I have always been interested in massage and various forms of alternative health care since I can remember. So when I had the chance, after having been abroad for a few years, I can back to the UK and began to study.

I have been practicing in Edinburgh since 2002 and now have a variety of qualifications and therapies under my belt. Reflexology is my primary qualification and over the last few years I have broadened my understanding and developed my skills by taking courses in different areas of Reflexology - Maternity Reflexology, Thai Reflexology, Adapted Reflextherapy for spinal pain and whiplash, Precision Reflexology etc.

Through treating clients with Reflexology I found that I wanted to balance this treatment with other forms of alternative treatments. I have added Hopi Ear Candles, Indian Head Massage, Thai Foot Massage and Neuro Linguistic Programming. Through my treatments I feel I give a rounded and balancing treatment which treats the whole body, mind and spirit.

What is Maternity Reflexology?

Maternity reflexology is a specialised area of reflexology which encourages deep relaxation and relieves stress and tension in the mind and body.

One of the main reasons that women come for reflexology during pregnancy is for a faster labour with less pain. However, reflexology treatments are supportive and caring and cover the maternity cycle from pre-conception through to pregnancy itself, induction and finally the post natal period. The main aim is to ensure that the mother (and father) stay as healthy and vitalised as possible during the cycle; thereby allowing them to focus totally on the baby and helping ensure as healthy a pregnancy as possible.

Studies carried out in the UK and Denmark have shown that Reflexology can dramatically speed up labour and reduce pain. In a UK trial in the late 1980's, 37 pregnant women completed a course of 10 reflexology sessions. For these women, the second stage of labour lasted an average of 16 minutes, compared to the expected 1-2 hours. In Danish study at the Gengentofte Hospital in Copenhagen, meanwhile 68 women tried reflexology instead of drugs during labour. An impressive 61 percent said they experienced "outstanding" pain relief.

This specific maternity treatment can help to relieve many of the common symptoms associated with pregnancy cycle:

• Morning sickness
• Heartburn
• Hormonal and menopausal imbalances
• Nausea and headaches
• Back Pain
• Swelling and discomfort
• Oedema
• Insomnia
• Digestive problems
• Menstrual problems

More specifically clients have benefited from;

• Pain reduction
• Improved well being and balance
• Improved and regulated menstruation
• Healthy sperm production
• Harmonisation and balance of hormone levels
• Encouragement and onset of labour
• Re-energisation and improved sleep

For a faster labour with less pain, instead of putting your feet up, try putting them in the hands of a Reflexologist.

What happens during a treatment?

During the first treatment session a consultation will take place. This will give a good indication of the general health and well being of the client. After this the client will be asked to take both shoes and socks off and to lie on the bed. The treatment will then commence - normally using talcum powder as a massage medium the therapist will work firstly on the left foot and then the right. Passing over most of the reflex points which will indicate to the therapist where the blockages are - depending on the advancement of pregnancy various reflex points will be missed out and the therapy will be adapted accordingly. By working on the congested areas the therapist will be able to release these areas in the body. Thus restoring health and vitality back to the body. This is the beginning of the process. The client must take responsibility for the healing process and must be aware that changes in diet and daily habits can along side Reflexology lead to better long term health.

Testimonial: "Meriel Younger has been my Reflexologist for over a year now. I started going to her for reflexology to try to help me conceive as I had been having problems. I then found out I was pregnant and went to her once a month for the first eight months and then every fortnight until I went weekly right at the end. I found the treatments totally beneficial and it certainly helped my morning sickness during the first few months. She also helped balance my hormones and I just generally found the sessions so relaxing and a total enjoyment." A, Edinburgh.

For further information my website is http://www.headandfoot.co.uk