The first thing to say is that this is more than reflexology; more than pressing a few points on your feet, giving you a nice foot massage (although I can’t deny that it still feels lovely to have – as that’s still important!) and, hey presto – aim achieved! It’s not always a magic wand but it is also far far more than ‘just reflexology’ in many ways.
Reproductive Reflexology is actually an integrative, evidence-based approach. Reflexology in it’s standard form has been around for a very long time and, many years ago, was part of the same modality as acupuncture before becoming a treatment in it’s own right. And it’s effects are now beginning to be backed up by robust research.
But this is about more than a reflexology treatment. It’s about education, knowledge, empowerment and support too.
But How Does It Work?
Reproductive Reflexology uses the same principles of reflexology but with a far more comprehensive, structured and supportive approach. It uses tools and techniques to improve your reproductive health and chances of conceiving, either naturally or through assisted conception.
And you can be taught some of these adapted techniques to use at home too – especially helpful if your sessions are done virtually or for you to use as extra ‘homework’ between treatments to maximise the positive effects.
Structured protocols are used for each phase of your cycle or for a range of reproductive issues, to either restore balance to your natural cycle or to enhance the efficacy of your assisted conception treatments. Each session is tailored to what your body needs to be doing at that specific time – either naturally or through medication. It is never a ‘one size fits all approach’!
How Can It Help Me?
Well, we always start with a very thorough consultation to ensure nothing is overlooked. It helps me to know how you’re feeling, what’s happened up until this point and what tests you’ve had so we can start planning how you can move forward.
If you’re approaching IVF or other assisted conception techniques, it can help you to go into it in the best place possible. As well as working alongside your IVF protocol and supporting you physically and emotionally.
We’ll always look at what’s happening with your menstrual cycle and if there are any areas that could be improved. Which will help you to become familiar and comfortable with what’s happening with your cycle too.
We might look at the results of any semen analyses you’ve had to see if any improvements could be made.
Simple lifestyle and dietary changes for both you and your partner can really help too, so that’s something that can form part of your treatment plan. You are empowered and in control throughout. And the opportunity to let your body relax and rebalance also cannot be underestimated. 21st century living isn’t always massively helpful for fertility!
What About Men?
Absolutely! Male reproductive health is of equal importance to women’s and there is the same level of support alongside our evidence-based techniques and lifestyle advice for both men and women. Men are frequently mistakenly overlooked when it comes to fertility and trying to conceive so it can be helpful for both of you to attend your initial consultation as a starting point. Both of you matter.
The Data
The Association of Reproductive Reflexologists carried out a data collection study with 180 cases. The results were:
- Undiagnosed Infertility: Pregnancy – 70%. Live birth rate – 70%
- Endometriosis: Pregnancy – 65%. Live birth rate – 55%
- PCOS: Pregnancy – 72%. Live birth rate – 57%
- Amenorrhea: Pregnancy – 91%. Live birth rate – 70%
- Sperm Motility Issues: Pregnancy – 100%. Live birth rate – 50%
- Sperm Morphology: Pregnancy – 50%. Live birth rate – 50%
- Ovarian Cysts: Pregnancy: 100%. Live birth rate – 100%
- Progesterone Deficiency: Pregnancy: 50%. Live birth rate – 100%
Out of the 180 cases that were used as part of the study, 100 went onto conceive naturally and 22 went on to conceive with assisted conception methods with an average treatment number of 11.5. The 122 positive outcomes worked out at an overall 68% success rate, compared with an overall average IVF live birth rate per embryo transferred for all IVF patients in 2018 of 23%. (N.B. In some conditions, it sadly has to be noted that the miscarriage rate is known to be higher and is associated with that particular condition.)
“My GP recommended that I try reproductive reflexology after I’d gone to see him about my husband & I trying to conceive. Nicky was brilliant. She really put me at ease and made the whole experience really enjoyable. I left feeling like a weight had been lifted!
Within a month my periods were regular again and after two months of treatments I was pregnant – amazing! I don’t think it was a coincidence that after months of not conceiving, seeing Nicky for treatments helped us to achieve our dream and I would absolutely recommend her and her treatments to anyone else trying to have a baby.”
Mrs W, Gloucestershire.
If you would like further information or would like an informal, non-obligatory chat, you can drop me an email here or book a complimentary introductory consultation here. I’m always happy to help.
