Pregnancy And Baby Care Articles Fertility
Reflexology for Improving Fertility
Submitted by Jenifer on January 18, 2013
Conception requires many different parts of the body to work in tandem like a well oiled machine. The man must have a healthy sex drive, with adequate amounts of hormones such as testosterone. His sperm count should be over the minimum threshold and the sperm produced should have sufficient motility. The woman should be able to produce healthy ova and her fallopian tubes should be free of obstructions.
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Her cervical mucus should have the correct consistency and pH levels and her endocrine system must be in perfect working order, secreting the hormones that are necessary for conception and a viable pregnancy.
A problem in any of these areas could lead to problems in conception leading to infertility. Reflexology, a system of hand and foot massage, can help to increase fertility levels in both men and women by stimulating the appropriate centers that control the reproductive system.
What is Reflexology
Reflexology is a system of massage that uses pressure on specific points on the feet and hands known as reflex points. Pressure on these points has a beneficial effect on corresponding parts of the body and can be used to heal those parts.
The principle of using pressure to relieve blockages in the flow of energy through the body has been known since ancient times. Modern day reflexology was born in the early part of the twentieth century. The theory behind it states that the body can be divided into ten zones that are linked to each of the ten toes and fingers. Various organs situated within a zone are linked together by energy that flows between them. If the flow of energy is blocked in one zone, it will affect all the parts of the body within that zone. Manipulation of the corresponding part of the foot and hand can help remove blockages to the flow of energy and can provide a positive benefit to the affected body parts.
Treatment Process
The treatment process for infertility relies on a multi-pronged approach that uses reflexology coupled with dietary and other lifestyle changes to achieve a positive outcome.
The first step is for both partners to change their diets to a well-balanced and nutritious one consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, cereals and lean meats. Overweight clients are encouraged to follow a low calorie, low fat diet in order to lose excess weight. This is an important step since excess weight can negatively impact fertility levels.
Regular exercise also plays a large role in helping the client lose weight and keep fit, essential pre-requisites for enhancing fertility.
The therapist will schedule regular massages, the frequency of which will depend on the cause of the infertility. In cases that are idiopathic, it is recommended that both partners be treated.
The therapist will massage the areas of the feet and hands that correspond to the reproductive organs. Specific attention will be paid to the reflex points corresponding to the:
- Pituitary gland - This gland regulates the hormones that regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and play an important role during pregnancy
- Hypothalamus - This region of the brain controls the actions of the pituitary gland
- Thyroid gland - The correct functioning of this gland affects fertility
- Solar plexus - Pressure to the corresponding reflex point helps relieve stress
- Ovaries and testicles - These organs produce the sperms and ova which are essential for reproduction
- Fallopian tubes - Obstructed fallopian tubes are one of the leading causes of infertility
- Uterus - A healthy uterus is essential for a viable pregnancy
- Prostate gland - Produces seminal fluid that helps to carry the sperm to the egg
Benefits of Reflexology
Apart from helping in cases of infertility, reflexology can help in cases of fibroids, endometriosis, menstrual problems, pre-natal and post-natal care and anxiety disorders.
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