Reflexology and IVF

[Drurjurwiakbi]

Hi, i have a new client who is a qulified reflexlogist herself, but has come to me for treatments, anyway she wants rflexology for depression and to help her with infertility.she has just started to have IVF treatment.
as this was not a contra- indercation when i trained and she wanted the treatment i went a head but did light pressure when working on her feet.
is having IVF tretment class as a problem for reflexology? she said she felt a big benefit from having the treatment and have booked another treatment but i dont want to do anything if it will be a problem with her IVF?
can anyone help?

 

[pl2010]

Hi,

It is not contra-indicated with the AOR but they do issue guidelines for it. I have treated clients who are undergoing IVF and it has helped them immensely. It is usually a stressful and anxious time for the client so a reflexology treatment is a great way to get some relaxation. I think saying that it does depend on the clinic/hospital they are going to as some do not recommend reflexology during IVF but i believe it is the clients choice at the end of the day.

 

[P V]

thanks for the reply, i felt happy to treat her as she was very stressed, and she wanted it for relaxtion.
but was a bit worried bout th IVF thing. thanks you have eased my mind abit.

 

[Darcridaguags]

Hello
I have treated 2 women who have been on IVF.......the first actually only has one Ovary so she is not feeling very positive about the whole situation so having reflexology does relax her................and also the other client was on Menopur and IUI so she has had a few treatments but is very tunnel visioned about a baby, she thinks of nothing else......she is so stressed, I really feel for my two clients....i wish I could do more.
One thing I would say is just for peace of mind I would get either GP/Midwife or Consultant input from them to see if it is ok. I get this from all my clients who are going down the IVF/Sub fertility route and also if they have miscarried previously. I would never work on a client whilst having the treatment though - many experts say reflexology could interfere with the treatment they are having. This is a very controversial area so I am not comfortable working on clients on IVF whilst they are on medication/injections etc......but it is entirely your choice and of course the client and how they feel, another reason to get consultant input. I have spoken to Denise Tiran about this (director of Expectancy Ltd) and she said under no circumstances treat women on IVF whilst actively taking medication - wait until they are having a break from it and then by all means help them to relax.

Hope this helps. When in doubt do not treat and when the client is happy and gives consent then you are happy - then treat.

Good luck. Go with your instinct.
T x

 

[puppy]

I would agree with TJG and would not treat during the 'active' phase of their IVF treatment. I tend to wait until I get the dreaded phone call when it goes pear shaped. Also, like TJG, I have a couple who are just so focused on wanting an end result, that the rest of their lives are completely up in the air. With these women in particular, I work on the stress related problems, and usually incorporate massage into the treatment. Both have had multiple IVF treatments - one is on her 6th this month. She is trying to come to terms with the fact that after this, they have no money left.....

 

[Caz Caz]

Hi all,

I do treat during IVF ... it's a personal choice and something I feel comfortable with ... but completely understand that some may not !! I've treated several women going through IVF/ICSI, and am in the process of treating another 3 ladies.

As far as interfering with the drugs goes .... well I think a freight train would be hard pushed to do that. The 3 fertility clinics in my area are all for treatments and encourage clients to do anything they can to relieve stress .... and that includes Reflexology. I've never had a lady who's had problems with the drugs not working.

For me though I think it's so important to deal with the anxiety and stress caused by the treatments and not to treat during the cycle seems, to me, to be daft, as this is the period where the stress levels are at their highest !!

I also think the fact that the client is doing something positive for themselves, during a period where they generally feel completely out of control is so important !!

It's got to be a personal choice at the end of the day ... for both the client and the practitioner !!!

Meridianmoon xx

 

[Galen Marekkk.]

thank for allthe help, i am confussed though, she has another booking in a couple of weeks sould i treat her or not?
help please