What is it?
Reflexology is based on on the feet or hands with the thumbs and fingers, reflexologists seek to alleviate or treat a range of conditions. Each reflex point reflects the state of the body part or organ by its feel and condition, and practitioners can sometimes detect weaknesses before they start to cause problems. Most reflexologists prefer to work with the feet as they are larger and more sensitive than the hands.
What does it treat?
Reflexology is not a substitute for medical care, and reflexologists do not diagnose conditions. As a complementary therapy, it is deemed a valued treatment for migraine, high blood pressure, back and neck pain, sinus and menstrual problems, irritable bowel syndrome and other stress-related ailments. It is also considered useful in preventive health care as it brings about deep relaxation, improves blood circulation and clears the body of toxins and impurities. It has been claimed that having reflexology during pregnancy can significantly reduce the length of labour. Some reflexologists will not treat those with acute infections, thrombosis (blood clotting), osteoporosis, cancer diabetes or epilepsy. Anyone who has had hip or knee replacements should not have reflexology until the area is healed.
A first-timer's experience: (31-year-old hat designer, Catherine Cooke) "I have a sensitive scar on the top of my left foot so I was a little nervous in case the treatment might cause pain to this area. After a few questions about my health (such as if I had had any operations, if I was pregnant or using an intrauterine device as a contraceptive) and reassurance that she wouldn't touch my scar, the reflexologist asked me to take off my shoes and socks and lie down on her treatment couch. I thought the treatment would feel like a foot massage but it was much more intensive than any foot massage I've had. It was very relaxing, and there was gentle music playing in the background.
The reflexologist dealt comprehensively with the sides, sole and top of each foot and every part of all my toes. At certain points, I squirmed with pain. Following the treatment, she referred back to the points when it hurt and asked me about specific illnesses or ailments, some of which I had experienced. She explained that the purpose of the first treatment was to release all toxins through the feet. More specific problems would take further treatment to heal. She also advised me to drink plenty of water afterwards. I was completely relaxed and a bit drowsy after the treatment, which lasted about 80 minutes. All I wanted was a cup of tea."
An advocate's view: (Roisin Davis, a 46-year-old mother working in the home) "I had a cyst on my ear five years ago and three weeks after surgery I went for my first reflexology treatment. I also had facial paralysis at this time, and days after my first reflexology treatment I felt the nerves coming back into my face. At that time, I had weekly treatments for six weeks which brought me fully back to normal. At the moment, I am attending my reflexologist for a pain in my neck so I go about once a fortnight. I find that my neck is becoming much looser and not at all as stiff. My reflexologist deals specifically with an area on my foot which is linked to my neck. When my neck is better, I will continue to go for treatments about once a month as part of a maintenance programme. I love it."
Medical view: Dr Muiris Houston, Irish Times Medical Correspondent says: "There are no published research studies on the effectiveness of reflexology as a medical treatment. A 1994 study of the use of complementary medicine by cancer patients attending a London hospital oncology unit, showed reflexology was one of the leastused therapies. Reflexology is likely to have beneficial psychological effects. There is no evidence of any side-effects or harm emanating from reflexology."
There are approximately 1,000 practising reflexologists in Ireland. The Irish Reflexologists' Institute (04891-462657) has 500 members, all of whom have 70 hours of training and 60 reported treatments. Treatment costs £20 £30. See also:
www.reflexology-research.com
