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Reflexology
THE ancient, healing art of reflexology has been around for thousands of years.
It was first practised in India and has been used by Chinese and Egyptian peoples
for generations and has become an established complimentary medicine in the UK.
It is based on the belief that congestion or tension in any part of the foot
mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body.
Following illness, injury, disease or stress the body is often in a state of
imbalance, knocked sideways as a residue of having to fight off invaders.
Reflexologists believe that this imbalance blocks key energy pathways through
the body preventing it from functioning efficiently.
By using only their hands to manipulate the feet a practitioner is able to
''read'' your foot to pinpoint the problem.
They can detect tiny deposits and imbalances and by working and massaging those,
the theory is that it frees up the corresponding energy pathways.
So when the big toe is manipulated there is a related effect in the head, when
the whole foot is treated it can have a relaxing and healing effect on the whole
body.
The ethos is that the body should be seen as a whole and often has the power
and strength to heal itself if all its energy channels are free to do their work
not clogged by baddies like tension.
Some people report mild pain as pockets and blockages are located in the foot
and gently worked on, but the feeling is transitory. The overall sensation is
pleasant and soothing and most people say reflexology is a relaxing and tranquil
experience.
The technique is also used in more specific areas in a more pro-active way
but again based on the principle that if the body is relaxed and in-tune it can
look after itself and do what it was designed to do efficiently.
At the Gentofte Hospital in Copenhagen, refloxology was used to give pain relief
to women in labour.
Out of 60 women, 58 reported ''outstanding pain relief'' and it convinced doctors
there that the technique could bring easier and less painful deliveries.
Another study confirmed the theory when 37 pregnant women completed a course
of 10 reflexology treatments with remarkable effects.
The average length of time for first stage of labour was five hours - compared
to the average 16-24 and second stage labour lasted on average 16 mins - compared
to the expected 1-2 hours.
Only 5.4% of the women needed an emergency caesarian compared to an average
13%.
And at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, a small scale study showed
that reflexology can help patients with chest pain.
Four patients, who had suffered fairly acute pain for various amounts of time,
were given weekly treatments for eight weeks.
They were told to keep a diary of the pain frequency and intensity and at the
end of the trial three reported complete pain relief and the fourth a significant
improvement.
And practitioners who have treated asthmatic children say they have had positive
results and believe that it can activate the body's own healing force to strengthen
lung and bronchial tissue.
A large nationwide study, again in Denmark, showed that it can also help relieve
migraine and tension headaches. Three months after completing a series of treatments,
81% of the 220 patients who took part reported that reflexology had either cured,
or markedly helped, their symptoms.
As it becomes more common even employers are beginning to see benefits for
staff.
One fashion company, with a positive approach to staff welfare, invited a reflexologist
in to give taster sessions to relax and de-stress workers.
Such was the huge response to the tasters that a weekly reflexology session
is now held with staff queueing up to have the treatment, even though they now
have to pay.
They report that it gives them time to re-focus on the job and be more productive
when they return to their desks and is a good motivator.
Links
Association of Reflexologists
The British Reflexology Association
Contact numbers
Association of Reflexologists: 0870 5673320
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