Reflexology in Pregnancy and Childbirth

"This book is carefully thought out, detailed and practical with all relevant safety issues considered. Whereas there is insuffient research in RZT to describe this text as a guide for evidence-based practice, the author has sought to give a scientific rationale for such an approach coupled with evidence available to date from case reports... Clearly this book is aimed at midwives and practising reflexologists, although it would be of interest to an expectant mother who might want to understand what RZT can offer her in maternity care." Focus on Complementary and  Alternative Therapy, June 2010

"This book's strength comes from combining information about reflexology treatments, case studies and links to relevant research... very thorough in the explanations related to body organs and systems."

International Therapist Magazine, April 2011

Chapter 1 Theoretical Background to Structural Reflex Zone Therapy

• Introduction to reflexology
• Mechanism of action of reflexology
• Types of reflexology
• Reflex zone therapy
• Introducing Structural Reflex Zone Therapy
• The evidence-base for reflexology
• Conclusion

Chapter 2 Clinical Practice of Structural Reflex Zone Therapy in Maternity Care

• Aims of Structural RZT in pregnancy and childbirth
• Professional issues for midwives and reflexologists
• Preparation for treating pregnant and childbearing women with Structural RZT
• Contraindications and precautions
• Structural RZT treatment sequence
• Reactions to treatment

Chapter 3 Reflex zones used in Structural Reflex Zone therapy for maternity care

• Relaxation points
• Pituitary gland
• Reproductive organs
• Diagnostic potential of the reflex zones for the reproductive organs
• Head and neck
• Musculoskeletal system
• Lymphatic system
• Renal tract
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Endocrine system
• Hepato-biliary system
• Cardio-respiratory system

Chapter 4 Structural Reflex zone therapy for pregnancy

• Introduction
• Infertility and preconception care
• Stress, anxiety and panic attacks; tiredness and insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting, hyper-salivation
• Headaches and migraine; neck pain
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Constipation
• Haemorrhoids
• Backache, sciatica and symphysis pubis discomfort
• Oedema and carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sinus congestion
• Breech presentation

Chapter 5 Structural Reflex zone therapy for labour

• Introduction
• Pain relief in labour
• Estimation of the onset of labour with RZT
• Induction and acceleration of labour
• Retained placenta

Chapter 6 Structural Reflex zone therapy for the puerperium

• Introduction
• Psycho-emotional recovery from birth
• Musculoskeletal system
• Uterus and retained products of conception
• Pelvic floor
• Kidneys, bladder and micturition
• Gastrointestinal tract and defaecation
• Lactation and breastfeeding

References, further reading and sources of information

Glossary of terms

Appendices

1. Suggested treatment sequence for RZT relaxation
2. Manipulative techniques for Structural reflex zone therapy
3. Structural Reflex zone therapy for pregnancy
4. Structural Reflex zone therapy for labour
5. Structural Reflex zone therapy for the puerperium