Here at Bumpkyn we have always been intrigued about the link between Reflexology, fertility and wellness in pregnancy ( especially in relation to sleep issues), so when I first spoke to Jaideep Gehdu Sagoo MAR at Magical Fingers Reflexology I was fascinated to learn our entire body is mapped on our feet, hands and ears!

Today I have asked Jaideep how this method can help Mums-to-be to better manage the journey to motherhood.

KL: What is Reflexology and how did you decide to follow it as a career?

JGS: I came across Reflexology after a friend mentioned trying it as she was having some trouble conceiving. She was very enthusiastic about it so I did a little research and found how interesting it is. What drew me to it was realising that the theory behind Reflexology is so simple…it doesn’t claim to cure but aims to help the body to restore its balance naturally.

The human body, and most importantly your feet really are fascinating! Reflexology is a safe and natural complementary therapy. It uses an ancient technique of applying gentle pressure to reflex areas on the feet. It is thought that your organs, nerves, glands and other parts of your body are connected to these reflex areas on the feet. Stimulating these areas using special finger/thumb movements may create a direct response in the related area on the body. To put it simply, when we are stressed we often find ourselves feeling ‘out of sorts’ and our body needs equilibrium in order to keep working healthily. Reflexology simply works with the whole body to promote relaxation and encourages the body’s own healing process. It’s a quick and easy way to find peace and calm both mentally and physically, leaving a fresh and rebalanced you. It works great on babies and children too!

KL: Does Reflexology help with conception and fertility?

JGS: Although there is more supporting research to be done, the theory behind Reflexology in support of fertility is that it may prepare the body for pregnancy by helping you relax, improve mood, aid sleep, help relieve tension and improve a sense of wellbeing. This in turn eases stress and improves hormonal imbalances, bringing your body systems back to normal which are key factors that affect fertility.

Some of the Mums I have seen really believe that Reflexology has made a difference to their health and wellbeing, which has helped them to conceive.

It is however important to note that Reflexology may not be helpful in situations where there is total infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes, lack of egg production or insufficient sperm production.

KL: Is it true that you can feel the baby moving in the womb by touching a pregnant woman’s feet?

JGS: Your body really is mapped out on your feet! Some therapists may be able to feel the baby growing and yes, you may be able to notice a growing bulge on the inner side of your foot, possibly larger on one foot than the other.

KL: That’s so fascinating! I had no idea.. I think many people would find this incredibly interesting. We know pregnancy often involves quite a lot of anxiety and discomfort, how can Reflexology help?

JGS: Reflexology aims to reduce stress and promote relaxation. During pregnancy, Reflexology can be used during the second and third trimester. It is usually at this point my clients have back pain, very swollen and achy feet and are very tired. They’re usually not sleeping very well, experiencing poor digestion and even pelvic pain. This is where Reflexology comes in to help! This is actually a great time for Mum to be to relax and for me to work on the reflexes that are causing problems (and have a good nap!)

The third trimester is a time when anxieties tend to arise. Most clients during this stage are often very anxious at the thought of not going into labour naturally and they are desperate to meet their beautiful little bundle of joy. It is important to realise that baby will come when it’s ready and that is usually when both Mum and baby are in balance and feeling relaxed.

KL: I can certainly relate to most of these anxieties in my own pregnancies. What do you enjoy the most about your job?

JGS: I absolutely love the relationships I build with my clients and the journeys that we go through together. The best part is the text messages I receive following a session…they usually go along the lines of ‘I had the best nights sleep’, ‘I’m finally ovulating’, the exciting ‘I’m pregnant!’ and even ‘Thank you, I finally pooped!’ It’s so satisfying to know that I’ve made a difference to someone’s life.

KL: Here at Bumpkyn we deeply care about sleep and sleep issues. Insomnia is quite rife in pregnancy and really prevents women from resting and recharging to face another day of carrying new life. In your view, what is the number one piece of advice you would give pregnant women who struggle to sleep?

JGS: Give Reflexology a try. It really has shown to be great support for women throughout their pregnancy journey and can help promote general wellbeing. It also gives you an hour away from your hectic life and time to focus on yourself and your growing baby.

KL: What are three benefits of Reflexology people may not know about?

JGS:

• My clients always look forward to Reflexology as they tell me they always sleep well during and after a session. I’ve even had a client send me the data from her fitness tracker showing her sleep patterns before, during and following Reflexology.
• Stress is heavily linked to digestive issues. As Reflexology has been shown to balance hormones and the systems within your body, this has been shown to have a corresponding positive effect on digestive issues.
• Reflexologists can also work in zones along your feet. Sometimes sensitivity in one area of your foot could indicate an imbalance in the entire length of that zone.

So to sum it all up, Reflexology’s holistic approach helps to balance our mind, body and spirit so that healing can happen. It really is fascinating!

KL: Thank you so much for this wonderful insight into the world of Reflexology in pregnancy. I am sure our Mums-to-be will find it very useful.

If you have further questions for Jaideep or would like to get in touch with her to try one of her sessions, she is available at www.magicalfingers.co.uk  or at hello@magicalfingers.co.uk

If you are looking for an accredited Reflexologist in your area, search the Association of Reflexologists website: http://www.aor.org.uk/far/search.php

We would love to know how you got on!

All the best

Karolina