Enhancing Fertility Through Reflexology: A Holistic, Harmonious Approach
Wanting to get pregnant and not being able to get pregnant is stressful, confusing and challenging.
Reflexology has been linked with improved fertility due to its potential to create balance within the hormonal and reproductive systems, reduce stress and aid relaxation. Its benefits have been observed alongside traditional medical treatments, offering a complementary, natural path towards enhanced fertility.
What is Fertility Reflexology?
Reflexology is a non-invasive therapy that works with the balance and movement of life force energy, also known as Qi. It works by stimulating specific areas, or reflex points, in the hands, feet or face. Treatment of these reflex points promotes healing in the corresponding part of the body by stimulating the flow of energy and dispersing blockages that impede energy flow.
Fertility reflexology treatments stimulate systems, such as the endocrine system, that encourage hormonal balance, thus boosting fertility and overall well-being. We know that hormones control important functions in the body, not least metabolism and reproduction, for both men and women. With each unique point connected to a specific organ or gland, reflexology can produce varied and beneficial effects across your body, including relieving tension and stress, improving circulation and helping to promote the natural function of the related bodily areas.
While more research is needed to scientifically validate these claims, many have found comfort and positive results in reflexology treatments.
Infertility
Reflexology balances hormones by releasing blockages within your body’s energy pathways. These blockages mean that many organs cannot perform as they should because they are not receiving proper signals from your brain. This can lead to hormonal imbalances, but it can also cause weight fluctuations, fatigue, and headaches.
Infertility problems can be traced to multiple causes and tend to be split evenly between women and men at approximately 40% each. Most cases of infertility are the result of more than one factor and only about 10% of infertility cases are due to a single cause. In women, causes of infertility include ovulation disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes, or premature menopause. Fertility problems in men are typically due to poor sperm quality.
Fertility issues can stem from both prospective parents simultaneously. Sometimes, it can be difficult to diagnose the reason behind fertility issues. The psycho-social-spiritual dimension of infertility must be looked at, as well as hereditary factors. It can help to talk with a mother, a father or a family member to understand the family history in regards to reproduction, pregnancy and birth.
In 20% of cases, the causes of infertility are often unknown, but stress is believed to have a big influence. Stress, particularly emotional stress, negatively impacts fertility. It causes neurochemical changes that impact the proper functioning of the fallopian tubes and the uterus. In turn, the maturation of an egg, the release of an egg, and the movement and implantation of a fertilised egg are affected.
For both men and women, several chemical messengers involved in reproduction change when emotional states change. Stress affects a man’s hormonal balance, lowering his levels of testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH). Additionally, impotence difficulties with ejaculation are often caused by emotional distress in men.
In controlled studies, reflexology and foot massage have induced significantly more relaxation, reducing stress, than a placebo effect, with no serious adverse effects reported.
In treating infertility with reflexology special attention should be paid to the following reflex points:
- Pituitary gland: This is the master gland and produces many of the hormones regulating the menstrual cycle. The pituitary gland secretes LH, allowing your reproductive system to function correctly, and causing changes in respective male/female sex hormones.
- Hypothalamus: It regulates pituitary hormone production.
- Thyroid: An over/under active thyroid function can impact fertility.
- Solar plexus: This is particularly important when the client is stressed.
- Reproductive organs.
Fertility reflexology is performed mainly on the feet as they are strong poles of the body. All major yin meridians start in the feet and they also have approximately 7000 nerve endings. Reflexologists work with your body’s invisible life force energy through energy pathways called meridians and energy wheels called chakras to help reduce stress and bring balance back into your life.
After one session, you will feel more relaxed and uplifted. Regular sessions will restore your pathway communications so that your body can perform at its maximum potential.
A good overall health regime increases your chances of becoming a parent. Prospective parents should avoid smoking, excessive use of alcohol and drugs, being overweight or underweight, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, and in some cases exhaustion due to over-exercising or busy lifestyle.
It is also very important to consider the following:
- Diet: Ensure you are absorbing the correct levels of minerals, vitamins, and eat a balanced diet.
- Lifestyle: Make time for relaxation, exercise and learn to manage stress.
- Self-Time: In some cases, this can be a treatment in itself that elicits valuable results.
- Couple’s Time: Make time for intimacy and togetherness that is independent of trying to become pregnant.
Reflexology for Fertility in Women
Reflexology for fertility is a non-invasive technique that helps to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. Reflexologists believe this can boost blood flow to your uterus and ovaries, improving egg quality and the growth of follicles in the ovaries. It also improves overall health and well-being by removing toxins from the body, soothing nerves, and improving circulation.
While conventional medicine doesn’t know precisely how reflexology works, it is generally understood that it is a safe treatment for infertility and can be combined with other treatments like acupuncture, IVF, or IUI. You usually need four sessions before seeing the benefits of reflexology for fertility.
Reflexology for Fertility in Men
Reflexology not only helps in improving fertility in women; it also works for men. Men who have infertility have a high level of oxidative stress on their sperm cells, which keeps them from impregnating a woman. Reflexology helps decrease this stress.
A recent study by the University of Sheffield found that reflexology positively impacted male fertility by increasing testosterone production.
Fertility Reflexology at Amatouch
Amatouch understands that each fertility story is different, and treatments are tailored accordingly. I offer customised fertility reflexology sessions, deeply understanding and respecting that each fertility journey is unique. My approach embraces patience and informed consent. With each session, I aspire to provide a nurturing ‘mother touch’ that bolsters relaxation, harmony and balance that can be a powerful ally in your fertility journey.
A course of reflexology treatments can provide your body with the much-needed respite it needs. It can be used to help hormones balance and boost fertility before conception.
If you are looking for a natural way to balance your hormones, try a proven approach over thousands of years: reflexology.
Meet Catherine Roe
I am the founder of Amatouch and a certified ITEC Holistic Massage & Reflexology Therapist and IFPA Aromatherapist. I am dedicated to promoting relaxation, peace, and harmony before and during pregnancy and believe that this practice aligns perfectly with my belief that everyone deserves a nurturing touch. My reflexology and massage therapies aim to empower women on their journey to holistic well-being.
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