Table of Contents
Foreword ix
Preface xi
Acknowledgements xii
Chapter 1 Theoretical Background to Structural Reflex Zone Therapy 1
Introduction to reflexology 1
Mechanism of action of reflexology 3
Types of reflexology 7
Reflex zone therapy 10
Introducing structural reflex zone therapy 12
The evidence base for reflexology 20
Conclusion 22
Chapter 2 Clinical Practice of Structural Reflex Zone Therapy in Maternity Care 23
Aims of structural reflex zone therapy in pregnancy and childbirth 23
Professional issues for midwives and reflexologists 25
Preparation for treating pregnant and childbearing women with structural reflex zone therapy 31
Contraindications and precautions 37
Reflex zone therapy treatment sequence 46
Reactions to treatment 54
Chapter 3 Reflex Zones used in Structural Reflex Zone Therapy for Maternity Care 58
Relaxation points 60
Pituitary gland 62
Reproductive organs 64
Diagnostic potential of the reflex zones for the reproductive organs 68
Head and neck 71
Musculoskeletal system 72
Lymphatic system 76
Renal tract 76
Gastrointestinal tract 78
Endocrine system 79
Hepato-biliary system 80
Cardio-respiratory system 81
Chapter 4 Structural Reflex Zone Therapy for Pregnancy 83
Introduction 84
Infertility and preconception care 84
Stress, anxiety and panic attacks; tiredness and insomnia 88
Nausea and vomiting; hypersalivation 91
Headaches and migraine; neck pain 98
Heartburn and indigestion 99
Constipation 100
Haemorrhoids 101
Backache, sciatica and symphysis pubis discomfort 104
Oedema and carpal tunnel syndrome 107
Sinus congestion 110
Breech presentation 110
Chapter 5 Structural Reflex Zone Therapy for Labour 113
Introduction 113
Pain relief in labour 114
Estimation of the onset of labour with reflex zone therapy 116
Induction and acceleration of labour 117
Retained placenta 123
Chapter 6 Structural Reflex Zone Therapy for the Puerperium 126
Introduction 126
Psycho-emotional recovery from birth 128
Musculoskeletal system 131
Uterus and retained products of conception 134
Pelvic floor 135
Kidneys, bladder and micturition 138
Gastrointestinal tract and defaecation 142
Lactation and breastfeeding 143
References, further reading and sources of information 147
Glossary of terms 155
Appendices 158
1 Suggested treatment sequence for reflex zone therapy relaxation 158
2 Manipulative techniques for structural reflex zone therapy 159
3 Structural reflex zone therapy for pregnancy 161
4 Structural reflex zone therapy for labour 163
5 Structural reflex zone therapy for the puerperium 165
