Reflexology

Why it’s a great excuse to put your feet up and how treatments could benefit you & your baby

I think we can all agree that Mums don’t put their feet up as often as they should! There are hundreds of reasons for this including being too busy looking after everyone else, not having enough time to ourselves or simply feeling guilty for ‘doing nothing’. Hopefully you’ve got a few minutes now to pop your feet up while you read this (and make a hot cuppa too if you haven’t already). By the end of this article I’m hoping you’ll have lots of reasons to put your feet up and relax on a regular basis.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a holistic therapy based on the belief that reflex points in your feet correspond to body systems… your entire body is mapped across your feet! Reflexologists work across these reflex points to rebalance your body and help you feel relaxed and recharged. Benefits of regular reflexology treatments include: • Reduced Stress & Anxiety • Better Sleep • Improved Mood • Greater Sense of Wellbeing And if you’re someone who doesn’t like having your feet touched, don’t worry - the same principles apply to your hands. So you can put your feet up and have hand reflexology instead. Treatments

Reflexology is a relaxing therapy suitable for all ages. Treatments takes place in a calm, tranquil space and your first visit starts with a quick questionnaire. Then you remove your shoes and socks before relaxing in a reflexology chair (or on a massage couch) and reclining with your feet up. Pillows are positioned behind your head and under your feet to make you comfortable and you can have a snuggly blanket too if you wish. Relaxing music plays in the background and for the next 45 minutes you can relax (or even catch up on some sleep!) While you’re relaxing, your reflexologist will sit in front of your feet and cleanse them before gently applying a balm or lotion. Then using their hands they apply pressure to different reflex points across the soles and tops of your feet and also around your ankles and lower legs. At the end of your treatment you will be given aftercare advice and a treatment plan can be discussed if you would like to return. Most clients leave a treatment feeling really relaxed and many report a good night’s sleep afterwards too. Reflexologists can undertake additional training to offer specialist treatments for fertility & conception, all stages of pregnancy, postnatal care, baby & children’s wellbeing, women’s health and more!

Maternity Reflexology

It’s not easy being pregnant and everybody’s maternity journey is different. Having reflexology during pregnancy has many benefits and can ease nausea, promote sleep, relieve back and hip pain and reduce puffy ankles. Closer to your due date treatments focus on preparation for birth and can give you reflex points that you or your birth partner can use during labour. Treatments are adapted to suit your stage of pregnancy; a reclining chair for the earlier stages and then post 35 weeks a massage couch. Plenty of cushions and pillows are on hand to make you as comfortable as possible. Postnatal Reflexology

It’s amazing what our bodies go through to bring a baby into the world so it’s no surprise mums need Postnatal TLC. I call my postnatal treatments a ‘Mummy MOT’ and it’s a chance for mums to really relax in those early weeks. Treatments can support the body’s recovery, rebalance hormones, improve sleep and support you emotionally. It can be hard to leave babies behind but there are therapists who either come to your home or welcome babies at postnatal treatments. If your baby falls asleep in the car you can take them in and let them snooze in their car seat. Or your baby can snuggle up on you and even feed while you have a treatment. Baby Reflexology

It’s not just adults who enjoy reflexology; from 4 weeks old babies can have a treatment too! Better still, reflexology can be combined with baby massage to give an all over treatment and approach any issues in two ways. This combination of reflexology and baby massage can support babies with: • Sleep • Colic • Reflux & Silent Reflux • Digestion & Constipation • Teething • Coughs & Colds There are lots of classes that teach parents baby massage techniques, but there are also classes that combine massage with baby reflexology. The routines are gentle, but effective and all you need is you and your baby. Once you’ve learnt the methods, your baby can enjoy a little reflexology and baby massage treatment whenever and wherever they need one! Reflexology & You

As well as being a reflexologist, I’m a mum to a five year old and a 14 month old. I know what it’s like to be sleep deprived during pregnancy and then kept awake with colicky crying, so I encourage parents to look after themselves as much as they can. If this article has made you think about reflexology and how it could benefit you or your baby, contact your local reflexologist and book some feet up time… you deserve it!

Claire Plain mar marr Reflexologist and Tiny Toes Reflexology & Baby Massage Instructor FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM cherrytreereflexology tinytoesreflexageuk EMAIL cherrytreereflexology@gmail.com WEBSITE www.cherrytreereflexology.com PHONE 07739 150053