Reflexology is based on the scientific theory and research that there are nerve reflex points on the feet and hands. These reflex points correspond to all parts of the body and the body’s systems. When a client is stressed due to health issues, injury, or emotional concerns, the body is left with excess deposits of nerve fibers, vascular elements, and connective tissue. The goal of reflexology is to clear the body of these deposits and clean the systems through the venous circulation and lymph systems.
By applying manual pressure to specific points on the hands and feet, a trained reflexologist can help to break down the residue, helping to rebalance the nervous systems supporting the body processes.
Integrative Reflexology™, like most other complimentary modalities (or therapies), uses the body’s own systems to incrementally bring the body back to a healthier state. Unlike pharmaceutical compounds that synthetically bring about a biochemical reaction in the body, complementary therapies use the body’s own environmental and biochemical reactions to help each body heal itself.
Specific reflex points in the hands and feet “reflex” to specific organs and systems in the body creating a sense of well being through out the whole body. It works in a manner similar to acupuncture, acupressure or trigger-point massage. Whereas these modalities use nerve points over the entire body, Integrative Reflexology™ uses the source nerve points, which are a part of the network of approximately 7200 nerve endings in the feet.
This specific and limited use of surface touch makes it an effective modality to incorporate in the care of patients who are in a fragile state of health, for a number of different reasons.
I have used Integrative Reflexology™, in my practice, to work with ALS, Parkinson’s and MS clients. As far as is known, reflexology will not stop the progression of these diseases but it does ease the discomfort the body experiences. It can help with the pain resulting from a lack of muscle activity, and help ease the “wooden” feeling in the limbs that is brought on by both ALS and Parkinson’s. And it can help boost the emotional and mental feelings of well-being. I have also used reflexology in the care of stroke patients, sports and post surgery patients and early on-set neuropathy and edema patients.
Reflexology can also be a therapy for nursing home, hospice care and oncology patients. With some training in the most basic techniques used in Integrative Reflexology™, it can be a great “touch” therapy for family members to use on each other. Research done at the Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, April 1 , 2008, showed patients receiving reflexology had a significant decline in the levels of stress hormones and pain compared to the control patients.
One of the key factors in using Integrative Reflexology™, or any other complimentary therapy, is to first understand that it is gradual and cumulative. The second key factor is to understand that timely and consistent treatment results in a more effective and lasting health outcome. In this regard it can be likened to traditional physical therapy, which uses the body itself to heal itself.
By Amy Petersen. Originally published in the April 2010 issue of Healthy Cells magazine, Quad Cities edition.