Reflexology, also called zone therapy, is a form of alternative medicine that involves applying pressure to various points on your body. It is used to treat a variety of health conditions, including an inguinal hernia. Always talk with your doctor about integrating reflexology into your treatment plan for a hernia before scheduling an appointment with a reflexologist.
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when your abdominal wall becomes torn, allowing small portions of soft tissue to fall through. It is sometimes a preexisting condition, but pregnancy, obesity, heavy lifting and a chronic cough can also contribute to the development of an inguinal hernia. Symptoms include a bulge in your groin area, pain or aching at the site of the hernia, particularly when lifting or coughing, and a weak feeling in your groin. Treatment often requires surgery to repair the hernia.
Reflexology
The practice of reflexology involves manipulating various points on the feet and hands, which stimulates your nervous system. This is supposed to relax you, increase blood flow through your body and improve the function of internal organs. Since reflexology uses pressure, it may provide pain relief as well. An inguinal hernia often produces pain, making reflexology a good option to help you control the discomfort while you await surgery and while you recover from it.
Pressure Points for Inguinal Hernia
The reflexology points associated with your groin, colon and adrenal gland are areas that many reflexologists feel may prevent an inguinal hernia or keep it from getting worse. A reflexologist will manipulate a small area on the palm of your hand, near your thumb for the adrenal gland, directly above your wrists on the tops of your hands for your groin and a thin area near your wrist on your palms. The pressure points on your feet include an area between the balls and the heels for your groin, a small circle about an inch below your big toe on the bottom of your feet for the adrenal gland and the tops of your feet right below your ankle for your groin.
Considerations
Reflexology is not a cure for an inguinal hernia, which typically has to be repaired with surgery. It should never replace any medical treatment your physician has advised. Nonetheless, reflexology may be able to alleviate any pain you feel and make you more comfortable as you control the condition. Don't use reflexology to treat your inguinal hernia without your doctor's approval. When choosing a reflexologist, look for someone who is licensed and has experience using reflexology for inguinal hernias. Your doctor may be able to give you a referral.
