| What
is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there
are reflex points or trigger points on the feet, outer ears, and hands
that are actually "reflections" of other body parts. Their location
and relationships follow a logical anatomical pattern that closely resembles
that of the body itself. This ancient healing technique involves a steady
pressure on the reflex points, which correspond to areas throughout the
body. Reflexology accelerates the body's natural healing abilities and
directly acts upon particular organs, glands, and body parts through gentle
stimulation upon the points or reflexes.
Is
it the same as acupuncture?
It is similar in theory and in the pressure point locations, however,
reflexology uses no needles, only applied pressure.
How
is it done?
It is done laying on a massage table in a supine (sitting up) position.
I use Chinese oil that has eucalyptus, menthol and 8 different Chinese
herbs in it, as well as an induction oil specifically created for the
induction process. This “Labor of Love” oil is part of the
well-regarded NICCI line of natural maternity and baby lotions and oils
(http://www.aroma1.com/images/LaborOfLovePressRelease.pdf).
Consistent pressure is applied to the four major pressure points for about
10 seconds. Pressure is applied longer at a gradual pace. In between the
stimulation, the rest of the foot is massaged for comfort.
How
does it work?
By manipulating the correlating pressure points, the uterus, cervix, ovaries
and genitalia are in essence, “kick-started”. The stimulation
“wakes up” the connected areas in the body through manipulation
of the pressure points.
Will
the induction definitely work?
No. That is what makes reflexology such a valuable practice. Reflexology
for labor induction is “effective” enough to help kick-start
a woman into labor, but not “invasive” enough to put a pre-term
mother whose body and baby is not ready for birth into labor. With Pitocin
inductions in the hospital, many women end up in c-sections due to a failed
induction (or failure to progress) – for the same reason –
their body is simply not ready!. Your body is stronger than any drug (in
my opinion). However, if your body is ready, and you are just stalled,
or your labor has simply not “clicked”, reflexology stimulates
your body into committing to the process of labor quite effectively.
How
long does it take for me to go into labor if it does work for me?
Most women go into labor within 24 to 48 hours after the induction. Several
women have started labor as early as 4 hours after the induction, and
one woman started getting contractions during the induction, and delivered
11 hours later (my best success story). Within 24 hours, most women show
some signs of labor commencing (i.e., lost mucous plug, broken water bag,
cramping, or consistent contractions). To date, four women have broken
their bags of water on the table during the treatment.
Can I do acupuncture
and reflexology together? Or should I only do one or the other?
It is a great idea to do them together. I have seen good results with
women who get prenatal massage, acupuncture, and then reflexology to induce
labor. The trigger points for acupuncture are very similar to the trigger
points used for reflexology (and in some cases the exact same).
Will I know right
away if my body is responding to the reflexology?
Yes. The mom will notice increased movement of the baby and or light contractions,
or contraction-like sensations. Good responders elicit the following responses:
- Movement of the baby (side-shifting)
- Pelvic pressure
- Cramping
- Pain associated with contractions
- Tightening of the uterus
- Nausea
- Backache
Do I need my Physician’s
permission to get a reflexology induction?
Yes. It does not need to be written, it can be a verbal to the client
(recipient of the induction).
Do I need to be dilated
or effaced at all for the induction to be successful?
No. Most women who undergo reflexology inductions are showing absolutely
no signs of labor at the time of induction.
How much does it cost?
The fee is $125, paid by cash or check.
Where are the treatments
done?
My bodywork studio in Woodland Hills.
Do I get my money
back if it doesn’t work?
No. The treatment is not accompanied with any type of guarantee. Fees
are still applicable for my time and specialty if you do not go into labor.
How many women have
you successfully induced into labor?
I have induced 179 out of 227 women into labor within the first 24 –
48 hours. (Almost 80% effective) (stats updated
1/10/07)
Can
Reflexology Help During Labor
|
