Fertility Reflexology
“Providing support for fertility issues, including pre-conception, natural and assisted conception”
Lorna is a registered Member of the Association of Reproductive Reflexologists MARR. It is a professional body of practitioners with an advanced standard of reproductive reflexology training that the general public can rely upon as a kite mark for excellence. Launched in October 2011, the organisation exists to promote best practice in this important area of therapy. One of the main aims of the Association is to undertake clinical research into the effectiveness of reflexology in the treatment of infertility.
Lorna trained in Reproflexology TM with holistic fertility expert Barbara Scott of Seren Natural Fertility. ReproflexologyTM (Reproductive Reflexology) is the study and treatment of male and female reproductive conditions and fertility issues using reflexology. It uses specific & prescriptive treatment protocols to address fertility health for both men and women. It aims to regulate menstrual cycles and to improve sperm production and functionality when required. It is one of the most effective forms of integrated medicine using results from medical testing to measure improvements. It involves a multidisciplinary approach to fertility.
The Reality:
Unfortunately, one in three couples will experience fertility problems when trying to conceive. Fertility reflexology is designed to help couples who are experiencing difficulty in conceiving. Reflexology is a holistic treatment that addresses the physical and psychological causes of infertility. This includes everything from irregular menstrual cycles, existing medical conditions to stress and emotional issues. Stress has a big impact on fertility. It can disrupt hormones and make trying for a baby more difficult. Approximately one-third of all fertility problems experienced are due to male fertility factors, one-third from female fertility factors, and the remaining one-third will be a mixture of issues with both the man and woman. As a couple you are supported through this journey in a caring and professional way. It is beneficial to have had blood tests completed by both partners and further fertility assessments through your GP/fertility clinic if you have been having trouble conceiving for over 12 months. This gives you some answers and if there are underlying medical reasons this can be dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner.
How can Reflexology Help?
Reproflexology for Natural Conception:
It is very important for both men and women to be at their best physically and mentally when trying to conceive. Stressful lives, an inadequate diet, long working hours and our lifestyle can all affect our ability to conceive. Fertility reflexology can enhance the chances of conceiving naturally through calming, de-stressing and relaxing the body, along with regulating the menstrual cycle.
Lorna will use specific protocols depending upon where a woman is in her cycle to stimulate, sedate, or balance the reproductive system. Fertility reflexology often helps in regulating the length of the menstrual cycle. Some women can have a very long cycle of 40 days or more with no clarity of whether ovulation is occurring. This can make it very difficult to know when the optimum time is to try to conceive. It can all become exhausting for a couple. The key is that reflexology brings balance to the body so your body takes what it needs from the therapy helping to regulate the cycle and increase the chances of conception.
A thorough consultation prior to treatment can highlight very quickly where changes can be made or adjustments within a couple’s lifestyle to improve chances of conception. It can take 3 months to fully prepare the body for the best possible chance of conceiving. Most vitamins and minerals will take 3 months to have full impact upon sperm and egg health. This and positive changes to help prepare the couple is discussed in full with each individual couple based on their initial consultation and medical history.
All nutrition advice given to couples is based on approved data provided by Dr. Marilyn Glenville Ph.D., nutritional therapist, psychologist, and author. The ARR also works with other associated professionals in the field of fertility and provides members with updated advice and changes within protocols as needed. This ensures up-to-date professional care.
Reflexology offers a natural alternative therapy for couples if they do not wish to go down the road of assisted fertility and medicated cycles as a first option. By having regular sessions, reflexology provides a calming effect on the body and mind whilst providing support through your conception journey.
How many fertility treatments will I need?
Weekly treatments throughout at least one but preferably two menstrual cycles are recommended. This promotes the right conditions to support and develop a healthy egg through to ovulation, aids implantation and will help support a possible pregnancy. It is important to chart and temperature check daily during the menstrual cycles to ensure ovulation is occurring. This can be a little tasking for some clients but the data will tell the story of what is happening during a monthly cycle. Most couples who have been trying to get pregnant for some time will take this on wholeheartedly as we all have the same desired outcome. Lorna will support both partners throughout.
Reproflexology for Assisted Conception and Medicated Cycles
Reflexology can also be used alongside and in preparation for assisted fertility treatments such as IVF, IUI, ICSI, and medicated cycles. Reproflexology involves an integrated approach to conception sometimes requiring referral to specialists in the area of gynecology, urology, or andrology directly or in conjunction with your GP/Fertility Clinic. That is what makes this fertility treatment a true multidisciplinary approach to conception. Using a combination of in-clinic treatment protocols and hand reflexology at home Lorna will support the fertility clinics plan for treatment. Reflexology is a wellness break from the timetable of medication and structure that comes with assisted conception treatment. Lorna has treated many couples and single parents whilst attending for fertility treatment. Nurturing support is so very important at this stage.
Other Potential Benefits of the Seren Fertility Protocols:
Reflexology generally provides a wonderful calming effect on the body & mind. The therapy may be used for women who have irregular or painful cycles or women experiencing other hormonal imbalances. Women might like the benefit of reflexology but are not necessarily aiming to conceive. This could be from puberty right through to menopause. Men may also get some benefit from the protocols for relief of various urological ailments such as painful prostatitis. Through working the reflexes relating to the reproductive organs it is possible to balance and clear congestion and stagnation. Balancing emotions & well-being encourages a positive state of mind.
ReproflexologyTM Success Rates
In a recent study carried out by the Association of Reproductive Reflexologists, 68% of clients conceived whilst having reflexology, using these prescriptive treatment protocols. The study looked at 180 clients, of whom 122 conceived whilst receiving reflexology, 100 conceived naturally, and a further 22 were being supported during IVF.