ISRAEL: First International Conference on Maternity Reflexology’
Feedback from the‘First International Conference on Maternity Reflexology’ held in Israel on October 11th-13th 2009.
Lyndall Mollart Midwife / Reflexologist / Approved Authentic trainer of Susanne Enzer’s Maternity Reflexology www.maternity-reflexology.net
I had the great opportunity to travel to Israel for the first International Maternity Reflexology Conference. The conference had been organised by Mauricio (Moshe) Kruchik (Present of the Israeli Forum of Reflexology) who had a dream of bringing leading speakers in the Maternity Reflexology field together to share and impart their wisdom and experiences with fellow reflexologists who have this shared interest. Moshe is also reflexologist, Doula, Childbirth Educator and Maternity Reflexology trainer. A ‘Doula’ (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced practitioner who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth.1
I was excited to be travelling to this conference, not only to attend and meet maternity reflexologists from around the world, but also to present a paper and a workshop at this auspicious occasion. I was also going to meet up with Gill Thomson and Jenni Grant who are midwives and Reflexologists and authentic trainers of Susanne Enzer’s Maternity Reflexology courses worldwide (UK, USA and Canada).
The conference was beautifully orchestrated. Moshe advertised all across the globe. Around 120 delegates came from all over such as Denmark, Spain, Holland, Greece, Hungary, Slovenia, Israel and UK. The largest contingency was from Israel (of course) and UK (10 midwives and reflexologists from England and Scotland). I was the lone representative from Australia! The conference ran from Sunday to Tuesday, Saturday being Israeli Sabbath and holiday.
On the first day, we were greeted with name badges stating our name and nationalities and flag, and manuals filled with the conference timetable, information on the speakers and presentation abstracts or full papers. The conference was opened by Mauricio (Moshe) Kruchik. Very patriotically we opened with the Israeli National Anthem with everyone standing showing our respect. The vision was now a reality for Moshe and we were all part of this dream!
As some of the conference presenters would be speaking Hebrew we were supplied with headphones for translation. This translation was generally very effective. The only time we were ‘lost in translation’ was when the delegates asked questions without the microphone and the translator could not hear the question, which was not very often. These translators were amazing and were almost instant with their translation! There were two translators and they rotated every 10 minutes or so. One of my memorable moment was Sivan Ofiri (Doula) describing her experience at a Stillbirth birth (which is when the baby has died in the womb prior to birth) which was naturally very emotional and as the translator was repeating the words of the speaker she was brought to tears by the words she was translating to us. The whole conference membership was in tears as we were drawn into Sivan and the couple’s experience.
The program had a good systematic approach and over the two day conference the speakers worked through stages of Maternity Reflexology.
Generally the presenters included a demonstration via camera with the ‘demo’ being projected onto the conference screen to ensure all the delegates could see. The demonstrations highlighted areas of therapy that each individual lecturer had found effective in their sphere of expertise. This was an effective way of reinforcing learning.
Reflexology for preconception and sub fertilityThere were three main speakers of this subject. Speakers were Shirley Tidhar from Israel, Frank Berger from Denmark, Nili Noam from Israel, Aniko Kotroczo from Hungary (scheduled but did not present). Frank and Aniko also presented at a workshop on the Tuesday. The presenters included a wide variety of information and different concepts and therapies in addition to reflexology such as Shirley Tidhar describing In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and hormonal influences.
Frank Berger’s talk on the “Effects of reflexology in the treatment of male and female sub-fertility and the improvement of sperm count” included the five elements and energies in the Taoist philosophy. This looks at the seasons and the elements such as fire, earth, metal, water and wood and effects on fertility. The energy cycles show us how our energies operate through the different phases of our life and how they operate during the different seasons. Frank described how to use these theories in practice in order to optimise fertility.
Nili Noam brought in the mind-body connection and discussed the Chakra systems in her presentation “The body-mind scope of reflexology and its contribution to the treatment of sub-fertility”. Mind and body being as one and the effects of blockages of the Chakras reflecting on the body and of course the feet. Nili suggests that in the treatment of infertility, we have to create space for the emotional experiences of patients.
Aniko Otroczo (naturopath and yoga teacher) from Hungary discussed the nutritional effects - vitamins and diet on fertility.
Reflexology for pregnancy
This section of the program included five excellent speakers. Hanna Almagor (Israel), Moshe Kruchik (Israel), Irit Landau (Israel), Teresa Huelga (Spain) and myself (Australia).
Hanna Almagor is a nurse/reflexologist and educator. She explained the hormonal responses of the body during pregnancy and the massive changes leading to the minor disorders of pregnancy. She explores the safety of using reflexology in the first trimester of pregnancy. We know this is controversial. Hanna presented her personal thoughts and observations that appears to make it ‘safe’ and she encourages reflexologists to work with ease within the first trimester. Gill, Jenni and I were hesitant of this view and felt that many reflexologists would take this on board without gaining further knowledge or training in maternity reflexology. We also have to work with research based evidence not personal belief. Hanna’s practical demonstration of her reflexology techniques were very interesting with a combination of massage and painful looking ’hooking in’!
Moshe Kruchik’s presentation spanned the 9 months of pregnancy and beyond. He talked about the three trimesters of pregnancy and explores the domino effect of the disorders of pregnancy eg anaemia in early pregnancy which can possibly result in perineal stitches during birthing due to constipation, haemorrhoids and pain when giving birth. Moshe has developed and sells the colourful visual aids relating to pregnancy and minor discomforts in addition to his published books. Moshe is obviously very passionate about maternity reflexology and his work.
Irit Landau is a Reflexologist and doula and specialises in Bach Flower remedies. Her talk was entitled “Reflexology and Bach Flower remedies for accompanying pregnancy, preparation for birth, birth and the postnatal period”. Irit presented an insightful paper about the pain/fear/adrenaline production cycle and how these destructive elements have massive effects on labouring/birthing women both physically and emotionally.
The first day ended with a ‘surprise’. Teresa Huelga, a lovely Spanish Midwife, danced a lovely ‘belly dance’ that had us all mesmerized. Teresa states that Belly Dancing is a great exercise; one learns to dissociate our body parts allowing fluidity and unlocking. As a physical exercise it improves circulation, corrects bad postural habits and protects the lumber posture. It is good for relieving tension. If pregnant, while we rock our baby with hip movements we feel the strongest maternal energies within. All attendees were eager to stand and ‘swivel our hips’ copying the moves, getting our body fluid moving especially after sitting in our backsides all day!
Second day, Teresa Huelga started the conference, not belly dancing but presenting a powerful pictorial “Africa, maternity and reflexology: an experience in Malawi”. She provided an incredible account of women having babies in Africa. Teresa spent two weeks in Malawi working alongside an English Midwife. She talked about the lack of facilities and provisions and how birth and death are normal parts of the midwife’s work. She described how she introduced reflexology to birthing women. A lovely ‘taste’ of the African life.
I presented next with “Issues in the tissues: unresolved emotions on the pregnant feet”. I had presented this talk at the 2009 RAoA NSW Conference and as it received such a warm welcome and interest, I thought I would submit it for this conference as it addresses the physical and metaphysical aspect of foot oedema in pregnancy (utilising the research I have undertaken and published). I demonstrated the Susanne Enzer’s Lymphatic Reflexology Technique (the technique I teach to reflexologists in Oz) which created much interest and many questions.2
Reflexology in labour and birthing
Sivan Ofiri is an Israeli doula and birth educator. She gave a very emotional thought-provoking talk on attending a woman experiencing a birth where the baby is stillbirth (deceased before birth). I mentioned this earlier when I discussed the interpreting service. For many present at the conference, this was the first insight in the sadder part of the Maternity field. Sivan shared her experience in a very calm, serene way. The whole audience, men included, felt the full emotional impact and experiencing tears of sympathy. Sivan is setting up a wonderful project to have a register of Doulas who will volunteer to support the births of those devastated couples who have to experience sudden termination or Stillbirth in Israel.
Cheryl Cole is a British community midwife/reflexologist who provides pregnancy and birth care (home and hospital) in the South Devon area. She discussed her ‘bag of tricks’ aiding women through natural childbirth with the support of reflexology and discusses home birthing. Cheryl has undergone training with Moshe in the UK. She talks about the fact when all is working well, then leave things alone, however reflexology does come into its own when things slow or become out of control emotionally. At the end of her seminar Cheryl amusingly showed how to access areas on the feet such as pituitary gland, uterus, acupressure points etc with labouring women. She has a ‘labouring Lyndall’ on the stage on her hands and knees (no better position) working those points. She failed to mention what she wanted to demonstrate when she asked me if I would assist her in the demonstration!!!
We were given the opportunity to hear Moshe Kruchik again, this time speaking on the effectiveness and benefits of reflexology during labour. Utilsing case studies, Moshe demonstrated to the audience the areas to work on the feet and the reasoning behind the manoeuvres - spinal reflexes, hypothalamus, uterus, bowel, and the endocrine system, to name a few. Lots of reflex stimulation and ‘hooking in’ for positive intent to mother and feet was demonstrated.
Rita Zatelman a nurse and midwife and Reflexologist in Israel spoke on “The experience of giving birth: where does it start and how does Touch empower the process”. Rita also uses other methods of therapies such as aromatherapy, Bach flowers and massage. This speaker focused on the emotional processes, the client’s personality and beliefs, cultural and social associations, her support networks, self expectations, family expectations etc. Rita discussed how we can help change a woman’s thoughts especially in the 3rd trimester when she is receiving reflexology. Therapists can help her make new images and to have positive thoughts and to discuss her fears. Very powerful and SO very true. Listening skills and positive reinforcements are a large part of our role as Reflexologists.
Reflexology for puerperium
Mireia Marcos, a Spanish Midwife/ Reflexologist who trained in Birmingham UK, provided an enthusiastic and powerful presentation “Reflexology in puerperium: a glimpse of what reflexology can do for the new mother”. These young Spanish Midwives are truly inspiring. They are our future and are excellent ambassadors. Mireia discussed reflexology in the postnatal period - such as mastitis (inflammation of the milk ducts), haemorrhoids (piles), anxieties/fears, pain etc. She gives a glimpse of what reflexology can do for new mothers. Her presentation was very entertaining, using balloons to demonstrate engorgement of the breasts and the problems with breast feeding and how reflexology can help these conditions. She also included case studies and photos to get her message across very well.
Reflexology and the Newborn
Iris Yossef was the final speaker for the conference. She is a midwife trained in South Africa, now living in Israel where she has studied complementary therapies including Reflexology. She specialises in working with children within a clinic setting.
A video was shown of Iris working in her clinic. Unfortunately, the full impact was lost as the translators were unable to hear the video and translate accordingly. We could follow the pictorial component of the video and Iris showed before and after photos of therapies of childhood conditions and how she works through the feet. Diet and lifestyle are also discussed and explored. Good tips for working on small people and their feet.
Panel on homebirth from different countries.
To finish off the conference presentations, there was a panel of speakers who discussed homebirth in their countries and questions were put to them from the delegates- Cheryl Cole - UK Gila Ronel - Israel Mireia Marcus - Spain Lyndall Mollart - Australia
It was very interesting to hear the the differences across the globe. A participant from the Netherlands also shared their practice with us.
Conference Closing Ceremony
The Closing ceremony was very emotional and heartfelt. Moshe thanked everyone for coming and welcomed those attending the workshops back tomorrow. He thanked us all for making his dream a reality. The speakers were asked onto the stage and given a certificate and gift.
The staff and organisers were all given a rose, and they lined the steps up the auditorium. The lights went down as Moshe’s wife Inna entered the auditorium and the lights were raised and she was so surprised and emotional. As she walked down each step each speaker gave her a rose and a hug and Moshe the biggest at the bottom of the steps. A lovely personal end to the day.
Workshops. Two workshops each for the morning on the third day. Maximum of 40 delegates.
Reflexology treatment after pregnancy loss/miscarriage
Moshe had requested I present a workshop on this topic. I recently had the incredible experience of setting up a Early Pregnancy Assessment Service at my local hospital and be involved in this side of maternity. The workshop included information about the causes, how they present and the management. I included possible reasons for miscarriage such as hormonal deficiency, blood disorders, anatomical abnormalities, chromosomal abnormalities, infection and unknown reasons.
I also included the physical and emotional impact on the woman and the partner. Post-miscarriage treatments including diet, exercise, supplements and reflexology were discussed. I demonstrated Susanne Enzer’s Endocrine balance technique and discussed the use of the technique in relation to hormonal imbalances (so many).2 Indeed, it can be used at any stage in life with both male and female clients. Then it was time to practice on each other. Moshe became a client and fell asleep during his endocrine balancing. He snored throughout! Truly relaxing - he did wake up before the end of the workshop!
Reflexology treatment to improve male sperm and female infertility
I was unable to attend Frank Berger’s workshop (run at same time as mine) but the feedback was good with reflexology-enhancing therapies. Frank explored the energies of the five elements in the Taoist philosophy in more depth than his conference presentation - looking at the seasons and the elements such as fire, earth, metal, water and wood and effects on fertility. The energy cycles show us how our energies operate through the different phases of our life and how they operate during the different seasons. These can have a massive effect on fertility both male and female. There was a Bach flower workshop in the afternoon but I didn’t attend.
This was the end of the conference and an incredible journey for all with the best speakers in the world on Maternity Reflexology. To finish off this adventure, Gill, Jenni and myself went to the beach by our hotel and watch the sunset as it slipped into the sea – with a glass of wine. A truly fitting end to the Israel experience!
Photo: Gill Thomson Lyndall Mollart Jenni Grant Authentic Susanne Enzer Maternity Reflexology Trainers
Final Words
The conference provided the first leap towards recognising Maternity Reflexology worldwide, with reflexologists, midwives, doulas and natural therapists coming together to share ideas and skills.
My only constructive criticism would be that during the conference a working together with main caretakers was not discussed or highlighted. This does scare me somewhat as a practicing midwife. I am forever encouraging reflexologists attending the Maternity Reflexology workshops, to signpost if they find any ‘red flag’ complaints or conditions. A unique role of the Maternity Reflexologist is to refer the client back to her caretaker as soon as possible if they suspect any issues that should not wait for the woman to attend her routine appointment as this may be several weeks away.
Pregnancy and Maternity Reflexology is my world, my language, my passion. I have been a midwife (meaning “with woman”) for over twenty-five years and am as passionate now as I was when I started back in the 1980’s. During these two and half decades I have witnessed massive changes in the Midwifery in Australia especially in the last few years with the increased implementation of midwifery models of care which is holistic and wellness based rather than medical disease/symptom based.
Reflexology and Maternity reflexology is becoming much more recognised and popular worldwide (about time!!). In my view, Reflexologists play a very important role in caring for Maternity clients before, during and after pregnancy. They will generally have longer consultations and time with that pregnant woman at each visit and within this relaxing environment the reflexologist can educate and reassure and primarily ‘listen’ to fears and anxieties the pregnant woman may have.
For these very reasons I feel passionate about Reflexologists needing post-registration training before they work on ‘pregnant’ feet. Reflexologists need relevant up-to-date information and research based knowledge, so they can then feel confident within this specialist field. Maternity Reflexologists can be so valuable at picking up deviations from the normal, referring back to primary caretakers as needed and initiating appropriate reflexology on physical and emotional levels which is invaluable.
Where will the next Maternity Reflexology Conference be held? Watch this space!
References 1. www.doula.org.uk/about doula 2. Enzer S. Maternity Reflexology Manual 2004. |
