Oh, the excitement and anticipation of trying for a baby. You’re young and in love. Maybe you’ve moved into your first family home. You’re ready. You’re already planning the nursery, the pram, the adorable little outfits… Sadly, it’s not always that easy and trying to conceive (or TTC if you’re a member of one of the many forums devoted to the subject) can become stressful, overwhelming and all-encompassing. Sustained failure to conceive can contribute to depression and relationship problems.

It seems so unfair, doesn’t it, that some women seem to get pregnant at the drop of a hat, while others struggle for years? It can be heart-breaking. IVF is no easy ride and has no guarantees. As many as one in every three couples struggle to conceive. And don’t assume it’s just a women’s issue – infertility can affect men and women equally. Both mum AND dad to be must look after their fertility health and well-being.

Get Ready

When you decide it’s time to try for a baby, there are things you should do to maximise the chance of conception and also to pave the way for a healthy pregnancy:

  • Achieve a healthy BMI.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Aim to keep blood sugars balanced.
  • Try to avoid stress.
  • Try to get quality sleep.
  • Start taking supplements – the ARR has a list of recommended ones which you will receive at your consultation meeting.
  • Cut down on caffeine.
  • Avoid alcohol.

It’s best to do everything you possibly can to give yourself the best chance to conceive, and the best start to a pregnancy. Complementary therapies aren’t simply ‘alternative’ treatments, or even last resorts. Fertility reflexology, also known as Reproflexology, has many benefits for natural fertility. It’s also much more affordable – and accessible – than expensive private treatments.

Give Yourself a Chance

Reflexology is an age-old natural treatment, with its roots in Ancient Egypt and has been adapted to help couples maximise fertility.  This could increase their chances of conceiving. Reflexology can promote deep relaxation and feelings of wellbeing – reducing stress is crucial to good health. Reflexology is based on the theory that specific points on the feet correspond with different parts and systems of the body. The treatment involves massage to these points and areas, and in Reproflexology, that could be the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, or the pituitary gland. When treating the father-to-be this could include the testes and vas deferens.

Regular Reproflexology treatment can help couples who are actively trying to conceive, not just those who are struggling. As a holistic treatment which aims to ease the physical and mental causes of infertility, Reproflexology is natural, non-invasive, safe – and seems to work for many.

Reproflexology by Numbers

The Association of Reproductive Reflexologists undertook a data collection study of 180 clients, who were receiving reproductive reflexology whilst trying to conceive. Results were as follows:

  • 100 natural conceptions
  • 22 conceptions with IVF/ICSI
  • Age range 24-46
  • Average number of treatments, 11.32
  • 68% conceived while receiving treatments
  • Pregnancy with IVF/ICSI 52%

Fertility reflexology is for men as well as women. Both partners should undergo fertility testing before starting treatment and should attend the initial consultation together.

What Happens?

Before your treatment starts, we’ll talk about your medical and gynaecological history and any previous pregnancy experiences. I’ll ask about your lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, energy and fitness levels. When you’re happy that fertility reflexology is right for you, we’ll plan your course of reflexology treatments. Reproflexology Clinics are available in the following settings, each with calming and airy treatment rooms and free parking:

  • Cheshire Natural Health, Beehive House, Tarporley Rd, Stretton, Warrington, WA4 4ND.Wednesday 2.00pm – 8.00pm and Thursday 9.30am – 3.00pm. Website: cheshirenaturalhealth.co.uk
  • The Bump and Baby Hideout, 196 Dane Road, Sale, Cheshire, M33 2LG. Monday 1.30pm to 5.30pm. Website: thebumpandbabyhideout.com
  • Bramhall Osteopathic Practice, 57 Woodford Road, Bramhall, Cheshire, SK7 1JR, Tuesdays. Website: bramhallosteopaths.co.uk

Full details can be found here: https://relaxingreflexology.com/contact

Ideally, it’s best to have two treatments before ovulation, with weekly treatments thereafter. At every appointment, I will ask how you and your partner a re feeling and where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Regular treatments throughout the menstrual cycle are recommended to promote the ideal conditions to support and develop a healthy egg through to ovulation, aid implantation, and help support a pregnancy.

Relaxing Reproflexology

I am a qualified practitioner in Seren Natural Fertility, trained by the renowned reflexology fertility guru and holistic fertility expert Barbara Scott. Seren specialises in the treatment of infertility, particularly for couples undergoing assisted fertility treatments such as IUI and IVF/ICSI*. When you choose to work with me, you get so much more than your Reproflexology sessions, including:

  • Daily support and advice via WhatsApp.
  • Checking hormone levels and ovulation progress through temperature charting
  • Hand reflexology exercises as homework between sessions

Whatever your reasons for trying reproflexology, I’m with you every step of the way. Pun intended.

How Can a Foot Treatment Help Conception?

As a complementary therapy, Reflexology is thought to have many real benefits. Reflexology has been around for thousands of years. In the 1920’s, the first foot map was produced. This illustrated points on the feet linked to which parts of the body. Then, in the thirties, Eunice Ingham developed this therapy into what we now know as reflexology. She found that tension or inflammation in those parts of the feet – the reflex points – reflected an issue in the corresponding part of the body.

I have several clients who will say that fertility reflexology could offer a dream come true. At the very, VERY least reflexology promotes relaxation and offers a gentle, human touch combined with peace, quiet and an empathetic ear.

Find out more in my next blog.