Reflexology, Aromatherapy & Herbal Care
Natural Aids to Pregnancy, Birth and Breastfeeding
Reflexology
It was found that by administering direct, gentle pressure in certain parts of the feet there was an effect in related areas in the body. The feet are a mirror ('reflection') of the body, hence Reflexology! By applying skilled and specific thumb, finger and hand techniques to these pressure points or reflexes, you have the opportunity to discover where pain and challenge may lie in the body and utilizing Reflexology to assist in addressing it.
Regarding labor induction, it is best to request after 40 weeks of gestation. At this time, the gentle method of Reflexology can be applied to assist in stimulating movement and encouraging labor. A trained and qualified Reflexologist, in partnership with mom and baby's intention, can apply this special technique to the area of the feet that correspond to the reproductive system.
The same safe and non-invasive approach can be used if breast milk flow is a challenge, whether too little or too much. By administering Reflexology finger techniques to the pressure or reflex points that correspond to the mammary glands, a mother has the opportunity to unblock channels that may have interfered with the flow of her breast milk, and, in the same vein, the technique can also slow down/balance the flow, if too abundant.
Assisting labor induction and balancing breast milk flow with Reflexology can be accomplished in one or multiple sessions. Other factors may affect these concerns; they would also need to be addressed as part of the Reflexology protocol and/or with other wellness modalities, such as the following.
Aromatherapy means “therapy or treatment through aromas”. It entails using essential oils, also known as the lifeblood or spirit of nature's oldest inhabitants, flowers, plants, fruits, grass and trees.
To increase or balance milk production and product and flow, essential oils of Fennel, Geranium and Clary Sage can be used.
Herbal Care
Herbs are nature's food. Herbs can add nutrients to the body and assist in the healing process. When a body has the appropriate food/nutrients, it functions better, as they contain high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and other chemical constituents.
Angelica, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Motherwort and Yarrow herbs can be used during the last days of pregnancy to gently open the womb and assist an easier childbirth.
Herbs used to encourage a healthy, rich flow of milk include, Fennel Seed, Fenugreek Seed, Blessed Thistle Leaf and Hops. To decrease the flow Parsley and Sage are good options.
Oftentimes, a faulty diet and poor health can slow down the functioning of the body systems, which can delay labor and alter breast milk flow. Eliminating toxins from the diet is a start in improving overall health and optimizing body functioning. Couple this diet change with enzyme support to maximize a healthier body. See suggested diet below.
To remove toxins from your diet, you should eliminate the following:
- Smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs.
- Tap water or water that has had minerals added to it.
- ALL dairy products.
- Carbonated beverages.
- Coffee and tea, except green tea, black tea and herbal teas.
- Fried foods and skins of poultry
- Iodinized salt. Use sea salt if you must.
- Sugar in any form, but you may use stevia.
- Any red meat. (Beef, lamb, pork, and game).
- Non-organic turkey and chicken.
- All processed food, i.e. frozen health food dinners, canned food, and boxed cereals.
- Gluten products, i.e. wheat, rye, barley and sweet rice products.
- All yeast-related or fungus-related foods. This includes soy sauce, mushrooms, vinegar, mayonnaise, and mustard.
- The deadly nightshades, i.e. tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, mangoes, petunias.
- Chemical medications. Instead use natural methods of healing.