Is Reflexology Safe for Pregnancy?
If you’re not into reading an entire blog, your TLDR is, YES!!!
Not only is reflexology safe for pregnancy…
It actually helps relieve some symptoms you may experience during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a whole ass physical, emotional, and spiritual journey, with ups, downs, twists and turns along the way (especially in the bodily fluid & emotional departments).
I don’t know about you, but honestly - sometimes taking care of myself can be hard on a good day, now add in a pregnancy, partner, and maybe another kid (or two) - and it can feel like things are quickly spiralling out of control.
Since reflexology actually acts as a tool to help bring your body into a state of homeostasis (that rest and digest state that feels so yummy and good), it helps your pregnant & ever changing body take a moment to relish in the relaxation & restore some balance back into your life.
Foot Reflexology with an herbal epsom salt foot soak to begin helps reduce swelling of achy feet.
We’ve all seen Knocked Up, Will & Grace, and a million other shows with a pregnant person, so I don't need to tell you that pregnancy can a rollercoaster of emotions, hormonal changes, and physical changes. It can easily become overwhelming, but finding a space to relax and catch up with the calm is almost better than ice cream on a hot day.
If you’ve never heard of reflexology, it’s a technique that applies pressure to different acupressure points on the feet, hands, and even the ears to various bodily systems! (I work with the hands and feet at this time - come hang out)
Reflexology is a non-invasive, natural and complementary approach to alleviate tensions and release stress in the body.
Which has also proven to be especially effective during pregnancy. I would like to take one moment to note that if you have any pregnancy conditions (like preeclampsia, placenta previa, varicose veins or anything else) that you should inform your practitioner so that they can take any necessary precautions)
By massaging the pressure points in the feet and hands your practitioner can help bring the entire body back to a state of equilibrium and balance. While also reducing swelling, aching, and improving circulation.
two different client's feet/ ankles before and after a reflexology session
Reflexology is not only beneficial for pregnancy, but at all stages of life - basically, when our bodies are living in a heightened state of stress or anxiety it can be difficult to truly relax. Relaxation is the time when our organs have time to work on self-healing, processing the stuff from the day, and help create energy for the days to come.
For this reason, it’s super important to be able to take our nervous systems out of that state of fight or flight and allow for real healing rest. Healing the mind, body, and spirit through holistic healing practices (yoga, meditation, reflexology) is a well-rounded place to start!
Do you ever feel that you have been relaxing yet walk away feeling even more drained and exhausted than before?
Somewhere along the way, we confused doing nothing with relaxing, they can both be nice, but are really NOT the same thing. Don't get me wrong, doing nothing can be relaxing, especially when you have been continuously on the go. But sometimes our bodies need a little bit more to get to that place of peace and tranquility.
During pregnancy, even if you are doing absolutely nothing, your body is still working around the clock to grow a tiny human. So please, be kind to yourself and your changing body. You’re going through a lot both physically and mentally!
Healing relaxation is about finding ways to really allow your mind & body to enter a state of relief.
Reflexology can be amped up with its relaxation & healing benefits when paired with other ways of healing like reiki which can help to balance your energies and further promote relaxation.
If you’re looking to lower your prenatal blood pressure, practices like meditation, light yoga, and stretching can also be wonderful ways to find comfort in your own body and mind.
Okay, if you’ve gotten this far -
Reflexology is a holistic and complementary way that you can improve your overall prenatal well-being and health.
It not only just focuses on physical health but also your mental space and helping your body to be a safe and supportive place for you and baby.
This can be a great way to bring your body to the place of peace, you might want to feel as you prep to bring baby into this world, sometimes we just need a little push to really go there, and reflexology can do that!
Ready to explore how reflexology can support your fertility journey?
Book an appointment with me today here. Want to learn more about reflexology and its benefits? Check out my reflexology page.
Hi, I’m Heather your Reflexologist & Holistic Health Guide
I'm here to create a welcoming and comfortable space for you through meaningful conversations, personalized cyclical guidance, reiki and reflexology treatments.
Your unique wellness journey is #1 priority when we work together. So, I often ask a lot of questions as getting to know you better helps me provide the tailored support you deserve.
