diploma in holistic stress management with laurel alexander

 

REFLEXOLOGY DURING LABOUR

During the later stages of when I treat pregnant women, I ask the partner to come in and I teach them the following which they can do for the women on a daily basis during the last week before due date.

Start sessions in the last week on a daily basis. Each session should last 20 minutes.

  1. Relax both feet by stroking and massaging and end by a thumb press on the solar plexus point in both feet. Relax each foot separately.
  2. Thumb walk up the five zones * of one foot and work the points suggested below.
  3. Thumb walk up the five zones * of the other foot and work the points suggested below.
  4. Integrate stroking techniques throughout the session as needed to help your partner relax when you encounter tender spots.

ZONES: In reflexology, the body is divided into 10 zones, 5 on the right and 5 on the left. These zones run from the top of the head, right down to the feet. “Walking” the zones prior to doing the points indicated below will help to relax your partner. Start on the right foot. Hold the food firmly in your left hand and using your right hand thumb “walk” up the imaginary line between the right big toe and the second big toe from the heel to the point between the toes. You have “walked” the 1st zone. Go back down to the heel and walk up the 2nd zone from the heel to the point between the 2nd and 3rd toe. Now you’ve “walked” the 2nd zone. Continue with the right foot and then do the left foot. When you do the left foot, hold the foot in whichever hand is best for you and walk the zones from 1 through to 5.

zones of the feet according to reflexology

REFLEX AREA
TECHNIQUE
RATIONALE
Pituitary
press with thumb
hormone production to encourage uterus to contract
Chest
thumb walk across area one way and then the other
hormone production
Lungs
thumb walk one way and then the other
regulates breathing
Diaphragm
thumb walk one way and then the other
relaxes breathing muscles, improves deep breathing
Spinal area (emphasis on lower spine)
thumb walk up from ankle to big toe
soothes neural activity, releases tension and pain in the lower back
Uterus
rotate foot inwards onto thumb
improves blood flow and helps in contractions
Ovaries
rotate foot outwards onto thumb
hormone production
Adrenals
rotate foot inwards onto thumb
gives energy for stamina

 

zones of the feet according to reflexology