Reflexology for Women's Health

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Reflexology is effective for balancing the endocrine system, which is made up of a network of glands which secrete hormones to regulate many bodily functions such as growth and development, metabolism, response to stress and injury and reproduction. The endocrine system works with the nervous system and the immune system to help the body cope with different events and stresses.

Regular reflexology treatments can support womens health at all stages of their life, from menstruation, fertility and through to the onset of menopause.

 

Reflexology greatly reduces stress and anxiety levels allowing the body to slow down and induce a deep state of relaxation, addressing any imbalances that may prevent optimum health. The entire body and mind will be calmed and all of the body systems, immune, digestive, nervous, reproductive, hormones, etc are strengthened during the reflexology session. 

This has been found to especially true with women encountering the negative-side effects of menstruation irregularities, menopausal problems, endometriosis, PCOS and fibroids.

 

Imagine an hour of your week that does not require you to check your e-mails; answer the phone; worry about anybody else. Just giving yourself the gift of relaxation.  

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Menstruation 

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When the hormonal system is not functioning to its optimal state it can create inbalance throughout the body, causing such symptoms as:

 

• Irregular periods

• Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstrual periods)

• Menorrhagia (heavy and excessive menstrual flow)

• Oligomenorrhoea (scanty menstrual flow)

• Amenorrhoea (absence of menstrual flow)

• PMT

• Insomnia

• Cravings

• Backache

• Water retention

• Sore breasts

 

A normal menstrual cycle repeats every 29 to 32 days with ovulation taking place days 13-15 before menstruation begins. However, cycle length and ovulation do not always fall into neat patterns with every one. Reflexology may support female health by helping with hormonal imbalances, whilst allowing the menstrual cycle to gently settle into a natural rhythm.

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PMS

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PMS or premenstrual syndrome affects around 90% of menstruating women. For most women the symptoms are mild, but a small proportion find their symptoms are so severe that they dread this time of the month. The most common symptoms are mood swings, irritability, crying for no particular reason, tiredness, abdominal swelling or bloating, weight gain and migraines.

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Menopause

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The menopause is a time in a woman’s life when menstruation ceases and for many this occurs naturally and without any problems. The average age in the UK is 51 but the normal range is 45-55.  The menopause is a natural process in which a woman’s body transitions from its reproductive years into its non-reproductive years, which can also be associated with a more relaxed phase of life. 

The menopause can be divided into 3 phases:

 

Pre-menopause: This phase usually starts from around the age of 40 years old, hormonal changes are starting to take place but may be hardly noticeable. There may also be changes in your menstruation pattern and occasional hot flushes.

 

Peri-menopause: This phase is when the most physical changes will be noticed. The function of the ovaries declines and the periods become irregular.

 

Post-Menopause: This is the phase from the time of the last menstrual period.

Most women will find the menopause a positive experience, although some women find the menopause challenging as it involves physical, mental and emotional elements. Physically, many women experience hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, fatigue and loss of libido. Other symptom include depression, poor memory, anxiety and irritability, and these may be exacerbated by life changes happening at around the same time.

 

Reflexology is a natural complementary therapy which can provide support for a menopausal women physically, mentally and emotionally. It tunes into her needs, helps with any imbalances and provides some time for her to relax and focus on herself. 

 

Research carried out at the UK School of Complementary Health in Exeter indicates a marked decrease in anxiety, depression, insomnia, hot flushes and night sweats among menopausal women who received regular reflexology over a 4 month period.

 

I understand that the menopause is a time for transformation and regeneration and is not a disease.  Supporting the journey with reflexology will help put hormones back in balance and act like a process of emotional cleansing helping to relieve stress and restore harmony in the body and mind.

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) 

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is very common. It effects approximately 5% of women of reproductive age. PCOS  comes with long-term health consequences for many sufferers. PCOS symptoms include irregular periods, lots of body hair, thinning hair on scalp, obesity and infertility, and can also lead to poor self-esteem, leading to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

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Endometriosis

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Endometriosis is said to be present when cells that normally line the womb are found elsewhere in the body, such as the outside of the fallopian tubes, the ovaries and the bladder. These cells behave in the same way as those lining the womb so, in response to the female hormones, they grow during the menstrual cycle and bleed during a period. This condition can also cause excessive bleeding and pain during a menstrual period.

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 Reflexology does not claim to diagnose or cure medical conditions, it can, however, facilitate the body’s own healing processes which may bring relief from symptoms of many conditions.