Endometriosis Action Month: Understanding the Condition & How Reflexology Can Help

March is Endometriosis Action Month, a time to raise awareness about a condition that affects as many as 1 in 10 people with a uterus in the UK.  Despite how common it is, endometriosis is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and under-treated, with many people in the UK waiting up to nine years to get a confirmed diagnosis.

If you or someone you love is struggling with unexplained pelvic pain, painful periods, or fertility challenges, understanding what endometriosis is and how to seek help is the first step.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows outside the uterus, on the bladder, bowel, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even other organs. This can lead to:

• • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Heavy or painful periods
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Painful urination or bowel movements
  • Difficulty conceiving

Endometriosis is not caused by hormones, although hormones influence the symptoms of the condition. There is currently no cure, and the only way to confirm a diagnosis is via a laparoscopy – a surgical procedure that allows doctors to see and assess the endometrial growths inside the pelvis.

Unfortunately, the long wait for diagnosis and treatment can leave many people frustrated, unheard, and in pain.  That’s why raising awareness and advocating for better care is so important.

What Can You Do If You Suspect Endometriosis?

If you are experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, the best thing you can do is start recording them.

• • Keep a symptom diary: Record when pain occurs, how severe it is, and whether it is linked to your cycle, digestion, or other triggers.
  • Speak to a healthcare provider:  While period pain is common, debilitating pain is not normal.
  • Seek support: Organisations like Endometriosis UK offer resources, advocacy, and community support for those navigating this condition.

How Reflexology Can Support People with Endometriosis

While medical treatments such as pain management, hormone therapies, and surgery are the standard approaches for endometriosis, many people also turn to complementary therapies like reflexology to help manage symptoms.

As a reproductive reflexologist, I take a whole-person approach to endometriosis care. Reflexology does not cure endometriosis, but it can help:

Ease pain: By working specific reflex points linked to the pelvis, digestive system, and nervous system, reflexology can help to reduce reduce muscle tension.

Improve sleep quality:  Poor sleep can worsen symptoms. Reflexology promotes deep relaxation, helping to support better rest.

Reduce stress: Living with a chronic condition can take an emotional toll. Reflexology helps calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress levels.

Support circulation: Reflexology encourages improved circulation, which is key to a well functioning reproductive system.

Every person with endometriosis has a unique experience, which is why each session is tailored to your individual symptoms and needs. If you’re looking for a gentle, holistic way to support your body alongside medical care (or whilst you are waiting for it), reflexology may be a valuable part of your wellness routine.

If you’d like to discuss how reflexology could support you, let’s talk, you can book a call with me here.

Endometriosis Awareness Month 2025

Endometriosis is real, painful, and often overlooked. The more we talk about it, the better we can advocate for faster diagnosis, better treatment, and more understanding.

If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms, know that you are not alone. Whether through medical care, holistic support like reflexology, or community resources, help is available.

For more information and support on this condition visit Endometriosis UK, and if this post resonates with you, or you know someone it may help, please share it. Let’s keep raising awareness and supporting each other.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety on your fertility journey?

It’s a common experience, and it’s no wonder. The emotional rollercoaster of trying to conceive, combined with the uncertainty and pressure, can lead to high levels of stress. But here’s the truth: stress doesn’t cause infertility, but infertility can certainly cause stress. And that stress, if left unchecked, can have a negative impact on your overall wellbeing.

What if you could feel calm and in control?

Imagine for a moment that you could manage your stress and anxiety without adding more pressure to your journey. What if, instead of worrying about every little thing that might be affecting your fertility, you could focus on the positive aspects of your journey? The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re doing everything you can to support your body—without adding extra anxiety to the process—is incredibly empowering.

Creating Space for Your Mind and Body to Thrive

As a reflexologist, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful relaxation techniques can be for reducing stress, restoring balance, and supporting your fertility. Reflexology helps to calm the nervous system, promote relaxation, and restore energy, which is vital when your body is going through the emotional and physical stress of trying to conceive. Reflexology also helps by supporting the body’s natural functions, whether it’s improving circulation, improving sleep, or providing emotional relief.

Stress and fertility issues can go hand in hand, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When you create space for yourself to relax and recharge, you’re giving your body and mind the opportunity to thrive. Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, emotional burnout, or simply the ups and downs of trying to conceive, reflexology can be an effective tool to bring calm and hope back into your fertility journey.

How Reflexology Can Help You Feel Empowered

When you make time for self-care through reflexology, you’re taking a proactive approach to your health. Reflexology isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about empowering you to feel supported, focused, and confident. You’ll leave each session feeling more centred, with a clearer mind and a renewed sense of wellbeing. You’ll also gain insights into your own body’s natural rhythms and learn how to harness your own strength to support your fertility journey.

If you’re ready to break free from the stress cycle and create a peaceful, supportive environment for your body and mind, message me today to find out how reflexology can help you on your path to parenthood.

Let’s work together to find the calm you deserve. Book a call with me and let’s see what we can do!

What is Baby Reflexology?

Baby Reflexology for parents and carers helps you to learn simple reflexology techniques to soothe, settle and bond with your child, and use routines specially designed for you and your baby.  Experienced reflexologist and author Susan Quayle wrote the successful children’s reflexology book ‘The Mouse’s House’ which these workshops are based on.

What Happens on a Baby Reflexology course?

This 4-week course is designed for parents and carers just like you so you can:

• • Learn gentle reflexology techniques specifically for newborns and pre-crawlers.
  • Create a powerful bond with your baby through the power of touch.
  • Discover the healing benefits of reflexology in a fun and informative way.

What Can I Expect on a Baby Reflexology course?

• • A relaxed and informal atmosphere: We’ll be learning in a comfortable space with plenty of time for questions and practice.
  • Make new friends – the small groups are designed to nurture you as well as your baby by extending your contacts with like-minded parents and carers.
  • Expert guidance from me – I’m Rowena, a fully qualified baby reflexology instructor, professional reflexologist and Mum. I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.
  • Hands-on learning: This is a practical course, so you’ll be gaining confidence using reflexology with your baby right from the start.
  • Routines to support common baby niggles like teething, tummy issues, coughs & colds.

This innovative, award-winning programme uses rhymes, story telling and beautiful illustrations to engage you and your child, making it easy to learn and remember the techniques presented.  The courses are run in informal small group sessions, and include full routine notes, and ongoing support if needed.  Once you’ve been on a course, you will have a complete toolbox of reflexology routines to use to support your little one through their early months and onwards for as long as you enjoy it!

How Can I join a Baby Reflexology Course?

Courses are running regularly in Dorchester, within Loving By Nature on Mondays. To get on the waitlist for the next course, just FILL OUT THIS FORM and you will be notified when the next course runs!  

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a very individual treatment which is tailored to you as a whole person. You’re not just a symptom or a presenting issue – you are a complex being. Reflexologists like to consider the whole of your physical, emotional and social needs, all of which can affect your wellbeing, when they are working with you.

I give most treatments to the feet or faces of my clients as I have found these to be easier to work with, and most effective. The theory is that reflexology helps the body to restore its balance naturally.

Reflexology is a gentle holistic touch therapy which stimulates nerve endings and reflex points in the feet, hands or face or even ears. These points reflect the organs and complete systems like the skin, digestion, circulation etc. of the body.

Foot reflexology is the therapeutic choice for most of my current clients – feet are easy to access, you don’t need to get undressed and many people really enjoy having the treatment to their feet.  Gently pressing, kneading or stroking the foot reflex points can help your body to relax, improve sleep, release tension, help reduce symptoms of minor ailments and improve your mood and wellbeing. Of course, some people prefer not to have their feet touched, so I offer treatments to the face as an alternative.

Facial reflexology, just as foot reflexology is a beautifully relaxing, holistic, therapeutic treatment, and is carried out on the face and head. It can relieve tension which accumulates in the face, head and neck muscles. It’s effective in reducing stress and tiredness, and can help to improve the condition and tone of the skin due to improved lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. It also incorporates some elements of massage and pressure points to enhance the experience.

Reflexology is relaxing to receive, you just have to lie down. If we’re working to support you at home via online sessions, I teach you the reflexology points on the hands or face instead – much easier than trying to reach your own toes!

After reflexology, you may notice that you feel more relaxed, that you sleep better and that you feel more balanced overall.

Reflexology is a powerful way to resolve or reduce the impact of many health issues, especially for women’s health, AND it’s a fantastic way for people to feel calmer, sleep better and feel less stressed. It also works WITH conventional medicine, not against it, allowing you to benefit from both!

More questions?  Just fill out the contact form and ask me.

*Please note: Reflexologists do not diagnose, if you have a health condition which needs urgent attention, speak to your doctor.

Reflexology and Hysterectomy – Effective Pain Management

Key Research Findings:

The Verdict on Reflexology?

*Öztürk, Ruşen et al. “The effects of reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients after abdominal hysterectomy: A randomised controlled trial.” Complementary therapies in medicine vol. 36 (2018): 107-112. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2017.12.005.

Life Transitions: Are You Surviving or Thriving?

In the hustle and bustle of life, especially during pivotal moments like preparing for conception, navigating pregnancy, or facing the onset of perimenopause, it’s easy to feel like we’re merely surviving. As a complementary therapist specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and perimenopause, I understand the crucial link between stress and hormonal health, and the need to shift from mere survival to thriving.

The Stress-Hormone Connection:

Stress can significantly impact our hormonal balance, especially during these transformative phases.

The demands of modern daily life, coupled with the desire to conceive or the challenges of perimenopause, can trigger the release of excess stress hormones, affecting our overall well-being.  Stress hormones can manifest in the body as feelings of anxiety or fear, physical sensations like racing heart or pulse, and can show up in changes to body shape such as increased weight around your middle.

They are all a reaction to the complex chemicals released by our brains in the endocrine system, which governs which hormones are made in response to outside triggers – a busy day at the office; exercise; running for a bus; whizzing round the shops; arguments and all life’s rich tapestry.  Sometimes our brain can get the signals wrong, or your way of living is telling your brain constantly to over-produce adrenaline or cortisol, leading to chronic stress.  Chronic stress has a negative effect on reproductive, heart, digestive and brain health.

How to move from ‘Survive’ to ‘Thrive’:

• • Mind-Body Connection: Incorporating practices that nurture the mind-body connection, such as movement, breathwork and nutrition, can be transformative. They help the body to release tension and promote relaxation, positively influencing hormonal balance.
  • Holistic Approaches: Embrace holistic healthcare practices that align with your values. Simple lifestyle choices, nourishing self care practices and therapies including reflexology and gentle release therapy can help you to take control of your well-being. Taking slower, restorative action not only addresses immediate stress but can contribute to longer-term balance and health.
  • Awareness and Education: Understanding the impact of stress on hormonal health is the first step. Through awareness of what’s happening, you can make informed choices to support your endocrine and nervous systems which help to support a healthy, thriving body and mind.

Supporting a Balanced Endocrine System:

Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports hormonal health at all stages of life. Include foods that nourish the endocrine system, such as leafy greens, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Movement: Regular exercise has a profound impact on stress hormones. Activities like swimming, walking or yoga contribute not only to physical well-being but also mental relaxation.

Sleep: One of the simplest things you can do is to prioritise your sleep.  Adapt a routine that supports a good sleep cycl by going to bed earlier, avoiding caffeine after midday, and limiting exposure to bright lights (phones, tv) earlier in the evening.

Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness into daily life. Whether through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply spending time outside, these practices can mitigate the effects of stress on hormonal balance.

Holistic Therapies: Add the healing touch of reflexology and Gentle Release into your stress reducing routine. Whether through the gentle touch on reflex points or the release of bodily tension, these practices work wonders in alleviating the impact of stress on you and your endocrine system.

The journey from surviving to thriving in hormonal health involves education, a (w)holistic approach, and mindful practices. By bringing these aspects together, you can smoothly handle life’s ups and downs. You’ll be resilient and in good health, paving the way for a strong and thriving endocrine system.  Reflexology and Gentle Release Therapy are available at the studio in Weymouth, Dorset.  Book a call today to chat through your options for support!

Explore More Topics:

• • Boost Your Health with Deep Breathing: How It Can Improve Physical and Mental Wellbeing – Uncover the profound impact of deep breathing techniques on your physical and mental well-being.
  • The Gut-Fertility Connection – Navigate the Gut-Fertility Connection to enhance your understanding of reproductive wellness.
  • 3 Things You Should Know About Perimenopause – The crucial aspects of perimenopause to empower yourself.

Cracking the Ovulation Code: Your Fertility Guide

Understanding ovulation, the game-changer in your monthly cycle, is key to steering your fertility journey. Here’s a straightforward guide:

Ovulation: The Main Act

Ovulation, the linchpin of your cycle, follows the follicular phase. Hormones kick into action, follicles produce oestrogen, and an egg matures, poised for its journey through the fallopian tube.

The Trigger: A Precise Moment

A surge of luteinising hormone (LH) prompts the egg’s release into the fallopian tubes, where it awaits either fertilisation or reabsorption. You might feel a twinge or mild pain in your lower pelvis, usually on the side of the releasing ovary. This sensation could last a few minutes or extend over a day or two. Some women might even notice light bleeding or spotting.

Fun fact: In German, it’s called ‘mittelschmerz’, meaning ‘middle pain’.

Smoother Passage: Mucus and Cervix Shifts

Simultaneously, oestrogen, the egg’s ally, transforms cervical mucus from non-fertile (white, thick, sticky) to fertile (clear, slippery, wet). This facilitates a sperm’s journey to the fallopian tubes. Your cervix softens, descends, and slightly opens, all in aid of the passage of sperm.

The Corpus Luteum: A Remarkable Transformation

As the egg departs, the collapsed follicle magically reshapes into the corpus luteum, a gland producing progesterone. This hormone either supports embryo development or fades away during the luteal phase, anticipating your next menstrual cycle.

The Optimal Time for Conception

Ovulation marks your prime time for conception. Conversely, if you’re not actively trying to conceive, it’s the time to exercise caution or employ protection. If you’re tracking your temperature, you might observe a dip before ovulation, succeeded by a rise of at least 0.3°C, which should remain elevated for at least 3 readings.

Detecting Ovulation: Clear Indications

• • Sensitive breasts
  • Heightened libido
  • Increased energy levels
  • Ovulation discomfort
  • Egg-white-like cervical mucus

Factors Impacting Ovulation

Several factors can influence ovulation:

• • Post-contraception anovulation (especially after hormonal pill, coil, or implant use)
  • PCOS (remember, management is crucial)
  • Hormonal imbalances (like high LH, high testosterone, low progesterone, etc.)
  • Stress (post-pandemic, anyone?)
  • Being underweight (your body shifts into ‘safety mode’, inhibiting ovulation)
  • Peri-menopause, where ovulation becomes erratic

Enhancing Ovulation

Yes, it’s possible to enhance ovulation. You can fine-tune the hormonal balancing act that leads to ovulation through a combination of nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, supplements, and reproductive reflexology.

If you have physical issues with your ovaries, reflexology can still lend support, alongside assisted fertility treatment in a clinic. Remember, it takes 3 months for an egg to mature and be ready for fertilisation. What steps are you taking to prepare yours?

For deeper insights into monthly cycles, conception readiness, pregnancy, and how holistic therapies can assist, bookmark this site at www.weymouthbayreflexology.co.uk.

3 Things You Should Know About Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when the ovaries gradually stop producing eggs. This can happen as early as in your late 30s, but most women experience it in their 40s or 50s.

Here are three things you should know about perimenopause:

1. 1. The symptoms of perimenopause can vary widely. Some women experience no symptoms at all, while others may experience a wide range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and difficulty sleeping.
   2. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for perimenopause. The best treatment for you will depend on your individual symptoms and preferences. Some women find relief with lifestyle changes, such as exercise, stress reduction, and a healthy diet. Others may need to take medication, such as hormone therapy or antidepressants.
   3. Perimenopause is a natural part of aging. It’s important to remember that perimenopause is not a disease. It’s a normal transition that most women go through. There are things you can do to manage your symptoms and stay healthy during this time.

If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if you are in perimenopause and discuss treatment options that are right for you.

Here are some additional tips for managing perimenopause:

• • Get regular exercise. Exercise can help reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and improve mood.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
  • Get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep can help reduce fatigue and improve mood.
  • Manage stress. Stress can worsen perimenopause symptoms. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as reflexology, simple yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
  • Talk to your doctor. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can help you find the best treatment for you.

Perimenopause can be a challenging time, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you manage your symptoms and stay healthy. Read on to find out two ways you can learn more about this transitional time.

If you’re a perimenopausal woman seeking moments of tranquility, self-care, and renewal, please read on.

Embrace September: A Month of Self-Care and Renewal Emails

This transformative series is designed to guide you through a September filled with self-care practices tailored to your unique journey.

What’s in Store:
For the next 30 days, I’m inviting you to receive a daily email, each one focusing on a different self-care practice. These practices are carefully crafted to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. From reconnecting with your breath to finding serenity in nature’s embrace, every day offers a new opportunity to prioritize yourself.

Why Embrace September?
September’s energies are a perfect fit for introspection and renewal, ideal for perimenopausal women, who deserve moments of ease and self-focus. This series is about integrating self-care seamlessly into your life without adding any stress.

A Glimpse of What’s to Come:
Before you decide, here’s a sneak peek at Day 1:

“Reconnect with Your Breath.” This practice allows you to find tranquility through simple deep breathing, grounding yourself in the present moment.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?
To receive your daily self-care snippet and embark on a month of rest, restoration, and regeneration, simply click here to join in.

Here’s another way to get support from me:

Join me for the upcoming Perimenopause Workshop!

This unique workshop is specially designed for women in the peri to post-menopause stage and beyond. You’ll learn about the perimenopausal transition from me, and get hands-on experience making your own rejuvenating skin balm and luxury facial oil led by Keri, an award winning soap and product maker.

I will discuss the symptoms of perimenopause, how to manage them, and give some tips on how to transition through this change with grace and confidence.

Keri will show you how to make your own balm and facial oil using natural ingredients that are beneficial for women in the perimenopausal stage.

We also include a mini teach on hand and face reflexology that you can then take home and practice whenever you need some calm.

This workshop is a great opportunity to learn more about perimenopause, connect with other women who are going through the same thing, and learn how to take care of yourself during this time.

Book your tickets today!

The workshop will be held on  Saturday 14th October 1pm til 3.30pm. To book your tickets, please visit Keri’s booking page HERE.

Barefoot?

In our modern world of shoes and hard surfaces, going barefoot may seem like a forgotten pleasure. However, reconnecting with the earth beneath our feet holds many benefits for our overall well-being. In this article, I will explore the importance of spending time barefoot, delve into the fascinating structure of our feet, the role of proprioception, and the impact on balance.

The Marvelous Structure of the Foot

Our feet really are marvels of engineering, comprising 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They provide a solid foundation for our body, supporting our weight and facilitating movement. Your foot contains three arches: the medial longitudinal arch, the lateral longitudinal arch, and the transverse arch. These arches work together to act as shock absorbers, distributing the forces of our body weight and maintaining balance.

Proprioception: The Sense of Self

One of the most remarkable features of our feet is their ability to provide us with proprioception. Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to sense its position, movement, and forces acting upon it. The incredible network of nerves in our feet constantly sends signals to our brain, informing it about our foot placement, weight distribution, and terrain. This feedback is crucial for maintaining balance, stability, and coordination.

Benefits of Spending Time Barefoot

Spending time barefoot allows us to tap into the innate benefits of our feet. Here are a few reasons why going barefoot is so important:

Strengthening Foot Muscles: When you walk barefoot, your foot muscles are engaged more actively. This helps to strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the foot, improving overall foot stability and flexibility.

Enhancing Proprioception: Walking barefoot stimulates the nerve endings in your feet, enhancing proprioception. This heightened awareness of our body’s position and movement contributes to better balance and coordination.

Improving Arch Support: Walking barefoot encourages the natural arches of your feet to function optimally. The arches are given the opportunity to support your weight and absorb shock, promoting healthier foot mechanics.

Promoting Foot Flexibility: Shoes can restrict the natural movement of our feet. Going barefoot allows for greater freedom of movement, promoting flexibility in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet.

Spending time barefoot is a simple and powerful practice that reconnects us with our body and the earth. By embracing the freedom of going barefoot, we nurture the strength, flexibility, and balance of our feet. So kick off your shoes, feel the ground beneath you, and experience the wonders of walking in harmony with your natural stride!

Why should you try deep breathing?

Deep breathing, is a simple technique you can use anywhere, any time.  It involves taking mindful slow and deliberate in and out breaths, and has been found to have benefits for mental and physical wellbeing, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and enhancing your overall physical health.

Deep breathing reduces stress and anxiety

Deep breathing has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

If we experience some kind of stress or anxiety, the body moves towards a ‘fight or flight/fear’ response, which triggers the release of cortisol, among other stress hormones. Cortisol is known to increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, which are designed to prepare the body for immediate action.

Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the ‘rest and digest’ response – the opposite of ‘fight or flight’ and it is characterised by a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.

Using deep breathing techniques sends signals to the body that it is safe to relax and calm down, which then reduces the release of stress hormones.  It can also help to calm the mind and promote relaxation, which helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Deep breathing improves focus and concentration

Deep breathing exercises can also help you to improve your focus and concentration. If you’re feeling distracted or overwhelmed, it can be really difficult to concentrate. Taking a few minutes to practise your deep breathing can help to clear your mind, as oxygen flow to the brain increases.  This can improve your thinking skills, and make it easier to stay focused and be productive.

Deep breathing can help to improve physical health

Deep breathing can also have a positive impact on physical health. Increasing your oxygen intake with deep breathing may improve lung function and increase energy levels. It can also help to improve digestion, as deep breathing helps stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for digesting and excretion of waste, among other things.  Deep breathing can help to improve circulation, which has a positive impact on your cardiovascular (heart/lung) health.

How to practise deep breathing

An easy way to start with breath work is to breathe in slowly through the nose, and then blow fully and slowly out through the mouth for a count of 3, and up to 7 breaths, as needed. Place your hand on your belly and feel it expanding and contracting as you take your breaths. You may notice your shoulders dropping and your breaths become slower as your body begins to relax.  You can practise your deep breathing anywhere – especially if you encounter a situation that makes you feel anxious or stressed. Give it a try!

Deep breathing is a simple, accessible practice that can have a significant impact on your wellbeing. By reducing the effects of stress and anxiety, improving your focus and concentration, and improving physical health, deep breathing can help to promote a sense of calm, balance, and overall wellbeing.