may prevent conception in the first place or lead to a spontaneous early miscarriage as mentioned above. It is therefore vital for both partners to have a complete and thorough health examination by their health practitioner to identify the likely causes of the problem.
There are, of course, various invasive medical procedures to improve
fertility but there are also many alternatives available which have
been shown to help as well.
Reflexology During Pregnancy
Whilst reflexology does not claim to diagnose, treat or cure a disorder,
it is thought that Reflexology is one of the most relaxing complementary
therapies you can choose to have during pregnancy. It is perfectly
safe to have during pregnancy.
Maternity Reflexology
Improving your general Well-being throughout Pregnancy
Pregnancy affects many body systems but it is driven by the glandular and reproductive systems. Reflexology is extremely relaxing and helps your body adjust to the major hormonal changes that it is undergoing.
Pregnancy is a wonderful thing and many women adjust perfectly to the hormonal changes that are taking place. However, there are others who find the physical and emotional side effects of these hormonal changes cause them a lot of grief! These can include anything from nausea, backache, digestive problems, anxieties, fears, symphisis pubis discomfort, tension and sleeplessness and regular treatments can help ease these ailments commonly associated with pregnancy.
The qualities of reflexology are excellent for creating a balanced mind, body and spirit which gives the ideal environment for the new baby growing within.
Glandular System – Reproductive
The glandular system is a communication network that regulates the
basic drives and emotions, promotes growth and sexual identity,
assists in the repair of broken tissue and helps generate energy.
Therapeutic effects of reflexology on the glandular system
• Release of muscular tension directly affecting the lumbar and
pelvic area.
• Stimulates and balances nerve supply to the pelvic area, improving
functioning of reproductive organs.
• Helps balance the functioning of the hypothalamus, which is a
bridge between the endocrine / glandular and nervous systems.
• Offers support, especially women through times of transition and
change associated with this body system e.g. pregnancy.
• Stimulation of the ANS activates the endocrine / glandular system
and a cascade of hormonal responses may result.
• Break down of deposits in the feet and the stimulation of reflexology
decongests energy pathways allowing the glandular system to work
optimally (as it does for all systems).
The Benefits of Reflexology during Pregnancy:
Reflexology is one of the most popular complementary therapies used by women during pregnancy, having established its reputation and popularity by the effective results people experience. Trials have found that those receiving regular treatments during pregnancy tend to deliver closer to term, have shorter labours and are less likely to require medical intervention.
The benefits of Reflexology treatments throughout pregnancy which can include:
*Reducing and normalising high blood pressure
*Normalizing low blood pressure
*Elimination of oedema and reduced swelling in feet and ankles
*Prevention of heartburn
*Improved sleep quality
*Clearing headaches
*Relieving varicose veins
*Clearing pelvic congestion
*Improved lymphatic drainage
*Helping to aid digestion
*Oxygenating the baby by improving the blood flow within the whole
body
*Helping the uterus and the baby's placenta.
*Helping to carry the baby to term
*Can be used to initiate labour if you are overdue, thereby reducing
the need for medical induction at hospital
Reflexology can be stress relieving and comforting during labour
in addition to being able to help to start an overdue labour, reduce
pain, regulate breathing and stimulate efficient contractions.