REFLEXOLOGY

1. REFLEXOLOGY Reflexology is a specific pressure technique applied to the feet or hands where all the internal body structures and organs are mapped or mirrored in miniature.

2. How Reflexology works • After a short massage, a reflexologist will work all of the reflex points on the foot using different pressure techniques. • Pain or sensitivity indicates congestion/energy blockages in the corresponding organ or gland • Crystals or gritty bits indicate a build up of uric acid or excess calcium – two of the waste products that build up in the body when the metabolism is not working efficiently. These deposits can be felt usually near joints and the clumps can be broken down by the Reflexology technique & carried away by blood & lymph flow. It is important to drink water following a treatment to help with this elimination process.

3. THE BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY • Reduces feelings of stress • Calms and soothes • Gives the recipient a feeling of wellbeing • Relaxes mind and body • Encourages elimination • Improves circulation • Boosts immune system • Pain relief • Balances hormones

4. Reading the Feet • Infected toe nails normally indicate that the Reflex Zones to the head area have been affected. Sugar, alcohol or cigarette use might be high. Migraine could be a problem. • Flat feet indicate the Reflex zones to the SpinalColumn are affected. There may also be some digestive problems such as constipation. • Congestion in the ankle area would indicate affected Reflex Zones in the Pelvis or Hip Joint

5. Reading the Feet • Bunnions suggest possible congestion in the Reflex Zones of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine, the Thyroid and the Pancreas. • Brittle ridges on nails can be due to Iron deficiency/anaemia • Sweaty feet indicate possible hormonal imbalances. • An unpleasant smell indicates poor elimination of toxins from the body.

6. Evidence based Reflexology • Reflexology is 93% effective in its application to 78 physical and mental conditions. This finding comes from a year-long analysis of 168 studies from twenty-three countries. The analysis is the focus of the newly released Evidence-Based Reflexology Series by Barbara and Kevin Kunz

7. Reflexology and Pain reduction • Kunz and Kunz’s assessment of twenty-seven studies shows positive outcomes for reflexology work in “significantly reducing pain”. • menstruating women, • cancer patients, • lower back pain sufferers, • Pain from surgery.

8. Reflexology and Cancer • Fourteen studies from seven countries demonstrate the impact of reflexology on cancer patients. Results included: a decrease in anxiety and depression, alleviation of fatigue, relief from tension, feeling of comfort and improved well-being, improved quality of life, and alleviation of post-operative pain and anxiety. • Further studies showed improvement over responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy: decrease in nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. A significant difference in diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and mood status.

9. Reflexology and mental health • Studies showed a significant difference in depression, perceived stress, systolic blood pressure and natural-killer cells for middle-aged women ( treatments were daily for 6 weeks) • Kunz and Kunz note that specific groups benefiting from reflexology work include: aggressive and anti-social children; autistic children; individuals in need of emotional support; mentally ill individuals with severe and enduring schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder; and victims of post traumatic stress. • Sessions were applied weekly over a 6 to 15 week period. Ten studies showed a reduction in anxiety. Ten demonstrated a lessening of depression.

10. 9 Eglinton Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow • www.pembrokehealthandwellbeing.ie