Fertility and Pregnancy Acupuncture

Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Post natal care

How can acupuncture help during pregnancy?

Many conditions which routinely crop up during pregnancy would benefit from a natural solution. Acupuncture, when provided by a trained practitioner, can give relief for a range of pregnancy related conditions:

• Morning sickness

• Hyperemesis

• High/low blood pressure

• Anxiety

• Tiredness

• Constipation

• Tender breasts

• Migraine and other headaches

• Back ache

• Pelvic pain (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)

• Varicose veins

Acupuncture for those with breech babies

An adjunct technique to acupuncture called moxibustion has been used for many centuries to help turn breech babies. A herb called ‘moxibustion’ is 'compacted' into a cigar shaped stick, one end of which is lit and it's slowly smouldered directly above an acupuncture point on the little toe.

Acupuncture and labour

This can be beneficial for those who are wishing to go into labour naturally and wish to avoid induction. Certain points are used in the various trimesters for a variety of different issues.

After the birth

Acupuncture is used by new mothers to increase energy levels, to promote healing and to combat the 'baby blues’ by helping to restore hormones. It also is very helpful in treating mastitis.

Reflexology for Fertility

For many, fertility and trying to conceive can be a difficult process. Lifestyle, diet and stress may all contribute to your chances and outcome. However reflexology is a natural intervention treatment to help bring the body back into balance as well as helping you to relax.

In my past and present experience, I have seen clients beginning to reflect on small or big changes that they needed to make in order to bring their body into balance for the purpose of their overall wellbeing as well as for the purposes of fertility.

Reflexology has been known to help restore balance to the endocrine system. These are the set of glands that produce the body’s natural hormones and as we know hormones play a major role in fertility. If the hormones become balanced then it stands to reason that conception will occur more readily.

Reflexology has been said to support the nervous system in a time of added strain, anxiety and worry, i.e. fertility for the mind.  

WHO USES THIS SERVICE?

Some use reflexology with medical intervention
Some use it instead of medical intervention
Others use it in conjunction with IVF and other forms of conventional fertility treatment plans

Reflexology Pregnancy

Maternity & Reflexology for Pregnancy

In pregnancy and maternity, it is natural for the body to go through many changes and adjustments.  These changes can affect your body’s balance physically, emotionally, psychologically and hormonally.

Research has shown that having reflexology treatments in pregnancy can reduce labour time, thereby the possibility of needing less pain relief.

Reflexology is a very popular complementary therapy used in pregnancy for reasons such as:

• General wellbeing and vitality
• Sciatica and general back pain
• To increase energy levels
• Promoting a good nights sleep
• Hormone balancing
• Constipation
• Cystitis
• Helps relieve heartburn
• Improving digestion
• General discomfort
• Symphysis pubis dysfunction

Reflexology may be used as a preventive method against:

• Preeclampsia, (high blood pressure)
• Urinary tract infections, UTI’s
• Fluid retention and oedema
• Morning sickness, or ‘anytime’ nausea
• Stretch marks and cellulite
• Back pain

Aromatherapy

• Using specific oils to tailor for each individual clients needs
• Working with various body systems
• Aftercare with oils
• Pulse point application
• Baths
• Foot soaks
• Oil burners
• Creams and various other products

THE USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS FOR FERTILITY & MATERNITY

Certain oils are used at different times which all play important roles in the various processes.  
For example - using certain oils in Fertility:
• Using certain oils in the first trimester
• Second trimester
• Third trimester
• The weeks leading up to labour- certain oils used at 37 weeks, 38 weeks, etc.
• Labour oils
• Post-natal oils

How I use Aromatherapy essential oils with my clients:

In my clinic, I tend to use essential oils in the reflexology and massage treatments.  However, if a clients wishes to use natural skin and hair products, I can make them to order and to your own individual and specific requirements.  My products, which are free from SLS and Parabens include:

• Cleansers
• Toners
• Moisturizers
• Shampoos
• Conditioners
• Body scrubs
• Hand lotion
• Body lotions
• Room sprays

Prices vary depending on the size of the product

Gift Vouchers are available on request

Iridology

”Iridology is the study of the ‘Iris’ of the eye –

the exposed nerve endings which make up the coloured part of the eye, each of which are connected to the brain.” Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists

Why is Iridology useful?

Iridology is a non-intrusive, painless method of being able to detect constitutional strengths and weaknesses within the body.

An Iridologist can determine many factors when studying the iris of the eye. We look at the Iris as a ‘map’. The eye is not only a ‘window to the soul’ but also a ‘window to the body’ itself.

It allows you to measure the efficiency of eliminative systems and organs of the body.

It enables you to check levels of inflammation and congestion within the body.

Reflexology

Reflexology dates backs as far as 2330 B.C and the art of Reflexology was initially used in ancient Egypt, India and china.  It is believed that different parts of the feet relate directly to various organs and systems of the body.  A Reflexologist uses specific acupressure and massage techniques to help rid the body of toxins, clear blockages and promotes self- healing within the client. Doctors believe that 75% of our health problems or conditions are linked to nervous tension and stress.  Reflexology promotes relaxation and allows the body to restore balance.

The Benefits of Reflexology

Physiological benefits

• Helps fertility issues
• Improves circulation
• Helps in all stages of pregnancy
• Improves digestion, including IBS, (which I often call ‘I B Stress’)
• Reduces muscular tension
• Relieves fatigue
• Increases energy and reduces tension
• Helps regulate the menstrual cycle
• Promotes refreshing sleep
• Strengthens natural self-healing mechanisms
• Addresses depression
• Helps to restore hormone imbalances
• Remission from Cancer

Emotional and psychological benefits

• Promotes calmness and a sense of well-being
• Relaxes the body and mind
• Relieves stress and anxiety
• Soothes emotional distress
• Improves mental function and concentration
• Helps people who are suffering with depression
• Promotes balance

Testimonials

I have known Sal for some time first as a student of reflexology and later as a complimentary health therapist. I have watched her grow and blossom as her enthusiasm for learning, living a genuine holistic lifestyle and experience with clients have developed her skills. She is a caring and talented reflexologist.
Colleen Cairns
Complimentary Health teacher
South Eastern Regional College 

“Sal is truly gifted! I went to see her 4 days before my due date for our 3rd baby. I had been induced with my first 2 and had heard wonder stories about Sal so had to try her (never mind the fact that I love acupuncture and reflexology) I told her not to start my labour as I still had things to sort over the weekend! :) our beautiful daughter then arrived on her due date and I had my dream water birth! I then returned 2 weeks after delivery for reflexology treatment to regulate my hormones and any aches and our daughter had treatment for colic. Highly recommend!!!! Plus I got awesome nutrition tips :)

Thanks Sal... See you soon x”

- Ashleigh McAteer -

“I went to Sal on a few recommendations to help us conceive. A mere 2 1/2 menstrual cycles later (after 9 months of trying) I was pregnant. Sal also helped me through the lows of pregnancy. I felt a wonderful connection & it was like catching up with a friend at each visit.”

- Emma Allen -

I was suffering with severe Endometriosis and in the lead up to major surgery I visited Sal for 7 treatments of reflexology.  On the first visit I felt that she was the one of the few professionals who listened and showed empathy with my condition and I knew I was going to receive the best treatment.

Each session was very relaxing and Sal tailored it to help me cope with other problems and issues at the time such as lack of sleep and anxiety.
I would recommend reflexology with Sal to anyone and hope to return soon for some treatments to help with my recovery after surgery!
Anita, Belfast

After 3 inductions and very interventionist births I tried reflexology in the later stages of my fourth pregnancy. I found the treatments relaxing but more importantly gave me something to focus on and made me less impatient during the final weeks. I went into spontaneous labour and had a natural delivery, which had alluded me previously!
Dolores, Belfast

 had reflexology in my third trimester of pregnancy with Sal. She always made herself very flexible for appointments and our sessions very relaxing. The best part was that my labour was very short due to the work Sal had done. Sal was very professional and knowledgeable and I have recommended her to a number of friends.
Lisa, Belfast

Having had irregular periods since I was a teenager, I would often go six months without having a period.
I was worried that this would affect my chances of conceiving, I began having regular reflexology treatments and within a short time my cycle became regular.  I feel that the relaxation of the treatments and the regulation of my cycle helped me to conceive.
I had reflexology the day I was in labour and I feel that this helped me to both relax and focus on the birth.  The Aromatherapy blends, which Sal used, were tailored to my individual needs and I found the smells of the oils very uplifting.
Victoria, Belfast

I attented Sal due to stress and problems sleeping.  My sleep pattern was very interupted and stress at work had left me tired and anxious.  After only a few sessions I noticed my sleep pattern greatly improved.  I feel I have greatly benefited from attending Sal as I now feel my stress levels have reduced dramatically and I do not seem affected by work pressures anymore.  I feel like a different person compared to what I was 6 months ago.  I would highly recommend Sal as a reflexologist as she has a caring manor and is highly skilled in her profession.
Diane, Belfast

Therapy Categories

• Acupressure,
• Acupuncture,
• Acupuncture - cosmetic,
• Allergy Testing,
• Aromatherapy,
• Cellular Healing,
• Iridology,
• Naturopathy,
• Nutritional Therapy,
• Reflexology,
• Reflexology - Fertility,
• Reflexology - Pregnancy,
• Stress Management