Main description:

Reflexology in Pregnancy and Childbirth is a definitive text on the safe and appropriate use of reflex zone therapy in pregnancy, labour and the puerperium, focusing on evidence-based practice, professional accountability and application of a comprehensive knowledge of the therapy related to reproductive physiology.

Denise Tiran, an experienced midwife, reflex zone therapist, university lecturer and Director of Expectancy - the Expectant Parents' Complementary Therapies Consultancy - has an international reputation in the field of maternity complementary therapies, has researched and written extensively on reflexology, and has treated nearly 5000 pregnant women with structural reflex zone therapy.

KEY FEATURES

Case histories to ease application of theory to practice

Charts, tables and diagrams are used throughout for ease of learning

Includes a section on conception, infertility and sub-fertility

Covers legalities and ethical issues.

Fully evidence-based Focuses on safety Academic Includes Case histories to illustrate points discussed in the text Charts, Tables and diagrams used throughout for ease of learning Relevant anatomy, physiology and conventional care covered Section on conception, infertility and sub-fertility Legalities and ethical issues Professional accountability

Contents:

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

Suggested treatment sequence for RZT relaxation
Manipulative techniques for Structural reflex zone therapy
Structural Reflex zone therapy for pregnancy
Structural Reflex zone therapy for labour
Structural Reflex zone therapy for the puerperium