Miscarriages and chemical pregnancies can be especially trying times for the reflexology client. The loss can be felt very deeply on an emotional level by the mother, as well as being accompanied by physical discomfort.
Treating a client during a miscarriage usually means a lighter pressure session as many reflex areas are very sensitive to the recipient. In some cases the client may wish to talk during the session and share her feelings about the loss. Reflexologists do not replace the care of a trained mental health practitioner, but reflexology can be a helpful tool to process the experience.
Reflex Areas Affected in a Miscarriage
Most of the pelvic area reflexes will be tender on a client experiencing fetal loss. The uterus may be especially sensitive and may appear puffy with a deeper pink tone to the skin than surrounding areas. The lumber and sacral spine reflex areas may also present as sore points for the client and should be worked with attention to the client’s comfort level.
Instead of treating just one area of the foot, be sure to give a complete reflexology session, giving attention to all of the reflex points and areas. The body will take what it needs from the session and it is not the practitioner’s decision to choose how the body should heal itself.
Reflexology After a D&C
When a dilation and curettage procedure is required, the body may be feeling especially out of sorts. A gentle and thorough reflexology session can help soothe the client physically and emotionally.
It is common for the doctor to sedate a patient when conducting this procedure and that can add a component of sluggish bowels to the client’s list of complaints. Reflexology points to emphasize after a D&C could include:
- pelvic area reflexes
- digestive system reflexes
- lower back and hip reflexes
Reflexology After a Medical Abortion
Similar to a D&C, the client recovering from a medical abortion may be experiencing physical discomfort in the lower back, hips and pelvis from the procedure. It is not as common for this procedure to include sedation therapy so the client may be carrying more tension in the lower torso and pelvis than the one that was sedated.
As always, work within the client’s comfort range and pay special attention to the reflexes from the waist guideline to the coccyx reflex area and everything between.
Reflexology Clients Find Comfort in Their Sessions
Clients already accustomed to the relaxing benefits of reflexology will find a session during this difficult time very comforting. New clients discovering reflexology for the first time may especially appreciate the remote location of the practitioner – having only their feet, hands or outer ears touched – after what may feel like an assault on their pelvis and torso from exams or procedures.
Reflexology is not a substitute for medical procedures in the case of a stubborn miscarriage where the body hasn’t started to bleed. Vigorous stimulation of the uterus reflex during a miscarriage may cause painful cramping similar to too deep pressure applied during a period. It would be better to work more lightly and frequently to support the client than to work against her body’s natural process or the process of healing after a procedure.
Heavy bleeding should be an immediate referral to the client’s primary care provider as it could be a sign of infection or complications. If in doubt, request written permission from the client’s doctor before giving a reflexology session.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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