Diabetes. Parkinson’s disease. Post-traumatic stress disorder. How many chronic diseases or disorders can you name? How many of us know a friend or loved one affected by a chronic health problem? How many of us struggle with these issues ourselves? Do you know of someone seeking relief beyond what the next medication or procedure has to offer them?
Much of my Integrative Reflexology practice consists of clients who come to me with a specific concern that can be addressed in an anticipated protocol. A few of my clients are simply satisfied to enjoy the relaxing and regenerating techniques offered in a reflexology spa session. But the most consistent group of clients I work with are those who experience chronic health issues. This group rarely “no- shows” for office appointments. When traveling, they typically schedule treatments both before and after their upcoming travel. They often call me from the hospital when they are recovering from a procedure. They aim to minimize the side effects of new medications or dosage changes. And they refer their friends to me.
I practice Integrative Reflexology as a complementary therapy. This means I don’t encourage people to use reflexology, or any other modality, as a replacement for the care of a board-certified physician and the diagnostic tools that are available from the medical community. I believe correct diagnosis is a logical and beneficial place to begin to understand how to manage one’s own healthcare. What I have also come to appreciate is the necessary and comforting role that palliative therapies may play.
There is an ongoing, controversial discussion concerning the impact of palliative therapies and their usefulness in alleviating the symptoms of illness, disease, disorder, and the side effects of pharmaceutical therapies. If my clients are unaware of this conversation, I strive to educate them before they begin treatments with me. If they come to me with a chronic disease, I am careful to explain that reflexology will not relieve them of their disease. If they come to me with a disorder, I refer them to the research that is available concerning reflexology treatments and the effects on specific disorders. If they come to me with an illness, we discuss whether or not reflexology is an appropriate therapy to help alleviate their symptoms.
Integrative reflexology is a tried and tested complementary therapy for helping someone with a health issue to ease their mental, physical and emotional condition. In specific circumstances, it can also reduce or relieve symptoms that may otherwise become as debilitating as the disease itself.
If you are considering reflexology as therapy for a chronic disease or disorder, please discuss your therapy options with a certified reflexologist who has at least 300 hours of training and five years of experience. Also, remember that the efficacy of reflexology is enhanced by consistent and timely treatment sessions. And lastly, consider making the choice to educate yourself about the importance of Complementary and Alternative (CAM) therapies as a low-cost, preventative measure in maintaining your current health.
Contact Amy Petersen for more information about CAM therapy