Reflexology – a step in the right direction for health and wellbeing
In this country, Reflexology is used in cancer care hospitals, aged care facilities, maternity care (some midwives are also trained in maternity reflexology) and to support members of the community in areas of mental health, children/youth, including those with autism spectrum disorders and also in sporting events.
Reflexology has been around for thousands of years and is well known to be a micro-communication system of the body, replicating the anatomical arrangement of the whole body via the feet, hands, face and occasionally ears (type of Auricular therapy). As all body systems interact, change in one microsystem will affect change in others and the whole system benefits.
How Reflexology may help cancer patients
When cancer patients face stress, fatigue or nausea, they may turn to integrative therapies such as reflexology to help ease symptoms. Although each patient responds individually, reflexology may support relaxation and comfort during cancer treatment and may offer an alternative to traditional massage.
Benefits for cancer patients
- May reduce side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, such as nausea and fatigue
- May reduce stress to help decrease the harmful effects of stress hormones in the immune system. A strong immune system inhibits the growth of cancer cells and strengthens the body, as cancer cannot live when the body successfully resists it
- May reduce need for stronger pain medication
- May assist with depression and anxiety – you feel more supported
- Strengthens your ability to deal with the cancer experience
- Overall improvement in quality of life
“Foot reflexology is not the same as foot massage. Unlike massage, reflexology does not encourage relaxation through muscle and tissue manipulation. Instead, Reflexologists touch/reflex specific zones in the feet that correspond to reflex points in other areas of the body. Touching the feet stimulates nerve pathways that facilitate relaxation elsewhere. You can get a full body benefit just from the feet” says B Mathay, LMT who works with Dana-Farbers Leonard P Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies.
As an accredited member of the International Council of Reflexologists, Deborah has access to the most up-to-date techniques and case/research studies worldwide to benefit clients at a local level.
Research Evidence
In Japan in 2004 they combined the use of various medical equipment with Reflexologists to see the visual outcome of reflexology.
Results, to name a few:
- Looking at a shoulder through an infrared thermal imaging machine, seeing the cool colours, a Reflexologist then stimulated the shoulder reflex in the foot and simultaneously the colour changed to red, indicating an immediate increase in circulation to the area. CIRCULATION
- The drink to clear bowels for a colonoscopy cleared through the digestive system a lot quicker with reflexology, than without it DIGESTION
- Endoscopy camera showed the movement of the esophagus while the reflexologist stimulated the esophagus reflex on the foot
- Vascular imagery showed differences in the quality of blood circulation in people who had regular reflexology than those who had not, proving that reflexology may help with circulation to the extremities – great for people with diabetes and who are concerned with circulation problems and losing their toes. CIRCULATION
