How can Reflexology help me?
Reflexology works with the nervous system to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium. This gentle therapy encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance. Many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress. Reflexology is a well-established, respected and effective therapy on an individual level.
If you are someone who suffers with any of the following symptoms, reflexology can really work for you:
- Anxiety and stress
- Anger and frustration
- Tension
- Muscular aches and pains
- Joint aches and pains
Let’s take for example a tension headache or migraine. You get them occasionally or regularly. You drink lots of water and take yourself away from the task that requires concentration, and you begin to feel a little improvement, but not much. Your normal response at this point may be to reach for the medicine cabinet. But what if there was a way you could reduce the pain within 10-15 minutes without the use of medication? It is not only possible; it is completely within your reach. It is achieved by working your thumbs or your big toes. The thumb and big toe are reflex points for the head and neck, and by manipulating them you are shifting the energy and releasing the blockages throughout the nervous system. Having reflexology sessions on a regular basis can prevent the onset of a headache or migraine. One client, who came to a session with a severe migraine attack, reported in disbelief that the normal blurred vision incurred immediately after a migraine, didn’t come on.
Stress and anxiety is a major reason people turn to reflexology. The symptoms may begin with an inability to concentrate, or you may become quite restless and it may turn into a tightness in your chest or difficultly regulating your breathing. One reflexology technique used to combat this overwhelming and scary experience is to stimulate the adrenal gland reflexes. This gland releases adrenalin, which is the cause for most of the symptoms you experience during the height of the anxiety or stress. Working on this reflex point regulates the release of hormones, which calms your body down and returns you to a normal state. The best part is, your therapist can show how to work it on yourself so that in your time of need, you can help yourself immediately get back in control without waiting for a session with your therapist.
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints caused by an attack from the immune system. The resulting pain and restriction of movement can be incredibly frustrating and self-limiting, particularly if you are an active person. Alongside medication, diet and surgery, arthritis experts recommend physical therapies such as movement, massage and stress management. Reflexology stimulates the vital organ reflexes responsible for reducing inflammation, eliminating waste and encouraging relaxation. In addition to motivating the reflexes, the joints and muscles of the body part worked (either the hand or the foot) are loosened, which prevents or delays flare-ups.
Fertility and Sub-Fertility Reflexology
An inability to conceive and carry a child can be a traumatic and stressful time for parents, hopeful parents and the rest of the family. Infertility is almost equal in men and women; the factors that account for infertility are approximately 33% related to female, 33% to male, with the last 33% a combination of male and female, or unexplained.
Some of the known causes for infertility in women are:
- Hypothyroidism
- Liver problems or kidney disease
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Amenorrhea
- Endometriosis
Some of the known causes for infertility in men are:
- Variocele
- Low or complete absence of sperm
- Diabetes mellitus
- Impotence
- Hypogonadism
Reflexology can help by relaxing and balancing the body’s nervous system, stimulating and regulating the reproductive system and balancing the endocrine/hormonal system. As well as being a treatment for the body, it can also be just a perfect opportunity for you to escape, put your feet up and take a break from all the worry.
Maternity Reflexology
Reflexology is a gentle therapy that has a calming and harmonising effect upon the mother’s body and the baby. Regular maternity reflexology treatments help prepare you for childbirth and also relieve some of the discomforts in pregnancy, including:
- Pelvic and back pain
- Headaches/migraines/sinusitis
- Constipation
- Oedema (swollen ankles)
- Sleep deprivation
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Heartburn
- Morning sickness
- Haemorrhoids
Please note that as maternity reflexology complements the skilled work of the midwife, it is important to obtain a midwife's permission before reflexology treatments can commence.
Preparation for Birth
‘Preparation for Birth’ techniques can help get you through the contractions and reduce the need for pain relief. Your birthing partner can be shown key techniques that will become an integral part of the birthing experience for you both.
Some expectant mums may not have their babies until well after their estimated ‘due date’, which may result in them needing a medical induction to start and accelerate labour. With the agreement of the midwife, a specialised maternity reflexology treatment at this late stage of pregnancy can help the body to relax, often resulting in spontaneous labour and preventing the need for medical intervention.
Research has shown that expectant mums who had regular maternity reflexology treatments throughout their pregnancy experienced a marked reduction in the duration of their labour.
In Labour
The biggest enemy for a contraction is stress. Reflexology is a wonderful way of inducing relaxation at the time it is most needed, and helps to regulate these contractions by either stimulating or sedating according to the dynamic of the labour. It can also assist in regulating the body’s temperature and breathing pattern. It is also valuable in stimulating bowel and urinary movements when required.
Postnatal Care
Postnatal reflexology treatments help restore balance to a body that has been affected for nine months both physically and emotionally. It helps the new mum’s body return to its natural pre-pregnant state, particularly if she underwent hard labour or any traumatic experiences.
Your Newborn
Reflexology offers you a beautiful and wonderful way to connect with your newborn through the power of touch. The sheer touch alone keeps the baby calm, settled and comfortable. While working their tiny feet, you have the added benefit of possibly preventing such things as colic or constipation. One man reported that his baby girl was treated from just five hours old: she never developed any common ailments and she ’slept like an angel’. When your baby is in a state of peace and calm, it can only bring the same to you.
Your Child
Though children are generally fun-seeking, happy-go-lucky creatures, they do experience frustration, anger and anxiety at certain times. This can sometimes be caused by things cannot be changed, such as a new addition to the family, fitting in with peers at school, concentrating on difficult tasks, sibling rivalry, having a condition such as autism or ADHD, or just dealing with mental, physical and hormonal changes in adolescence. Reflexology can help alleviate the stress that attends these circumstances, and children experience a significant reduction in symptoms and improvement in concentration levels.
As always, reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice.