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Reflexology may be an Effective Solution for Spring Allergies
In recent years, hayfever has become so common that the weather report is often accompanied by a pollen count prediction, and sponsored by a popular brand of antihistamines.
But for those of us who prefer an alternative approach, what can we do?
It may surprise you to know that Reflexology can be an incredibly effective solution for hay fever and allergy sufferers. Read more…
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Reflexology in Pregnancy and Birth
What is Reflexology? Reflexology is a natural therapy based on the theory that points on the feet and hands correspond to specific organs and systems in the body.
By Families Online (www.familiesonline.co.uk)
13/04/2002 12:00 am
Thus by applying gentle pressure to these points the related area of the body is stimulated and cleared of congestion. Reflexology promotes deep relaxation which encourages the body’s self healing process. It is a calming, relaxing and enjoyable treatment. Maternity reflexology is specifically tailored to treat infertility, pregnancy, birth and babies.
Infertility
“Infertility is the state of being unable to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse and the term may be used to refer to a state of having never conceived or that of having difficulty in conceiving again after having previously conceived.”
The first problem that some couples face is getting pregnant. If there is a physical problem such as a disorder of the reproductive system the couple should always follow the advice of their gynaecologist. If the couple are told there is nothing wrong physically and that their problem is primarily psychological where can they turn? Worry about being infertile can make the situation worse. You can’t get pregnant until you relax and you can’t relax until you get pregnant. Anxiety and worry can create the very physical problems that prevent conception.
Non-physical causes of infertility often lie in unnecessary stress and worry. Reflexology encourages a deep relaxation which alleviates stress and tension so that conception may take place.
Reflexology works on balancing all of the body systems to provide a healthy body for conception to take place. Gentle pressure to reflex points balances the hormonal system and stimulates the reproductive organs. Both men and women are encouraged to have treatments for individual reasons, for example regulation of menstruation and stimulation of sperm production. About six treatments, once weekly, are recommended, dependent on how an individual’s body responds to treatment.
Case History: A 35 year old woman had a miscarriage two years ago and had been trying to conceive ever since. She had thought she was pregnant but her period had arrived on the day she came to the clinic. She was extremely upset and would try anything before IVF. Over a period of two months she had weekly reflexology and after nine weeks she fell pregnant. Mum and baby have safely passed the 12 week mark and are doing very well. Reflexology allowed the woman “time out”. She worked in a stressful job and when she wasn’t working she was worrying about conceiving. With the help of reflexology the woman learnt how to relax properly and re-assess her lifestyle to suit her.
Pregnancy
From the early stages of morning sickness to delivery discomfort, pregnancy can be physically demanding. Reflexology can help with relief of the following complaints during pregnancy:
- Morning sickness
- Nausea & headaches
- Pain & discomfort
- Loss of bladder control
- Backache
- Stress & anxiety
- Lack of sleep & fatigue
- Digestive problems e.g. constipation
- Swollen/puffy ankles & legs
- Cramp
The father-to-be may also experience disruption to his everyday life and playing the supportive partner and the worry of fatherhood can be equally stressful!
Birth
Reflexology can play an important role during the birth. Many women have reflexology to encourage labour, especially if they are overdue. Reflexology stimulates the release of oxytocin, the hormone that starts uterine contractions. So forget hot curries and running around the tennis court and use your feet instead. During labour reflexology helps to keep the body relaxed and calm and may be useful for pain control.
New arrival
Once a baby has arrived, parents’ lives may be thrown into unusual routines, lack of sleep, feeding times and general exhaustion.
Reflexology can help to:
- Calm & relax
- Increase energy levels
- Re-balance the body
- Stabilize body weight
- Aid lactation
- Prevent post-natal depression
Babies
Reflexology can help alleviate any small problems babies may have:
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Skin problems
- Colic
- Teething
- Coughs & colds
Reflexology can help to make any pregnancy an enjoyable experience.
–Published by Families SW (London) Magazine
Reflexology and Breast Cancer
Researchers at Michigan State University are finding that many women who are receiving chemotherapy while in the late stages of breast cancer are turning to a complementary therapy known as reflexology to help them cope.
In a pilot study, researchers from MSU’s College of Nursing tested three different complementary therapies – reflexology, guided imagery and reminiscence therapy, in which women recall times in their lives when they’ve met and overcome challenges. Of those three, reflexology proved to be the most effective.
here is more from that article about the benefits of reflexology to women suffering late stage breast cancer.
Women who are receiving chemotherapy for late-stage breast cancer face myriad physical and emotional issues. Reflexology – which is a specialized foot therapy that applies firm pressure to certain parts of the sole of the foot – helps women adjust better to their treatment. Reflexology can be used to support patients through treatment such as chemotherapy or for enhancing well-being for cancer-free individuals.
“We see things like a decrease in depression and anxiety, and improvements in spirituality and emotional quality of life,” Wyatt said. “Overall, they have an improved quality of life.”
We don’t really have a Western, scientific way of testing how this works. The mechanism is not clearly understood. But for us, we just measure the patient’s perception of change. Currently, there are no physiological measures,” she said.
Wyatt stressed the reflexology and other similar therapies are strictly complementary, to be used in conjunction with conventional health care.
“These supportive measures are intended to create a less stressful link for the patient to the treatment center,” Wyatt said. “Instead of dreading the next cancer treatment, patients are able to focus on the comfort measure that will be provided during treatment.”
Wyatt and colleagues are now embarking on a more detailed investigation into the value of reflexology in treating late-stage breast cancer patients. Using a National Institutes of Health grant of more than $3 million, they will more closely examine the benefits of reflexology in a controlled study.