Joanna
Fertility Reflexology
Pre-conception
Pre-conceptual care is all about preparing the body, mind and spirit for the miracle of conceiving. Joanna focuses on restoring physical and emotional health, to nurture the woman through the journey ahead.
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The inability to conceive can rock our very core, and the emotional effect can have a major impact on everyday life. Reflexology has a hugely beneficial impact on our endocrine system (glands and hormones), helping to balance hormones and bring our bodies back into an optimum state.
Joanna works with private IVF clinics in London and brings her expertise to women suffering from conditions that may impact fertility. She offers support for women on their own personal fertility journeys, either naturally or alongside assisted cycles (IUI, ICSI or IVF).
Reflexology does not claim to cure infertility, however, it is incredibly calming and can help balance the hormones that are fundamental to the reproductive system.
“I’d had 3 failed IVF attempts, before I found Joanna.
My last and final attempt felt so different to the others.
I felt listened to, nourished and blissfully relaxed.
I’m delighted to say I’m now pregnant and without a doubt, I credit her for making this happen"
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Barnes (Consultant)
“My own fertility struggles led me to Reflexology and through first-hand experience (having had my own three daughters) and working with patients, I’m still often amazed by the results that can be achieved through this safe and wonderful therapy, especially in the area of hormonal and gynaecological health."
Joanna
Pregnancy
"If the mother has access to just one type of therapy during pregnancy, the best all-around treatment would be Reflexology"
Dr Gowri Motha, leading obstetrician and creator of The Gentle Birth Method
Reflexology is one of the safest, most supportive therapies for pregnant women** providing mental, physical and emotional support through each trimester. It can encourage an uncomplicated pregnancy and a timely delivery, reducing the need for medical induction.
Reflexology can help with:
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Fatigue
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Deep relaxation: relieving stress and improving sleep
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Vitality: releasing muscle tension, improving blood & lymph circulation
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Pain relief: headaches, neck, back ache, sciatica and pelvic girdle pain (SPD)
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Digestion: constipation, bloating and acid reflux
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Water retention
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Stress and anxiety
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Creating a sense of wellbeing for mother and baby
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Promoting timely labour
Labour
Research shows labour outcomes for women who receive regular pregnancy reflexology, are significantly different from national averages.
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Research published by Dr Gowri Motha, Ms Zia Rowji and Dr Jane McGrath, 'Reflexology in Pregnancy and Labour Outcomes' showed that:
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89% of women who had regular pregnancy reflexology had a normal delivery, vs the national average of 73.8%
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more significantly only 5.4% were induced, vs the national average of 25%
Joanna occasionally also uses moxibustion techniques in clinic when helping to turn babies into an anterior position (head down), the optimal-foetal-positioning for birth.
** Reflexology is completely safe throughout the whole of pregnancy and Joanna is qualified to treat within the first 13 weeks. Contraindications include; a history of miscarriage, pre-term labour, placenta praevia/low-lying placenta (after 32 weeks) and hydroamnios (excess amniotic fluid around the baby).
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Reflexology to bring on labour:
Ideally all pregnant women should prepare their body for birth 6-8 weeks before their due date. Reflexology shouldn’t be used as a ‘quick fix’ before induction, the body and its powerful mix of hormones all need time to adjust.
In clinic, Joanna starts priming for labour from 37 weeks and will give self-help reflex points to continue the treatment at home.
