Reflexology for Pregnancy and Labor

Infertility and Reflexology

Infertility is generally defined by the medical profession as the inability to conceive or carry a baby to term after one year of sexual intercourse without the use of contraception.

Sometimes infertility can be attributed to psychological influences like stress and anxiety. Prolonged stress can adversely affect a woman's body, resulting in physical and mental illness. Complementary therapies like reflexology take a holistic approach to infertility, treating both the mind and the body. Both men and women can benefit from these treatments—the stimulation of a reflex area in the feet encourages the reproductive and hormonal system to function more effectively, regulating menstrual periods, and stimulating egg and sperm production.

Still, you should always consult a physician if you are experiencing problems getting pregnant since several medical conditions can cause infertility. It is also very important that people using both complementary therapies and conventional treatments inform their doctor about the kind of complementary treatment they are receiving. A treatment schedule should be consistent for any treatment to be fully effective.

A Danish study showed promising results in reflexology treatment for infertility. To determine the effect of reflexology on infertility, 61 women under the age of 35 were given sixteen 45-minute reflexology treatments over a seven- to eight-month period. Treatments were given twice a week for four weeks; then two more treatments were administered before ovulation. Nine women (15 percent) became pregnant within six months after starting the treatment. Of two-thirds of the women who had menstruation problems, 77 percent experienced an appreciable improvement—with the majority seeing complete alleviation of their problems. Three-quarters of all the women reported improvements in other ailments, such as muscle tensions, psychic imbalances, indigestion, poor circulation, and general imbalance.

If you are interested in exploring reflexology, be sure to check with your insurance company, since some companies may include alternative health coverage. Costs for treatment vary, but the average reflexology session is usually between $50 to $100 and can last anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes.