Reflexology and pregnancy

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There are many natural approaches to combating one of the most common pregnancy complaints, morning sickness.  Most people have heard of the age-old ginger remedy for upset stomachs and intestinal gas.  It is an effective remedy that is cheap to use and has no side effects, which is very important to most expectant mothers.  However, there are many more natural remedies that you can use not only to ease the stomach, but also to ensure a smooth, faster labor.  Yes, it is true, say hello to reflexology.

Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster?  Yes, it is true.  According to the results of an in-depth study, women that undergo reflexology treatment during pregnancy also appear to have fewer complications during labor.  These benefits are great, but what about the nine-months of uncomfortable, often painful symptoms?

If you are new to reflexology, here are the basics.  Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs.  By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.  And it is not only limited to the feet and hands, although they are the most widely used areas.  Reflexology can also be used on the face and the ears as well.

Because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body.  Reflexology has been known to relieve many common pregnancy complaints including headache, nausea, backache, stress and anxiety, sleeplessness, fatigue, constipation, swollen ankles and digestive problems such as acid reflux.

Of all of the pregnancy complaints, nausea, or morning sickness is one of the most uncomfortable.  Not only can it last all day and can onset in the blink of an eye, but also can lead to problems holding down food if it becomes severe.  Here is what I would recommend if you are having trouble with nausea on a regular basis.

• Start a reflexology treatment schedule and stick to it.  In a very short time you will feel like you are on top of the world.
• Eat frequent, small meals throughout the day.  This is a common recommendation, but one worth mentioning at anytime.
• Do not eliminate your carbs but rather take in complex carbs instead of simple, sugar-laden carbs.  They will only make matters worse.
• Because prenatal vitamin contain a lot of iron, that can be a cause for upset stomach.  I always got in the habit of taking it later in the day or before bed versus in the morning.
• Another common recommendation, and a good one at that, is to have some saltine crackers on your bedside.  When you wake up in the morning, wake up slowly and munch on some before you rise.  One sure fire way to get nausea going is to jump up out of bed.  Just don’t do it, I learned this the hard way!  It is better to be late than to be sick all day!
• Avoid strong odors and smells.  If you can’t hack a smell, go out and take a light walk in the fresh air.  That will usually do the trick.