Foot Palace

Pregnancy and Reflexology

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Reflexology pregnancy massage treatment before child labor

At the Foot Palace we are often asked about the relationship between reflexology treatments and how they can be beneficial to expecting mothers. The short answer is that they can help induce late pregnancies, help to improve circulation throughout the body and can generally help to reduce stress. With that being said, we always want to ensure the safety of our clients and prevent any complications that might occur during this strenuous time.

Earliest Recommended Pregnancy Massage Treatments

Most reflexologists advise against working with women that are not yet at least thirteen weeks pregnant. During this period there is a higher risk for miscarriage, and although reflexology generally isn’t known for causing complications such as these most therapists agree that it’s safer not to do it.

Often times women that are late in their pregnancy will try reflexology to help induce labor and as an alternative to pain relief medications. While this can be beneficial, it is often recommended that treatments begin four to five months prior to the due date. This allows the therapist ample time to minimize the amount of stress the client is feeling and help prepare the mother for delivery. While it is rare, reflexology can be performed during labor to help ease the pain of childbirth.

Get Some Relief at the Foot Palace

We know that carrying a pregnancy can be incredibly stressful and demanding, that’s why we recommend coming in to let us help ease the aches and pains of child expectancy. With Mother’s Day coming up, a Foot Palace gift certificate would make a wonderful gift to any expecting mother!


https://plus.google.com/+Yourfootpalaceathensmassagespa

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens


1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens, GA 30606

(706) 521-5290

 

Is a reflexology massage safe during pregnancy?

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pregnancy-massage-prenatal-reflexologyAs with almost any alternative therapy, you should consult your practitioner before you begin reflexology massage treatments, and you should be sure that your reflexologist has been properly trained and has experience working with pregnant women. As in the case with prenatal massage, some reflexologists prefer to wait until you are out of your first trimester before they will work on you. Be sure to speak with your practitioner and your reflexologist prior to any treatment. A good reflexologists will not work on you unless they’re sure that they won’t cause you or your baby any harm.

The basic theory behind reflexology is that pressing specific energy points, primarily in the feet, and in the hands, can simulate organs and boost energy flow. The idea is that this pressure allows blocked energy to flow freely, which increases blood flow to the corresponding part of your body.  Reflexologists often work the area between your ankle and heel to stimulate labor and contractions. Unless you’re packed and ready to head for the hospital, make sure that your reflexologist or, for that matter, any massage therapist you might see, avoids stimulating this area for any length of time.  Reflexology is often used to soothe the aches and pains in your back and joints that are taking a beating from your growing belly, and can give you relief from some of your most persistent woes. These may include morning sickness, heartburn, swelling in your legs (if not due to preeclampsia), constipation, high blood pressure (again, as long as it appears without the other symptoms of preeclampsia), insomnia, bladder problems, mild cramping, and even hemorrhoids. In addition, reflexology seems to reduce emotional stresses, such as depression and anxiety. Reflexology may even be helpful after you give birth, some studies have shown it stimulates the production of milk.

There is no evidence that reflexology is unsafe during pregnancy, if it is carried out correctly by a qualified health professional or a qualified reflexologist who is experienced in treating pregnant women. If nothing else, the massage aspect is extremely relaxing, and that’s useful at any point during pregnancy.

Whether you need a spa treatment or relaxing massage, Foot Palace invites you to melt away your pain and stress today!