Maternity Reflexology

Research: Maternity Time

Single Blind Trial addressing the differential effects of two reflexology techniques versus rest, on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy

L Mollart, Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery (2003), 9, 203-8.

This single blind RCT explored the differential effects of two different foot reflexology techniques with a period of rest on oedema- relieving effects and symptom relief in health pregnant women with foot oedema. Fifty five women in the third trimester were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: a period of rest, 'relaxing' reflexology techniques or a specific 'lymphatic' reflexology technique for 15 minutes with pre- and post-therapy ankle and foot circumference measurements and participant questionnaire.

There was no statistically significant difference in the circumference measurements between the three groups; however, the lymphatic technique reflexology group mean circumference measurements were all decreased. A significant reduction in the women's symptom mean measurements in all groups (p<0.0001) was apparent. A 'perceived wellbeing' score revealed the lymphatic technique group (p<0.0001) significantly increased their wellbeing the most, followed closely by relaxing techniques (p<0.0001) and then the control rest group (p<0.03).

Lymphatic reflexology techniques, relaxing reflexology techniques and a period of rest had a non-significant oedema- relieving effect. From the women's viewpoint, lymphatic reflexology was the referred therapy with significant increase in symptom relief. Read more>>>

Pregnancy techniques for ankle/ foot oedema in late pregnancy

L Mollart, Reflexology World, 2005, Sept, 6-9

This paper presents the findings of 20 non-randomised participants who received lymphatic foot reflexology technique. These women declined to participate in Mollart's (2003) randomised trail investigating reflexology on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy.

Contrary to the RCT, the findings of this separate sample group indicate that lymphatic foot reflexology technique has a significant effect in reducing ankle but not foot oedema. Lymphatic reflexology technique significantly assisted women to cope in late pregnancy with a significant reduction in the level of stress, tension, anxiety, discomfort, irritability, pain and tiredness. Read more>>>

Pregnancy oedema, emotions and reflexology

L Mollart, RAA Footprints,2006, Dec, Vol 10, No. 4, p18-20

In this article, Lyndall discussed oedema in pregnancy, pregnancy oedema and reflex zone, and oedema and emotions. Read more>>>

Herstory: menses cycles and reflexology

L Mollart, RAA Footprints, 2007,Vol 11, No 3, p12-15.

The article provides a brief overview of the four main female hormones of fertility, and then investigates menstrual cycles, the moon and the calendar. Next, Lyndall speculates on "Herstory or History" relating to menses and cycles. Finally, some cycling conditions are described and the Endocrine Balance Reflexology Technique as described by Susanne Enzer is explained. Read More>>>

PMS: Top 10 Hints to Help

L Mollart RAA Footprints, Mar 2008

This article provides 10 hints to help reduce the effects of PMS.