The benefits of Reflexology during pregnancy
August 12, 2008
 Women benefit from complementary therapies during childbirth  Reflexology benefits during pregnancy |
Complementary therapies during pregnancy: The women in Gloucestershire are going longer without epidurals and labours are shorter thanks to a scheme involving complementary therapies and massage during childbirth. Around 26 per cent of the 6,000 mums who pass through maternity wards at Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal hospitals are now opting to try complementary therapy. Midwife Asha Dhany, a trained reflexologist and massage therapist who has led the initiative, said: “Feedback has been positive and it’s working very well. “Some women say it’s just like going to a spa rather than being in a clinical environment. SOURCE: Women benefit from complementary therapies during childbirth |
| Trained staff are on hand to use oils and massage to aid relaxation, provide a natural form of pain relief, speed up labour and to ease nausea and headaches.
The options are first presented to women during pre-natal discussions, then they can choose oils. These include bergamot, which has antiseptic properties, clary sage, which can help speed up labour, frankincense to calm nervous tension and jasmine to reduce pain and headaches. The oils are used in baths, via massage, droplets or by douche. The scheme started 12 months ago and its success has surprised 130 midwives in the county who have been trained to offer natural therapy. “We use some oils, such as jasmine and clary sage, to speed up labour and others, like peppermint, to reduce temperature and combat nausea. Bergamot is very relaxing and offers good pain relief. “It was quite simple to implement the massage and essential oil and it makes the environment nice for women.” Alexandra O’Connell, from Prestbury, benefited from the therapies as she gave birth to Daisy-Ann, now two weeks old. Asha is now planning to complete a research Masters degree to see if she can confirm the anecdotal evidence. She said: “There is currently no medical evidence to show how much women are benefiting from the treatments, although midwives are reporting that they have seen a growing number of labours reducing in length and more women going longer without epidurals. “We do hope to do some research on this to see if we can back up our anecdotal evidence with statistics.” CHOOSE A REFLEXOLOGY METHOD:
|
Reflexology pregnancy
July 19, 2008
 Reflexology and pregnancy |
Reflexology during pregnancy?: Reflexologist Hannah Hulme Hunter says: “Reflexology is generally considered safe in pregnancy, provided all is well with your pregnancy and your reflexologist knows that you’re pregnant.” SOURCE: Reflexology during pregnancy |
|
However, some reflexologists will not treat a pregnant woman during the first trimester. The Association of Reflexologists (AOR) has said that this opinion can be attributed to a misplaced patient fear that reflexology may cause a miscarriage.
|
Therapist offers pain relief
July 9, 2008
|
|
|
|
Pain relief trough reflexology: Certified massage and occupational therapist offers pain reflief. SOURCE:
|
|
Certified massage and occupational therapist John Whalen has opened a new facility in Connellsville — A Healthy Place.
A Healthy Place is located at 110 Arch St. Whalen offers an array of services including reflexology and trigger point therapy. Whalen, a Connellsville native, is a graduate of Geibel High School. He is certified in occupational, massage, sports, orthopedic, oncology, and pregnancy therapy. Whalen originally started his career as an occupational therapist. In 2001, he continued his schooling. “I wanted a change in my career and my real interest has always been massage,” Whalen said. “I’m remarkably happy with the change.” Whalen graduated from the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy. “I offer a different type of massage,” Whalen said. “I work with each client individually, giving each my full attention and focus. I offer advanced medical massage therapy and that’s my focus. I don’t do spa treatments or wraps.” Whalen’s services at A Healthy Place include acupressure, aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and pregnancy, reflexology, sports, Swedish and trigger point therapies. “I work with a lot of orthopedic and sports clients and cancer patients (oncology massage)” Whalen said. “And I really enjoy what I do. My goal is to help my patients with pain relief.” Also important to Whalen is listening. Whalen takes ample time to sit with each potential or long-term client, listening to their thoughts and concerns pertaining to their trouble areas. “I listen,” Whalen said. “I listen to what they tell me and I go by how their body feels.” Whalen takes his therapies outside the office, going directly to his clients. Most of Whalen’s services can be performed at any office location, clinic, work site and in the clients’ homes. Combining his skills with a relaxing atmosphere, Whalen will also perform massages at the poolside, campsite or vacation hideaway. “I travel to you if needed,” Whalen said. He also volunteers his services at numerous functions and fundraising events. “I’ve worked at the U.S. Open as a volunteer and for the Jerome Bettis Association. I also volunteer for certain charities or community events. I have always gotten a lot from the community, and I like to give back when I can and volunteer at events. If I am able to help, I will.” Family orientated, A Healthy Place’s services are offered to clients of all ages. “There are as many reasons for receiving massage therapy, as there are different types of people,” Whalen said. “Almost everybody benefits from massage in one way or another.” |
|
|
