To help provide a fuller understanding of the workings of Complementary therapy, I've listed below a number of cases I've worked on. I've detailed the symptoms, the treatment and the eventual result.

Title	We Want A Baby
Symptoms	4 miscarriages, high levels of toxins
Therapies Used	Reflexology, Spinal Touch and Hypnotherapy

Teraza and Geoff first came to me about two years ago. They unfortunately had a history of miscarriages and were trying all they could to find a solution. The NHS had, at that time, provided them with little in the way of help, support or encouragement, and they were both quite emotionally low.

Fortunately they had found an organisation called Foresight who specialise in preconception programmes to help people conceive and carry healthy babies to full term. A registered charity, they use a process of hair tests (with just tiny amounts being removed from the neck area) to provide an analysis of the body, it's vitamin, mineral and toxin levels. They then attempt to rectify any problems through correct diet, vitamin and mineral supplements and abstention of alcohol. (They are noted for their high success rate and for more information see their website www.foresight-preconception.org.uk ).

Unfortunately Teraza and Geoff, whilst sticking rigidly to their programme, were finding the process unusually slow. Geoff in particular had high levels of Lead in his body. It was then that they approached me for help.

I began by helping them cleanse their bodies of toxins through Reflexology. Teraza also suffered with a bad back and so I also provided her with Spinal Touch which is not only effective for correcting posture and relieving pain, it's also good for clearing toxins.

They both benefited emotionally from their treatments and were able to relax.

Eventually their hair results became more favorable and they reached a point in time where they could again try for a baby.

Teraza has for some time suffered with her blood pressure and with her history of miscarriage she became increasingly anxious and concerned. Despite everything she was doing, there was still an underlying fear that she'd have another miscarriage.

After a discussion, the three of us realised that whilst Teraza and Geoff may well have been physically ready to try for a baby, psychologically and emotionally they still required a little help. Consequently I treated them both with hypnotherapy to ease their anxieties and give them both a more positive outlook.

Teraza fell pregnant first try and the delighted parents continued to receive hypnotherapy top ups throughout the pregnancy term.

As time went on, Teraza had a happy, trouble free pregnancy. Ultrasound scans revealed that their child was healthy and robust. Given Teraza's blood pressure history, the Hospital consultant made the decision the induce Teraza two weeks early to reduce the risks of blood pressure problems.

Inducement can be an uncomfortable experience and in the week commencing the event, Teraza received a couple more hypnotherapy sessions aimed at helping her with the birth. Additionally, using Reflexology, I was able to massage the appropriate reflex points to help induce an early birth. Whilst Reflexology for inducement is normally used when the mother goes past her due date, in this instance it was used to help Teraza's body get into the swing of pregnancy.

At this point I should emphasise that Teraza was not a HypnoBirthing patient. Actually, it was after working closely with her in the very rewarding process that I decided to learn more about Hypnobirthing. Consequently, Teraza did have to bear the usual discomforts associated with pregnancy...

Teraza was admitted into hospital on 23rd May and received her first application of the inducing gel. She was warned by the midwife that the process could take a few days, might be painful or uncomfortable, and might need up to three applications of gel. However, the Reflexology seemed to do the trick as within an hour Teraza's waters broke.

Unfortunately for Teraza the birth did not go too well and whilst she or the baby were never in any great danger, it was decided by all concerned that Teraza should have a C Section.

Michael, contented baby of Teraza and Geoff, was born in the early hours of the following day, weighing a healthy 8lb 14oz.

But the story doesn't end quite there...

Michael suffered a bit with colic and, as I just couldn't resist him, I did a little Reflexology on his cute little feet.

Useful Links

For those interested in Preconceptive care, or for those looking to ease the symptoms often associated with pregnancy in a homoeopathic or natural manner, have a look a Laurel Alexander's website.