Never treat Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – use Homan’s test, dorsiflex the foot, if excruciating pain felt refer to Doctor immediately. Pregnant ladies can be more prone to DVT due to high levels of oestrogens and extra weight impeding venous return from the legs. Symptoms include the inflammatory response that is heat, swelling, pain and redness.
IVF patients should not receive reflexology due to fertility drugs such as Clomid. Reflexology can resume when her course of drugs has finished.
Avoid acu-points spleen 6, bladder 60, bladder 67 and large intestine 4, all fabulous points when she goes into labour but contraindicated in pregnancy.
If the clients Doctor or midwife instructs practitioners not to treat a client – don’t. There may be a medical reason why this is the case. Good communication between reflexologist and obstetric team helpful.
Reflexology has an excellent reputation when helping sub-fertile couples conceive. Reflexology helps create a balanced mind, body and spirit. A full holistic treatment is given and any distorted reflex zones are balanced. Additionally clients are advised to cut out caffeine from their diet.
Enzer, S.(2004) Maternity Reflexology Manual. England. Soul to Sole Reflexology
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