From the moment she learns that she is pregnant,
every mother to be wants the following nine months to be as magical and stress-free as possible. More and more women are turning to complementary therapies to help them to maximise their pregnancy experience, and this is reflected in the number of hospitals nationwide who are beginning to welcome such therapies into the labour ward.
 
Ancient cultures celebrate the birthing experience as a joyous occasion, with many accompanying rituals and ceremonies to celebrate the female body and its amazing accomplishments. Rather than viewing pregnancy as a chore, a "means to an end" or a process to be feared, women in today's world should be encouraged to use their nine months to become wholly in touch with themselves and the child they carry. It goes without saying that this approach can only help each woman to feel relaxed and in tune with herself and her body's natural and powerful healing abilities.
 
Each woman's pregnancy is unique to her, and the choices she makes during it are often deeply instinctive. The incredible effects of touch therapy from a treatment such as reflexology should never be underestimated during this particularly sensitive period of her life. Reflexology is a holistic treatment; the word holistic comes from the Greek holos, meaning "whole". The beauty of this therapy is that work on a concentrated area - your feet - can produce a deep and penetrating effect on body, mind and spirit - and of course, your unborn baby! Many clients have reported that their baby "wriggles about" during reflexology treatments, and it is worth bearing in mind that it is never too late to begin healthy habits!
 
Reflexology can be particularly helpful throughout pregnancy and even during labour (with the prior consent of medical professionals). Some women have found that regular short bursts of reflexology during labour can help with pain relief, as it can stimulate the release of the hormone Oxytocin, which helps the uterus to contract. A reflexology treatment has been known to increase a baby's movement and provide a natural induction on an overdue pregnancy. Some common pregnancy 'symptoms' which can be eased by
reflexology:

Heartburn
Morning sickness
Varicose veins
Fluid retention - swollen ankles
Pelvic and lower back pain
Headaches
Difficulty sleeping
Constipation
Raised blood pressure
Lymphatic drainage
Tiredness - reflexology can help lift your energy
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A regular reflexology treatment during pregnancy is completely safe and can help to maintain a healthy pregnancy and guide you towards a safe, natural and healthy birth experience. The treatments are very nurturing and will help you to connect with yourself and experience deep relaxation, as well as relief from some common pregnancy symptoms, such as swelling and fluid retention, backache, restricted breathing, unsettled stomach and mood swings.
 
 
By working with care and empathy and focussing on your reproductive and endocrine reflex points using a light pressure, your reflexologist can gently bring your body into balance and restore homeostasis of mind, body and spirit. Reflexology is safe throughout a pregnancy, though if you have a history of miscarriage or unstable pregnancy it is best to consult your doctor before undergoing a treatment. If you are in your first trimester, a brief telephone conversation with Ali will allow you to decide whether you feel comfortable to go ahead or would prefer to wait until your second trimester.
 
As you progress through your pregnancy you may find that increased regularity of treatments is helpful, and what better excuse for some "me time" following the birth than reflexology, to maintain your balance and energy levels? Your therapist will work closely with you and your individual requirements to ensure that you and your baby gain the maximum benefits. Discounts are available on block bookings paid in advance. From morning sickness to postnatal depression and feeling run down, reflexology can provide a natural, gentle and safe accompaniment to the whole pregnancy and birth experience.
 
Ali has continued with her training to specialise in fertility and maternity reflexology. She has completed courses with Sally Earlam at the Central London College of Reflexology, with renowned Danish reflexologist Inge Dougans and also with Denise Tiran, midwife and author of numerous books on complementary therapies and pregnancy. Ali is also privileged to be working with Dr. Gowri Motha, pioneer of the acclaimed 'Jeyarani Gentle Birth Method', aimed at preparing mothers for as natural and stress-free a birth as possible using several techniques including reflexology, Creative Healing and Ayurvedic knowledge.
 
Ali also trained in Ayurvedic massage under Dr. R. Bhagavan, B.A.M. at a specialised Ayurvedic retreat in Tamil Nadu, India, and incorporates many Ayurvedic techniques and theories across her other therapies. She is particularly interested in how Ayurvedic knowledge may be used to ensure a healthier pre-conception lifestyle and enhance pregnancy.