Reflexology for Endometriosis and PCOS - part 1.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissues similar to the lining of the womb start to grow in other place such as the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, bowel and bladder. It’s a condition that affects 1 in 10 women. It can cause debilitating pain, pelvic pain, pain during or after sex, pain when going to the toilet and it can impact on Fertility. Currently it can take approximately 8 years to be diagnosed and there is no cure or known cause.

The suggested management for Endometriosis is varies from anti-inflammatory pain killers like ibuprofen, hormonal contraceptives, surgery to remove the endometriosis cells or a hysterectomy. None of which offer a guarantee that they will change the experience of pain.

As an integrative practitioner I recognise that a blended medical and complementary health approach can support many women to manage their condition differently.

As part of sharing what an integrative approach is and how it could help to managing Endometriosis and PCOS I asked Chloe if she would blog about her experience, to share what she noticed if anything. From this point I will had over to Chloe.

What is reflexology?

‘Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary health therapy that can be effective in promoting deep relaxation and wellbeing; by reducing stress in people’s lives can be key in optimising good health and building resilience. It is a touch therapy that is based on the theory that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears correspond with different areas of the body and reflexologists work these points and areas.’ The Association of Reflexologists.

Before the session.

Symptoms pre session: Vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fainting, severe pain from any bowel or bladder movements, unable to stand or walk for any length of time without strong analgesia on board. Another notable symptom I have is gastrointestinal upset and severe gut pain when I eat anything on day 1, 2 & 3 of my cycle.

Cycle Day 2 - During the session: Amy explained that the best time to tackle the endometriosis pain and associated symptoms was during the menstrual bleed. I had been meaning to meet with Amy for menstrual and cycle support for some time prior to this flare up. I text her out of desperation as I was unable to be seen by the GP. Amy managed to fit me in for an urgent session the following day. I didn’t know what to expect from the session, or if it’d even help. I just know I needed to try something else for the pain and discomfort and to try and manage my symptoms long term.

I had some strong pain relief on board and a hot water bottle that I kept on my belly throughout the whole session as I was still in a severe amount of pain. 

The session was so relaxing. Amy worked through the ‘endometriosis protocol’. Amy tried to work through my menstrual related digestive issues too and used the reflexology to get my gut moving as she felt it was stagnant. Within a minute or two, my stomach was rumbling and there were lots of gut noises happening. I couldn’t believe it! 

After the session: Following the session, I relaxed the rest of the day and went to bed early that night. I slept well but woke up around 4am with the familiar gut-twisting ‘contraction’ like pain - this would have usually lasted the whole night! - had some pain relief and went back to bed. The following day I noticed that the pain was a lot more bearable – I didn’t need any pain relief and could manage with a hot water bottle. Over the next week I had a notable reduction in pain with my post period bowel and bladder movements. These would usually cause me so much pain that I’d faint or get very light-headed. It was still very uncomfortable but much more bearable than before.