Traditional Chinese medicine is considered an ancient system of complete body healing rooted in nature. It is a holistic approach that strives to achieve a balance between one's body, mind, spirit and the environment. Several complementary and alternative approaches have stemmed from traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine and foot reflexology. Perhaps one of the most popular and unique forms of traditional healing, foot reflexology is used to naturally relieve stress and pain felt throughout the body.
Definition
According to Ka Wai Fan in "Foot Massage in Chinese Medical History," foot reflexology is defined as a complementary therapy in which pressure is applied to the feet using specific techniques. "Reflex" points or zones on the feet are known to stimulate or reinvigorate various parts of the body, including organs, systems and glands, even causing physical change in the specified area. When pressure is applied to the reflex points on the feet, a message is sent via the central nervous system to the brain, where the message is decoded. The brain communicates with the motor system to produce the necessary adjustments. The result is not only a physical change to the indicated region of the body, but also a reduction in overall stress on the body's immune system, decreased tension, refreshing of the blood, increased circulation and pain relief.
Treatment
In "The Ancient Healing Art of Reflexology," Linda Anderson says conventional reflexology treatments generally take between 45 minutes and an hour. At the beginning of each treatment, the reflexologist will complete a visual evaluation of each foot, including its skeletal structure, tissue, skin, temperature and overall physical condition. Using their palms, the reflexologist will then press on each foot with equal force to check for areas of abnormality. The visual assessment is used to identify any disturbances across zones. Throughout the treatment, all reflex points on the feet are swept over in short movements of the thumb, with pressure applied to each. The patient's response to pain may be used as a response cue for sensitive areas, which the reflexologist will massage over again until the sensitivity lessens, tension is released and circulation is improved. Anatomical charts and images depicting the 10 vertical zones of the body are used by most reflexologists.
Benefits
Edin Lakasing and Debbie Lawrence in "When to Use Reflexology," report that although reflexology is not an exact science, its benefits improve health and well-being by affecting aspects of the mind, body and spirit. The most common advantage of reflexology is stress reduction, which is vital in the fight against chronic disease and strengthening of the immune system. Additional benefits include pain reduction, rejuvenation of tired feet, improved circulation, postpartum recovery, impacts on physiological measures and enhanced mental health. Recent studies have suggested reflexology may complement medical care for diseases such as cancer and hemodialysis, but further research is needed to document this association. Each reflexology session aims to energize and heal the body, providing a sense of rejuvenation and well-being.
Healing Crisis
As noted in "When Patients Ask about Reflexology," a supplemental article in the journal Nursing, following the initial treatment, some patients may experience what reflexologists term a "healing crisis." This means the body is releasing toxins and healing the body, which is considered a natural reaction to the treatment. It may include fever, rash, excessive sweating, urinary changes or worsening of symptoms related to the patient's principal diagnosis. While these problems may be uncomfortable, it means the reflexology therapy is working.
Contraindications
According to Shirley Vanderbilt in "Footprints for Restoring Balance and Health," reflexology is not right for all patients, and individuals with some conditions should consult a health care practitioner before trying this alternative treatment. While some contraindications are evident, others are not as clear. Vanderbilt says patients with acute or chronic inflammation of either the lymphatic or venous system, aneurysms, highly infectious diseases, phlebitis and other conditions requiring surgery should avoid reflexology. While reflexology has many health advantages, it is a stressor to the body and is not appropriate for all individuals.
Considerations
Reflexology is useful in relieving stress and providing a renewed sense of well-being. Nevertheless, it is considered an alternative, or complement, to traditional medical care and may not work for everyone. Therapeutic effects vary according to a patient's stress pattern, condition and the reflexology application. For this reason, therapeutic effects of reflexology treatment will vary from individual to individual. Additionally, some patients will experience side effects, such as those listed above, yet other patients will not.
References
- Jour. Alt. Comp. Med.; Foot Massage in Chinese Medical History; Ka Wai Fan; January/February 2006
- Nursing and Residential Care (journal); "The Ancient Healing Art of Reflexology"; Linda Anderson, July 2005.
- Primary Health Care; "When to Use Reflexology"; Edin Lakasing and Debbie Lawrence; February 2010
- Massage and Bodywork (journal); "Footprints for Restoring Balance and Health"; Vanderbilt; Feb 2002
- Nursing (journal); "When Patients Ask about Reflexology: Non-traditional Choices"; September 2001
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