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RESEARCH: REFLEXOLOGY FOR FERTILITY & PREGNANCY
FERTILITY
- The four women had unsuccessfully tried to become pregnant
for 1 to 3 years and were between the ages of 26 and 30. Each
received
a thirty to forty minute session daily for ten days, one course
of treatment. One woman became pregnant after 6 courses of
treatment, two after seven course and one after nine courses.
Dong Dahai,
Xu Ping, Dong Congjun, Wei Lihua, "Treatment of 4 Cases of
Infertility with Foot Reflexotherapy," 1998 China Reflexology
Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, pp.
58-59.
EDEMA IN PREGNANCY
- "Fifty-five women in the third trimester (of pregnancy) were
randomly assigned to one of three groups: a period of rest, 'relaxing'
reflexology techniques or a specific "lymphatic' reflexology
technique for 15 minute with pre and post-therapy ankle and foot
circumference measurements and participant questionnaire. There was
no statistically significant difference in the circumference measurements
between the three groups; however, the lymphatic technique reflexology
group mean circumference measurements were all decreased. … A
'perceived wellbeing' score revealed the lymphatic technique group
significantly increased their wellbeing the most, followed closely
by relaxing techniques and then the control rest group. (All groups)
had a non-significant oedema-relieving effect. From the women's viewpoint,
lymphatic reflexology was the preferred therapy with significant
increase in symptom relief." (Mollart l., "Single Blind
trial addressing the differential effects of two reflexology techniques
versus rest, on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy," Complement
The Nurse Midwifery, 2003 Nov;9(4):203-8).
BIRTHING
- Of 593 women who gave birth at Gentofte County Hospital (UK)
in 1988, 103 chose reflexology as an alternative to both pain
killing
drugs and to labour stimulating and inducing drugs. Of sixty-eight
women who chose reflexology with no analgesic drugs, sixty
one (89.71%) stated that reflexology had helped reduce pain,
six (8.82%)
felt no effect, and, one had increased pain in spite of reflexology
treatment. Four of the sixty-one women who were helped by reflexology
also required pain medication. Of forty-nine women who chose
reflexology to stimulate labour, twenty-four gave birth without
additional
drug treatment. Fourteen women who were candidates for surgical
delivery, received reflexology treatment between 30 and 60
minutes of birth. Eleven (78.57%) were then able to discharge
the placenta.
The other three had it surgically removed. All participants,
except one, found the reflexology treatments extremely pleasant. "Easier
Births Using Reflexology." by Gabriella Bering Liisberg, "Tidsskrift
for Jordemodre," No. 3, 1989.
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Thirty-seven of 64 pregnant women, who were offered free reflexology,
completed the set course of ten treatments. The effects of reflexology
on labour outcomes were perceived as outstanding. Some had labour
times of only 2 hours, some 3 hours. The 20 - 25 year olds had
an average time of first stage labour of 5 or 6 hours. The 26 -
30 year olds seemed to have the longest labours. In total, the
average first stage was 5 hours, second stage 16 minutes, and third
stage 7 minutes. This is compared to textbook figures of 16 to
24 hours' first stage, and, 1 to 2 hour's second stage. "The
Effects of Reflexology on Labour Outcome," Dr. Gowri Motha
and Dr. Jane McGrath, Forest Gate, London, England, Nursing
Times, Oct. 11, 1989.
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Midwives of the Central Coast of New South Wales in Australia "are
conducting a randomized single-blind controlled trial on the effect
of reflexology on foot and ankle oedema in late pregnancy (over
32 weeks). A total of 80 women are randomized into" one of
three groups: normal pregnancy visit (control), relaxation reflexology
(placebo) or lymphatic drainage reflexology (treatment.). The sessions
are 15-20 minutes at least once a week. The information gathered
are pre- and post-treatment measurement of the ankle and instep,
and blood pressure. The women answer a questionnaire at each session
about comfort, changes in mood/feelings, and changes in relationship
with midwife." One quarter of the midwifery staff at the hospital
are trained in reflexology, a 40-hour certificate course on reflexology
and uses in midwifery practice endorsed by the national midwifery
board. The staff trained with Susanne Enzer, author of Maternity
Reflexology (1997) and Reflexology; A Tool for Midwives (2000).
("Midwifery around the World, Midwives of the Central
Coast of New South Wales, Australia, Midwifery Today E-News,
Vol. 3,
Issue 7, February, 14, 2001).
- "90% of 68 women had a positive effect of reflexology as a pain
killer during delivery. 11 out of 14 with retention of the placenta
avoided operation." (www.fdz-intranet.dk/english/research/results.htm)
Sorrig, Kirsten, "Easier Births Using Reflexology, "Danish
Reflexologists Association, Research Committee Report, Feb., 1995
(Originally published in the Danish daily newspaper "Berlingske
Tidende," July 15, 1988).
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