Hormonal imbalances in women can lead to significant problems with fertility, irregular menstrual periods and thinning of your bones. Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, is one manifestation of a hormonal imbalance that can also lead to male pattern baldness and the development of hair on the face and body. Treatment for PCOS generally includes the administration of hormones to restore balance. Because this rebalancing takes time, other adjunct treatments, such as medications for menstrual cramping, are also prescribed. Reflexology, a technique used in holistic medicine, may help reduce symptoms of PCOS. Check with your doctor before using any holistic approach.
Symptoms and Effects of PCOS
Symptoms of PCOS, according to the National Institutes of Health, include irregular or absent menstruation, reduction in breast fat and male-pattern redistribution of fat. Other health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension may also develop, due to insufficient female hormones in proportion to male hormones. A lack of adequate estrogen can cause less calcium to be used to replenish bone tissue, leading to a thinning of the bones. Infertility is perhaps the most prevalent health problem associated with PCOS, but the condition can also cause an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the use of gentle pressure applied to specific areas of your hands, feet and body that are believed to correspond to a particular condition. The University of Minnesota explains that reflexology is often used as an adjunctive approach, combined with conventional medicine or other holistic approaches. Reflexology has been in use since the time of ancient Egypt and is popular throughout Europe and Asia. The goal of reflexology is to restore the flow of energy through your body. This is believed to restore the function of the corresponding part of your body.
Reflexology for PCOS
Research linking reflexology with PCOS is limited, and it appears this approach may not improve the effects of PCOS. A 2009 research study published in "Fertility and Sterility" found no relationship between administration of reflexology treatments and ovulation in women with infertility. In addition, a 2001 article published in the "Western Journal of Medicine" explains that while recipients of massage therapies such as reflexology report relief of stress and anxiety, reductions of physical symptoms don't have scientific support. Still, practitioners of reflexology claim that application of the therapy can restore hormonal balance, according to the book "PCOS and Your Fertility."
Considerations
Although research does not appear to support the effectiveness of reflexology for PCOS, the therapy may be a more effective adjunct to conventional medicine. An example of the effectiveness of reflexology is evident in a 2000 research study published in "Nursing Standard." The study found that cancer patients who received reflexology treatments reported more benefit than those who received a placebo or purportedly ineffective reflexology treatment. Given that therapeutic touch techniques such as reflexology can improve mood, it's reasonable to suggest that this can facilitate healing. In support of this suggestion, a 2003 study published in the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" found significant effects of touch therapy on healing.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- PCOS and Your Fertility; Colette Harris
- Fertility and Sterility: The Effectiveness of Foot Reflexology in Inducing Ovulation: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial
- Western Journal of Medicine: Massage Therapies
- Nursing Standard: Does Reflexology Impact on Cancer Patients' Quality of Life
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Therapeutic Touch for Healing Acute Wounds
