Reflexology in the Postpartum Period

The female body, or rather the woman herself in the full fascination of her psycho-emotional and physical wholeness, is put to a demanding test in the postpartum period.

Major physical, emotional, and life changes trigger hormonal cascades that turn her world upside down. It is precisely in this period that she must call on all her abilities and all her energy.

Caring for her little one must be clear-headed and fulfilling without becoming a source of frustration for herself. All of this becomes possible only when mind and body work together and are full of strength.

The various reflex stimulation techniques can help on many fronts, gently and pleasantly, without side effects. I say various techniques because there are quite a few reflex therapies, and various styles within them as well.

Research and practice in this field, now spanning more than twenty years, have made me deeply aware of how effective reflex therapies can be during this delicate time for a woman. The best results come precisely from understanding the style and method best suited to the individual person.

Usually, when reflexology is mentioned, people think only of foot reflexology, but there is also hand, ear, facial, spinal, tongue, and even colon reflexology. Some of these techniques serve diagnostic purposes only, but are nonetheless very useful in the postpartum period.

The gentleness of reflex massage does not presume to «make the body do» anything, but only to rebalance it and remind it of its own synergy, so as to then restore its health.

After giving birth, a woman is in a state of «unrest» on many levels, and if this state persists it can favor the onset of health problems. This is why applying reflex therapies with the right styles and the right timing can prevent many problems.