Foundation Degree Complementary Therapies CTH405 Reflexology Sharon Young Introduction This study will research pregnancy. The study will look at some of the physical, physiological and psychological effects involved. The study will compare the traditional treatment available on the NHS (National Health Service) with an appropriate reflexology treatment, observing how it can be used before, during and after pregnancy. The study will include relevant current research and look at the limitations of the reflexology treatment. The study begins by looking at some of the symptoms experienced by women during pregnancy. Symptoms are displayed below. (Mackereth, Tiran 2002) (nhs.uk, 2010). The psychological factors, according to Deutsch (1947) cited in Rankin (2002, p.9) states that “pregnancy is a calm dream like period that fulfils a woman’s deepest yearnings”. However Bibring (1959) cited in Rankin (2002, p.9) states that Possible Symptoms suffered during pregnancy ❖ Stress ❖ Lower backache ❖ Oedema ❖ Nausea and vomiting ❖ Headaches and migraine ❖ Carpal tunnel syndrome ❖ Varicose veins ❖ Thrush ❖ Incontinence ❖ Heartburn ❖ Indigestion ❖ Constipation ❖ Haemorrhoids ❖ Pelvic joint pain. ❖ Gestational diabetes March 2010 1
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Foundation Degree Complementary Therapies
CTH405 Reflexology
Sharon Young
Introduction
This study will research pregnancy. The study will look at some of the physical,
physiological and psychological effects involved. The study will compare the
traditional treatment available on the NHS (National Health Service) with an
appropriate reflexology treatment, observing how it can be used before, during and
after pregnancy. The study will include relevant current research and look at the
limitations of the reflexology treatment.
The study begins by looking at some of the symptoms experienced by women during
pregnancy. Symptoms are displayed below. (Mackereth, Tiran 2002) (nhs.uk, 2010).
The psychological factors, according to Deutsch (1947) cited in Rankin (2002, p.9)
states that “pregnancy is a calm dream like period that fulfils a woman’s deepest
yearnings”. However Bibring (1959) cited in Rankin (2002, p.9) states that
Possible Symptoms suffered during pregnancy
❖ Stress
❖ Lower backache
❖ Oedema
❖ Nausea and vomiting
❖ Headaches and migraine
❖ Carpal tunnel syndrome
❖ Varicose veins
❖ Thrush
❖ Incontinence
❖ Heartburn
❖ Indigestion
❖ Constipation
❖ Haemorrhoids
❖ Pelvic joint pain.
❖ Gestational diabetes
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Foundation Degree Complementary Therapies
CTH405 Reflexology
Sharon Young
pregnancy is more of an emotional stress period and that anxiety increases as the
pregnancy progresses. Although every woman is unique; emotional stress and
anxiety are quite common. (Rankin 2002). Levels of anxiety were increased in
pregnant women compared to the non-pregnant state. (Condon1987 cited in Rankin
2002). Anxiety has been related to the different trimesters of pregnancy and
research suggests that women become more emotional, such as crying, worry and
nervousness being more common in the 2nd and early 3rd trimesters. These feelings
have been found to be at the peak in the 3rd trimester. (Rankin 2002). Some women
have however, not experienced these negative emotions and have actually as stated
by Rankin (2002, p.9) “increased levels of psychological well-being”.
Many physiological changes occur during pregnancy states Rankin (2002, p.11),
“Adjustments are necessary to provide an optimal environment for the developing
foetus”.
The cardiovascular system is affected and blood pressure may become high due to
hormonal influences and cardiovascular changes. These changes are necessary as
extra oxygen is needed by the body’s tissues and for the needs of the growing foetus
as pregnancy progresses. The respiratory system is also affected, especially in the
3rd trimester of pregnancy. This is because the uterus can force the diaphragm up as
much as 4cm and can result in a reduction in the respiratory reserve. (Rankin 2002).
According to Rankin (2002) Profound changes occur in the endocrine system during
pregnancy. Extra body tissue is needed to support the pregnancy and the hormone
oestrogen aids this. Progesterone has a relaxing effect and so aids the
cardiovascular system to cope with the demands of the pregnancy.
Hormonal changes can also cause constipation. (NHS 2010)
Rankin (2002, p.14) observes “Pregnancy is a diabetogenic event especially through
the action of the hormones cortisol, progesterone and chorionic
sommatomammotrophin”. The body can become more resistant to insulin.
According to Lefers (2004), chorionic sommatomammotrophin is “A hormone that
promotes maternal breast development during pregnancy”.
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Foundation Degree Complementary Therapies
CTH405 Reflexology
Sharon Young
Relaxin helps to relax the ligaments, as a result, becoming more flexible. Relaxin is
produced from the early weeks of pregnancy. The pelvis-sacroiliac joints and pubis
symphysis joint are mainly affected, according to Romen et al (1991) cited by Rankin
(2002). Although this may be desirable, especially for accommodating the foetus
and delivery of baby, the hormones can affect all joints making them as stated by
Rankin (2002, p.14) “Potentially unstable” [and this is also more prone in] “weight
bearing areas”. [authors words in brackets].
As the pregnancy progresses the musculo-skeletal system is affected, due to the
increased laxity at the pelvis and loss of tone in the abdominal muscles. This may
cause an exaggerated curvature of the lower spine. (Lumbar lordosis). Low back
pain is a common complaint during pregnancy. (Rankin 2002).
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can occur in late pregnancy this is due to oedema around
the nerves in the wrists. (Mackereth, Tiran 2002).
Reflexology is beneficial to this system as it can help to balance the endocrine
system and insulin production (Enzer n.d.).
The NHS offer help for common problems during pregnancy. All pregnant women
are appointed a midwife to oversee their care and well being during their pregnancy.
[Author].
Drugs may be prescribed during pregnancy for some symptoms like constipation,
haemorrhoids, lack of iron. However it is stated in the BNF (Sept 2009) “Drugs
should be prescribed in pregnancy only if the expected benefit to the mother is
thought to be greater than the risk to the foetus”.
As observed by Mackereth and Tiran (2002, p.124) it has been suggested that
reflexology “Could be an ideal non-pharmalogical way of managing difficult
symptoms”. For example nausea, pain relief, emotional stress and anxiety. In a
case study documented by Mackereth and Tiran (2002, p.141). A pregnant woman
complaining of constipation had not had a bowel movement for 3 weeks. The
midwife performed zone therapy on 2 occasions thus the pregnant client reported
bowel movement twice weekly from this intervention.
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Foundation Degree Complementary Therapies
CTH405 Reflexology
Sharon Young
Regular health checks and antenatal screening are very important during pregnancy
both for mother and baby. The NHS offer antenatal classes to help prepare for
arrival of baby. They're informative classes ranging from coping with labour pain,
pregnancy emotions, and exercise and relaxation classes during pregnancy. (NHS,
2010).
In a study and book written by Rankin (2002). Rankin’s study investigated the
effects of regular exercise during and following pregnancy in psychological well
being and birth outcomes. The findings of the study found no difference between the
control group and intervention group in relation to pregnancy birth outcomes
including length of labour, labour duration and mode of delivery. It was not possible
to conclude whether maternal exercise influenced pregnancy and birth outcomes.
Regular exercise did, however, show benefits for the pregnant mothers’
psychological well being.
Lower backache is common and studies, as observed by Mackereth and Tiran
(2002) have shown that if reflexology is required too early then the treatment may
not be as effective.
Pain relief in labour is usually given in the form of an epidural or pethidine. [Author].
Sometimes if labour is slow, to make contractions more effective a Syntocinon drip
which contains an artificial form of the labour hormone, oxytocin can help speed up
the contractions. (NCCWCH 2007).
Reflexology may be a better alternative. According to Mackereth and Tiran (p.144,
2002), reflexology during labour can be very relaxing and pain relieving stating that
“Simple pressure applied to the heels can be very effective during contractions”.
Studies in the UK and Denmark have shown to speed up labour and reduce pain.
Flanagan (2004) Cited in McCulloch (2009) states that
“In a Danish study at the Gentofte Hospital in Copenhagen, 68 women tried
reflexology instead of drugs in labour. An impressive 61 % said they experienced
outstanding pain relief”.
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Foundation Degree Complementary Therapies
CTH405 Reflexology
Sharon Young
Liisberg G. (1989) Cited by Cheryl Cole (n.d.) observed that of 593 women giving
birth at the Danish hospital, 89.7% of those choosing reflexology and no analgesic
drugs felt it reduced pain, only 4 of them required additional pain medications. The
study also demonstrated that in about half the cases it helped bring about labour
without further intervention. This is backed by a study by Dr. Gowri Motha.
Dr. Gowri Motha is the pioneer for the use of reflexology in pregnant women. Her
book The Gentle Birth Method has become very popular due to celebrities such as
Gwyneth Paltrow, Elle Macpherson and Kate moss promoting its benefits. (Cole
n.d.). Dr. Motha has researched reflexology in pregnancy and the results are
illustrated below.
Research on Reflexology in Pregnancy and on labour outcomes
Dr. Gowri Motha, Ms Zia Rowji and Dr. Jane McGrath (2004)
For this research study reflexology was given free of charge to 64 pregnant women
from 20 weeks of pregnancy to term. The study was done in 1992-93, in Forest
Gate, London. 37 women completed the course of 10 treatments.
It was shown that reflexology helped with the following problems.
The effects on labour outcomes were outstanding. Labour times ranged from only
2-3 hours. First time mothers and 20-25 year olds had an average first stage labour
of 5-6 hours. (Text book average is 16-24 hours). Second time mothers and 26-30
year olds had longer labours. (It is suggested that these may have fallen in to the
Musculo-skeletal 24.3% Cystitis 5.4%
Heartburn 18.9% Insomnia 5.4%
Oedema 16.2% Irritable Uterus 5.4%
Hypertension 13.5% Migraine 5.4%
Social Stress 10.8% No Problems 5.4%
Immunological Stress 8.1% Nose Bleeds 2.7%
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Foundation Degree Complementary Therapies
CTH405 Reflexology
Sharon Young
category experiencing more social stress). The second stage of labour averaged at
16 minutes, textbook expectancy is 1-2 hours. (Motha et al 2004)
Feder et al (1993) cited in (Mackereth and Tiran 2002) has also stated that
reflexology can reduce the length of first stage of labour.
The study also illustrated that normal deliveries were high in mothers receiving
reflexology.
Outcomes for mothers receiving reflexology in the study
Dr. Motha in a different study found that reflexology normalised hypertension.
Dr Motha's study shows good results with reflexology used in pregnancy. A
comparison is shown below between Gentle birth method and the national average
on delivery.
O’Brien (2004) cited in (Motha et al 2004) states that Dr. Motha has solid medical training. She has seen 50000 expectant mothers and that she claims she is able to tell within moments of meeting them those who will have problems.
Normal Deliveries 89.0%
Inductions 5.4%
Forceps 2.7%
Selective C Section 2.7%
Emergency C Section 5.4%
Immunological Stress 8.1% (13% in Newham District)
Gentle Birth Method National Average
Vaginal Delivery 90% 79%
Episiotomies 34% 15%
Epidural 17% 38%
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CTH405 Reflexology
Sharon Young
Dr. Motha does state however that women should not endure more than 8 hours strong labour without an epidural “There is always going to be a need for intervention and why suffer”. (Motha 2004).
Dr Gowri Motha writes in her book, that Reflexology is one of the most powerful tools
in her programme, and describes the benefits of Reflexology treatments throughout
pregnancy which include:
• Reducing and normalising high blood pressure
• Elimination of oedema and reduced swelling in feet and ankles
• Prevention of heartburn
• Improved sleep quality
• Clearing headaches
• Relieving varicose veins
• Clearing pelvic congestion
• Improved lymphatic drainage
• Helping to aid digestion
• Oxygenating the baby by improving the blood flow within the whole body,
helping the uterus and the baby’s placenta.
• Helping to carry the baby to term
• Can be used to prime labour if you are overdue, thereby reducing the need for
medical induction at hospital
• Intensifying contractions during labour and shortening labour as a result
(Cole n.d.)
An article by John Rhind in the Journal of Association of Reflexologists (2009) also
suggests that reflexology can be beneficial in pregnancy and aid labour. He
describes a mother whom he was treating. She had been receiving reflexology
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Foundation Degree Complementary Therapies
CTH405 Reflexology
Sharon Young
treatments from John and on the day she returned for priming the mother had her
baby 4 hours later, the birth process took just 12 minutes from first push to birth.
Rhind (2009) states that there are “3 acupressure points that should be avoided for
pregnant feet”. The 3 points in question are used by trained maternity reflexologists
to encourage labour.
“The 3 points are
Spleen 6 located 4 fingers width above the medial ankle bones.
Bladder 60 located on the posterior of each ankle between Achilles tendon and
ankle.
Bladder 67 located on lateral base corner of number 5 toenail.
Spleen 6 produces huge blood flow expelling contents of uterus and bladder 60 and
67 expedite labour by expelling contents of the bladder.”
(Rhind 2009, p.18)
Mackereth and Tiran (2002) have also stated that when labour is slow the
reflexologist may stimulate the pituitary gland and this can increase the strength and
frequency of contractions. They also agree that labour can be initiated using reflex
zone therapy. Tiran the author of Clinical reflexology is a practising midwife and has
with consenting agreement between parties involved encouraged the onset of labour
using reflexology. Tiran estimated if labour was imminent by “Palpating foot zones,
for the anterior and posterior pituitary gland and applying the findings to knowledge
of hormonal changes in late pregnancy”. (Mackereth and Tiran 2002, p.143)
This is perhaps worth further research.
The safety of reflexology in pregnancy has been somewhat debated. Mackereth and
Tiran (p.143, 2002) state that “It is professionally irresponsible for independent
therapists to agree to stimulate uterine contractions [without] adequate consultation”
between therapist, mother and midwife. An article by Flanagan (2004) also states
that although there is no evidence to suggest reflexology would cause a miscarriage,
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CTH405 Reflexology
Sharon Young
unless the reflexologist has been trained to work with pregnant women, e.g. midwife,
then treatment prior to 13 weeks is not recommended.
Dr. Motha also advises that only a gentle foot massage working on upper areas of
foot is advisable before 12 weeks gestation. Although reflexology has been found to
be safe during pregnancy , some midwives have advised against it, stating that it
may cause miscarriage or provoke early labour.
Dr Laurence, an obstetrician asked Dr. Motha to research whether reflexology was
safe in pregnancy. The findings were presented at the Clinical Governance in
Maternity Services in 2001. The graph below illustrates the findings. The 1.7% born
at 36 weeks was twins.
Safety of Reflexology in Pregnancy Graph [Internet] Available at http://