Have You Tried Reflexology - Wonderful Pain Relief?

BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY

Reduces
- Stress and tension
- Headaches, stiff necks
- Back pain
- Sinus symptoms
Relieves

Sore, swollen, aching feet, bunion pain

Joint pain

Indigestion, constipation, digestive disorders
Allergy symptoms
PMT, menopausal symptoms

Boosts and balances

Circulation, nervous and lymphatic functions

So what is reflexology? General Definition : Reflexology is the application of pressure using thumb and fingers on reflex points in the feet and hands to stimulate a physiological change in the body. IT IS NOT A FOOT MASSAGE! If a body part is not functioning correctly, uric acid, calcium and mineral deposits may accumulate in the reflexes, impeding energy flow and circulation. A skilled Professional Reflexologist can assist in breaking down and dispersing these deposits, helping to restore the body to better health.

It is medically accepted that 75% of all illness and disease are stress related.

Relaxation is the first step towards normalising nerve and blood supply to all areas of the body which then encourages better circulation for the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells. Glands are then able to normalise their function.

Each foot has approximately 7500 nerve endings which signal to the brain. There are also 26 bones, 19 muscles and 13 leg muscles, 50 ligaments, 3 arches and approximately 800 metres of blood, nerves and lymph vessels.

Where can you do reflexology? Reflexology is typical done on the feet. Reflexology can be done on the ears and the hands. This is commonly used when you cannot work the feet, e.g. people who do not have legs or feet, people who do not like having their feet touched, when it is awkward to work the feet, there are referral points on the hands. The feet are the preferred area to work as they are a larger and easier to access.

Hand reflexology is beneficial if people have hand problems eg arthritis or carpel tunnel. There are 26 bones in the hand and the medial, radial and ulnar nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Hand reflexology is non threatening and it can be done in a public place without feeling uncomfortable. We can do it ourselves easier on our hands than our feet and can be done when waiting - for a bus, plane, outside the bosses office!

We use our hands as an extension of ourselves, we say the feet represent our direction in life our hands show our emotions, we talk with our hands, we use them to work and do our hobbies, there is very little that we do not do without our hands, they are our sensory guide. However this means that they are less sensitive than our feet.

The World Health Authority recognises the reflexology ear chart. Reflexology is also accepted by most health funds in Australia.

How do you choose a Reflexologist? When choosing a Reflexologist, make sure you choose a Professional Reflexologist. In Australia look for someone with the initials RAA behind their name (Reflexology Association of Australia) or ICR (International Council of Reflexology). This means that the Reflexologist has done most of their studies in reflexology (as opposed to massage therapy) and will know a number of different reflexology techniques and will have studied different aspects to reflexology (eg meridians, gaits, mobilisation techniques, nutrition etc - however there are many more aspects to reflexology than one way of doing a treatment).

There are many specialities in reflexology eg, infertility, insomnia, back pain, menopause, RSI, depression, autism, elderly, children etc. Most reflexologists will be able to do a general treatment to assist symptoms of any medical problem, which a client may present to them, however you may be able to find a Remedial Reflexologist who specialises in your symptoms. For example my specialties are women’s health (fertility, maternity, PMT, Menopause) and any back problems, although I have had success with many other ailments. To remain a member of the Association they also have to gain a number of CPE points each year (continuing Professional Education), which means they will be up to date on the latest research and techniques.

Over the years there has been much research into the efficacy of reflexology and there are many cases available on the internet. For example : In Switzerland, nurses working with cancer patients routinely use reflexology to decrease pain and in the UK a purpose built cancer unit is providing reflexology, aromatherapy and treatment for lymph oedema. Reflexology is recognised by the National Health Service in the UK and the National Health Authority (UK) recognises it as a treatment in easing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Research closer to home was done using reflexology for oedema in pregnancy by Gosford Hospital.

Studies in China, Denmark, South Africa, USA and Europe have shown its effectiveness on a wide range of conditions including migraine, respiratory problems, infertility, renal conditions, musculoskeletal problems, PMT, colic in infants and withdrawal from drug abuse symptoms. It is widely used in hospitals in China and many companies worldwide have reflexologists on staff to combat stress in the workplace.

I have found it beneficial with clients who have back pain that does not ease, clients who have a lot of feet pain and been everywhere else, eg. doctors, physio, podiatrists, ortho surgeons, but no one who actually works all the muscles, tendons, nerve endings for a whole hour! This is what a reflexologist does and the relief is noticeable!!! I often have people hobbling in to my clinic with feet problems and dancing out!

With back pain and general pain or allergies, I find that while there is noticeable relief after the first treatment, the difference is more noticeable after a couple of treatments - however this is not always the case! Reflexology also compliments chiropractic treatments as it eases muscle stiffness commonly found with adjustments and if done before makes the bones easier to manipulate.

I trust that this has whetted your appetite to at least give reflexology a try. You will experience the benefits after the first treatment. A treatment programme would typically be once a week for four to six weeks, then depending on the condition being treated, once a month or more frequently if you have the finances! It lasts for just under an hour.

It is a great immune system booster and central nervous system relaxer. I have clients who come to see me weekly because it helps them handle stressful work loads and keeps them healthy and motivated! My clinics are in Oxenford and Windaroo, Queensland, Australia.

For more information please visit the websites below.

http://www.helenstherapies.com

http://www.ntpages.com.au




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