Rowena Gledhill of Weymouth Bay Reflexology.
Published: November 15, 2020 | Updated: 16th November 2020
Rowena Gledhill is the proud mum of two teenagers.
But 18+ years ago it was a very different story.
After nearly two years of trying to conceive she was told that she had ‘unexplained infertility.’
At the time, very few clinics offered IVF, and none was available through the NHS.
Rowena, 48, said “I was devastated by this news.
“We’d been given very little information about what we could do to help ourselves and after several investigations including surgery, thought we’d never have children.
“However, we tried several different approaches, including reflexology and were delighted to discover that we were pregnant, actually on my birthday – the best gift ever!”
Rowena’s experiences led her to supporting others with reproductive issues.
Her initial interest in reflexology resulted in Rowena training professionally as a reflexologist.
After graduating with a Level 3 VTCT qualification she set up a clinic in a secluded and cosy log cabin in her garden.
And for the last four years Rowena, a specialist in reflexology for conception and pregnancy, has run her own practice, Weymouth Bay Reflexology.
Reflexology is a gentle touch therapy.
It works on reflexes and nerves found in the feet, face or hands, which help the systems and organs of your body to achieve balance.
The therapy is known to be effective for reducing stress, improving sleep, mood and general wellbeing.
Reflexology for fertility is for people who have been struggling to conceive, as well as for anyone undergoing IVF treatments.
It uses a series of specific and prescriptive routines addressing fertility health which can be tailored to a patient’s particular needs – aiming to assist any underlying conditions, male or
female.
A data study by The Association of Reproductive Reflexologists (ARR) of 180 clients, aged 24 to 46, receiving reproductive reflexology while trying to conceive showed:
One of Rowena’s clients became pregnant after just three months of fertility reflexology treatments.
She went on to have a much longed-for baby girl.
The pandemic has caused a large number of conventional fertility treatment centres to postpone or even cancel treatment cycles, causing heartache for many people.
Lockdowns have been an additional barrier to those with fertility diseases, adding further stress to an already difficult situation.
Rowena closed her clinic in March, in line with government regulations, but has been offering virtual sessions.
She said: “I saw a need with my fertility clients for an easily accessible service that could continue despite not being able to see them online, so I offered them the chance to see me for consultations and treatment sessions via Zoom.
“This means that they could continue to receive support, especially those unable to continue with their clinics due to lockdowns, and it also means clients further away who might not have been able to visit me in person, can now access my services.
“It’s a new way of working, but I’m excited by the possibilities.
“With lockdowns continuing to disrupt close contact and fertility services, it is really important to offer a way of supporting clients from their homes.”
