Reflexology for pain management
Reflexology can play an important part in pain therapy. It is one of the complementary and alternative therapies which has a long history and has been found useful in treating many painful conditions. It is most beneficial for more internal conditions, like slow digestion, migraine headaches, and insomnia, neck and low back pain, plantar fasciitis, TMJ dysfunction, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains and menstrual cramps. Reflexology has an amazing ability to induce a deep state of relaxation. Some people even think that reflexology holds an advantage over massage in addressing pain disorders, because reflexology can address both pathological and non-pathological musculoskeletal pain, while massage addresses only the latter.
Reflexologists believe that specific areas on the feet and ankles correspond to parts of the body. Therefore, by massaging the feet, it is believed that all parts of the body can be treated. When you visit a reflexology practitioner, he or she takes your medical history, including questions about your lifestyle such as diet, exercise, smoking, current medication, operations, accidents and so on. When the session starts, the reflexologist may ask you to soak your feet in warm water. Reflexologists use their hands to work on all parts of both feet and ankles. A session may take about an hour. You may need five to six sessions, depending upon the cause of the pain. These daily sessions will increase blood flow, help to reduce pain and will create a sense of relaxation. Treatment can be given in any position where you are physically relaxed with your feet available to the therapist. At the end of the treatment, you will be asked how you feel and the reflexologist will talk about possible effects of the treatment. You will also be advised to drink plenty of water for at least 24 hours.
Benefits of reflexology
- Relieves stress
- Circulation improvement
- Improved immune system
- Reduces muscular tension
- Increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues
- Revitalises energy
- Promotes calmness and a sense of well-being
- Relaxes the body and mind
- Sustain balance in every gland, organ, muscle, tissue and cell in the body
Don’t get reflexology when you have a fever and if you suffer from a chronic or serious condition get your doctor’s consent before starting treatments. If you are pregnant or think you might be, let your reflexologist know since they will want to avoid treating reflex points of the reproductive region.
