What ailments can Reflexology help with?

Reflexology is a complementary therapy which is rapidly growing in popularity due to its well established reputation for helping patients de-stress and relax.  My clients have found it particular effective for:

  • PMT/PMS
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Sinus problems (including sinus pain, sinusitis, and nasal congestion)
  • Stress and anxiety  (including panic attacks)
  • Digestive disorders (including constipation and irritable bowel syndrome)
  • Stiffness
  • Depression
  • Tiredness (including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
  • Pregnancy (including constipation ,backache, pains, fluid retention and swelling)

Related Posts

  • How many Reflexology sessions will I need?

    It is difficult to predict how many treatments are required to re-balance the body but in general, the patient should see some evidence of improvement after three treatments. In general, the longer a patient has had a condition the more treatments will be required. Some patients have monthly Reflexology treatments to help them manage their stress levels and as part of a preventative self-care programme.

  • Reflexology and Pain Management – Part 1

    Pain is a fact of life, it is a necessary part of being human.  Pain is a universal experience that serves the vital function of triggering avoidance. Pain is not a simple sensory experience, it can occur even in the absence of tissue damage. It involves emotional, social and cognitive beliefs. The four pillars of pain include

    1. Peripheral nervous system or the movement system
    2. Autonomic system, composing the sympathetic, parasympathetic, hormonal and visceral systems
    3. Central nervous system
    4. Psycho-emotional aspects, such as stress, anxiety, fear, social life and memory of pain.
    Physiological pain acts as a warning of actual or potential tissue damage and is usually transient.  It may be accompanied by an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and temperature.  Physiological pain of pathological origin results from tissue damage.  Tissue damage causes the release of neurotransmitters into the bloodstream creating inflammation, which can produce redness, swelling, and heat and further enhance the pain experience.  The area may also be sensitised, stimulating further neurochemical output and resulting in an ongoing cycle of pain - referred to as chronic pain. A growing evidence base for reflexology in pain management.  It is not yet fully understood how reflexology helps manage pain, although current opinion suggests it works on the neurological system through the release of endogenous opioids*. So if you are in pain, why not book a reflexology treatment.   * Sources Stephenson NLN and JA Dalton (2003).  Using Reflexology for pain management; a review, Journal of Holistic Nursing 21(2) pg 179 - 191 Mackereth P (2005) An explanation of therapeutic outcomes of reflexology and relaxation interventions for people with multiple sclerosis, University of Mancherster  

  • What is the history of Reflexology?

    A 2,300 B.C wall painting in the tomb of Ankmahor, known as the physicians’ tomb, shows a series practitioners giving patients reflexology treatments. In addition, there is evidence that reflexology was known to some early African tribes and the American Indians. Dr William Fitzgerald and American ENT (ear nose and throat) consultant rediscovered it in the early 1920s. He found that by applying pressure to reflex points on the feet, he could anaesthetize a patient’s ear and this enabled him to perform minor ear operations. Eunice Ingham, a nurse, publicised much of Dr Fitzgerald’s research by treating patients, lecturing and training practitioners including Dorean Bayley who introduced the therapy into England in the early 1960s.