2. Reflexology for Fertility and Maternity
Sal Hanvey BA (hons) MFHT IIHHT CNHC Dip. Nut. Adv
Complementary Therapist
Natural Health NI
Reflexologist I Clinical Aromatherapist I Iridologist I Nutrition
Advisor
4. Why I Chose the path I did……
• I have been very interested in complementary
therapies since I was a teenager. I had my first
reflexology treatment when I was 19. After a few
treatments, I felt totally refreshed, de-stressed
and balanced.
• I was just about to move to England to embark on
a 3 year BA (hons) Degree in Public Relations and
Media Studies, but knew that when I had
completed it, I would study Reflexology, as I
found it both fascinating and intriguing.
5. Aromatherapy Progression….
• I researched the benefits of Essential oils and
how they can play a significant role in
reflexology treatments as well as in the
aftercare. Therefore, it seemed natural to
broaden my knowledge in this subject. In 2008
I qualified in Aromatherapy and Massage
Therapy in Northern Ireland.
6. Aromatherapy…..
• “Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy
based on the use of concentrated essential
plant oils. Aromatherapy is used to reduce the
symptoms of a range of conditions and is
believed to work both physiologically and
psychologically”.
7. Fertility and Maternity
• Soon after, I decided to learn more about
fertility and maternity and how reflexology
may help in both areas, so I decided to go to
Scotland and learn more and soon qualified in
Advanced Reflexology for Sub-Fertility and
Maternity, which now includes a significant
percentage of my client base.
• I also completed 2 further courses in N. Ireland
in fertility and Maternity and Labor
Reflexology
8. Accreditations
• The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
• The Complementary and Natural Healthcare
Council (CNHC)
• The International Institute of Health and
Holistic Therapies (UK) (IIHHT)
9. The future of Reflexology
• The Department of Health in November, 2009, stated:
• “CNHC is the only voluntary regulatory body for
complementary healthcare which has official
government backing. No other organization has the
exact same criteria or focus on safety and quality.”
• NHS National register
11. What is a complementary Therapy?
• "There is no alternative medicine. There is only
medicine that works and medicine that doesn't
work.”
• Richard Dawkins- Professor of the public. 1862
12. The Management of Stress
• "The perfect no-stress environment is the
grave. When we change our perception we
gain control. The stress becomes a challenge,
not a threat. When we commit to action, to
actually doing something rather than feeling
trapped by events, the stress in our life
becomes manageable.”
• Greg Anderson American best-selling Author
and founder of the American Wellness
Project 1964
15. Maximizing your changes
“Fertility and the speed of conception depends on many
factors- some psychological, some physical, some
nutritional and some environmental. For example,
conceptions are very high during holidays since stress
has a major impact on fertility.”
Patrick Holford, internationally renowned author and
nutritionist.
16. What to expect from a treatment
• A full medical history will be taken which relates specifically
to sub-fertility
• An individual treatment will be given to each client
depending on their own specific needs and requirements
• The session will last 1 hour approx. This is sometimes the
only hour that the client gets to themselves. Therefore, it is
important that the atmosphere is calming, with music,
candles and essential oils to maximize the therapeutic
quality of the treatment
• An tailored, individual aftercare plan will be given to the
client depending on the findings in the session
17. Client response
“Having had irregular periods since I was a teenager, I would
often go six months without having a period . I was worried that
this would affect my chances of conceiving.
I began having regular reflexology treatments and within a short
time my cycle became regular. I feel that the relaxation of the
treatments and the regulation of my cycle helped me to
conceive. I had reflexology the day I was in labor and I feel that
this helped me to both relax and focus on the birth. The
Aromatherapy blends, which Sal used, were tailored to my
individual needs before and during my pregnancy and the
nutrition advice that was given, I feel made a difference also.”
Victoria, Belfast
20. Balancing of the endocrine system
• In my experience, I have seen clients beginning to reflect on
small or big changes that they needed to make in order to
bring their body into balance for the purpose of their overall
wellbeing as well as for the purposes of hormonal balance.
• Reflexology has been known to help restore balance to the
endocrine system. These are the set of glands that produce
the body’s natural hormones and as we know hormones play
a major role in fertility. If the hormones become balanced
then it stands to reason that conception will occur more
readily.
22. What is Iridology?
• “Iridology is the study of the 'Iris' of the eye -
the exposed nerve endings which make up the
coloured part of the eye, each of which are
connected to the brain.”
• Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists
23. Iridology explained…..
• Iridology is a non-intrusive, painless method of
studying the iris of the eye to be able to detect
constitutional strengths and weaknesses
within the body.
• It allows you to measure the efficiency of
eliminative systems and organs as well as to
check levels of inflammation and congestion
within the body.
24. Why is Iridology useful?
• A trained Iridologist sees the exposed nerve
endings as a 'map', revealing information about:
• the body's genetic strengths and weaknesses,
• levels of inflammation and toxaemia
• The efficiency of the eliminative systems and
organs
• Hormonal imbalances
28. Client response
• “When I first decided to have an Iridology consultation, I
had no idea what to expect. A friend of mine had went
to Sal for a consultation and told me that, as a result,
she had gained great insight into many aspects of her
health, both physically and emotionally. I was fascinated
by the fact that examining the iris of the eye could
somehow relate to health, diet and lifestyle. Sal was
able to identify areas of my health which I already had
suspicions about. I was suffering from PMT, and hadn’t
been feeling well and always felt tired and hormonal.
Following Sal’s advice I made changes to my diet and
now feel so much better as a result” Paula, Banbridge
29. Restoring hormone health
• “Your endocrine system consists of nine glands in your
brain and body that secrete a variety of hormones, or
chemical messengers that influence a variety of bodily
functions, ranging from digestion to reproduction.
Hormonal balance is important for proper growth and
development, helping you reach and maintain your ideal
weight and keeping your moods on an even keel. Many
plant foods and some animal foods contain compounds
with hormone-like effects that can assist you in reaching
hormone balance and related health goals.”
Tracey Roizman, D.C Nutritional Therapist
30. Fertility and body balance
• For many, trying to conceive can be a difficult
process. Lifestyle, diet and stress may all
contribute to your chances and outcome.
However reflexology is a natural intervention
treatment to help bring the body back into
balance as well as helping you to relax in the
process.
32. Fertility for the mind
Reflexology has been said to support the nervous system times of:
• Strain and stress
• Worry
• Depression/ low moods
• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability and tension
33. Advanced Reflexology
• Some use reflexology with or instead of
medical intervention
• Along side IVF and other conventional fertility
treatment protocols
• Support nervous system in a time of added
strain and worry (Fertility for the mind)
35. Sound familiar?
• Physical PMS symptoms
• fluid retention, weight gain
• feeling bloated
• pain and discomfort in your abdomen (tummy)
• headaches
• changes to your skin and hair
• Backache, muscle and joint pain
• breast tenderness
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
36. And this?
• Psychological PMS symptoms
• mood swings, feeling upset or emotional
• feeling irritable or angry
• Depressed
• Crying and tearfulness
• Anxiety
• difficulty concentrating, confusion and forgetfulness
• Restlessness
• decreased self-esteem
37. PMT Emotional Symptoms
• Premenstrual syndrome has a host of
emotional symptoms, including depression
and irritability. Many women experience sleep
disturbances that, combined with hormonal
changes, contribute to angry outbursts,
confusion and poor concentration. There are
also changes in appetite, including food
cravings and social withdrawal.
38. Physical Symptoms
• Many of the physical symptoms of PMS are
associated with the hormonal changes that
occur during the menstrual cycle. Many
women experience bloating, weight gain
accompanied by swelling in the hands and
feet. There is also a tendency toward
headaches and breast tenderness.
40. Reflexology for Physiological
Symptoms
• Helps fertility issues and restores hormone balance
• Improves circulation
• Helps in all stages of pregnancy
• Improves digestion, including IBS, (which I often call ‘I B Stress’)
• Reduces muscular tension
• Relieves fatigue
• Increases energy and reduces tension
• Helps regulate the menstrual cycle
• Promotes refreshing sleep
• Strengthens natural self-healing mechanisms
• Addresses depression
41. Emotional and psychological
benefits
• Promotes calmness and a sense of well-being
• Relaxes the body and mind
• Relieves stress and anxiety
• Soothes emotional distress
• Improves mental function and concentration
• Helps people who are suffering with depression
• Promotes balance.
44. Reflexology in Pregnancy
• General wellbeing and vitality
• Sciatica and general back pain
• To increase energy levels
• Promoting a good nights sleep
• Hormonesupport
• Constipation
• Helps relieve heartburn
• Improving digestion
• General discomfort
45. Reflexology as a prevention
method
• Preeclampsia, (high blood pressure)
• Urinary tract infections, UTI’s
• Fluid retention and oedema
• Morning sickness, or ‘anytime’ nausea
• Back pain
• Blood sugar control
• PID, PGP
46. Post Natal Care
• Hormone restoration
• Baby blues, Post Natal depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Breast feeding and weaning
• Restoring menstrual cycle
• Fluid retention and weight fluctuation
• Baby reflexology
47. Client Response
• “After 3 inductions and very interventionist
births I tried reflexology in the later stages of
my fourth pregnancy. I found the treatments
relaxing but more importantly gave me
something to focus on and made me less
impatient during the final weeks. I went into
spontaneous labor and had a natural delivery,
which had alluded me previously!”
• Dolores, Belfast
48. Nutrition and Hormones
• During times of high-stress and anxiety, the endocrine
system of the body releases stress hormones
(including cortisol and adrenaline). These are "fight or
flight" hormones meant to prepare your body for
action. These hormones elevate blood pressure, heart
beat, breathing rate and encourage muscle tightening.
Anxiety causes the liver to release glucose (sugar) into
the bloodstream for quick energy. These responses,
over the long haul, may deplete the body's nutrient
stores, lead to exhaustion and lower immune system
function. Consuming foods that help relax the body, as
well as replenish certain nutrients, is essential.
53. How to balance hormones with diet
• Reduce your intake of saturated fats and sugar
Refined sugar can cause an increase in the
production of insulin from the pancreas which
can disrupt hormone balance.
Reduce the amount of red meat and dairy that
you ingest as these foods contain the hormone
estrogen which can also cause hormonal
imbalances
54. Foods to include……
• Increase your intake of fruit and vegetables,
especially those high in phytoestrogens.
• Phytoestrogens are essentially plant hormones
that, when ingested by humans, mimic the
effects of naturally occurring hormones
produced by the body. Examples: Broccoli,
cabbage and turnip.
55. Don’t skip meals
• Don’t skip breakfast or lunch.
"Eat at least three meals per day. When you eat
breakfast, your metabolism gets jump-started
for the day. When your metabolism remains
balanced throughout the day, your endocrine
system is more likely to remain stable, thus
avoiding hormonal imbalances.”
Dr. Christiane Northrup
57. Raw Peppers
• When raw, both red and green hot chilies and
bell peppers are very high in Vitamin C, which
has shown to reduce cortisol (the stress
hormone). High levels of Vitamin C are also
found in raw fruits like oranges, cantaloupe,
papayas and kiwi.
58. The importance of water
• One of the first signs of dehydration is fatigue,
and researchers have found that even mild
dehydration alters a person’s mood, energy
levels and mental function. Drink H2O
throughout the day.
59. Vitamins for stress and hormone
health
• The body's requirement for all the B-vitamins
increases with stress. Vitamin B6 is particularly
important for a healthy immune system and nerve
function. In addition, Vitamin B6 may increase the
release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the
brain that acts as a natural relaxant. Folic acid
(known as "folate" in food sources) is another B-
vitamin related to serotonin levels. Low levels of
folate decreases serotonin production. Foods rich
in both Vitamin B6 and folate include legumes,
bananas, nuts, fish, leafy green vegetables and
poultry
61. Beverages
Replace your coffee with decaffeinated tea to
promote relaxation. Caffeine acts as a
stimulant, and is also a hormone inhibiter (also
found in colas and chocolate). Decaffeinated
herbal tea may be the best choice since some
herbs offer soothing properties. Try
chamomile, passionflower, rosemary or
valerian tea. Chamomile, in particular, is
recognized as a natural relaxant and stomach
soother.
62. Food for thought…
• Try at least 3 times a week to either eat:
• With friends or family
• Without the TV, phone, laptop as a distraction
• And take time to digest food by resting after eating
• Chew and really taste your food
• Cook your own food from scratch
• Be mindful and grateful of your food
63. The role of Fibre
• Include foods high in fiber in your diet. Fiber
binds to estrogen, allowing the body to
process and eliminate any excess hormone.
• Brown rice
• Grains
• Oatmeal
• Beans
64. EFA’s
• Include foods high in Omega 3 and Omega 6,
essential fatty acids.
• These are crucial for the production of
eicosonoids, which are the hormones that
transmit biological information throughout the
body. A deficiency in these fatty acids can
create ‘bad’ hormones, hence creating an
hormonal imbalance.
• Foods to include: Oily Fish, nuts, legumes.
65. Cut back on the Carbs
• Eat a moderate portion of carbohydrates.
Carbohydrate consumption may have an
impact on insulin production, which, in turn,
impact of eicosnoid levels.
• A balanced diet containing fruit, vegetables,
and fatty acids and a moderate amount of
complex carbohydrates creates an hormonal
balance within the body.
69. Contact information
For more information or to book an appointment for:
• Reflexology
• Advanced Reflexology (Fertility and Pregnancy)
• Iridology (Iris reading)
• Nutrition Advice
Call 07801 476048
or email sal@naturalhealthni.co.uk
Or visit the website: www.naturalhealthni.co.uk
70. Discuss……..
1. Recall a time when you
had a real craving for
something...
How did you deal with it?
Would you do anything
differently now ?
71. Discuss……..
2. What do you now
consider to be
essential to your
personal health and
well-being?
