Your Health in Your Feet

For many years I was drawn to alternative therapies, finding that they often relieved the symptoms of chest infections and other illnesses faster and more naturally than over-the- counter prescriptions.

I was initially interested in studying massage at my local college, but once there I was fascinated by the information presented on Reflexology. Not only did it appear to blend in well with my desire to ease the discomfort of others, it also had that added ‘zing’ – the ‘medical’ element that fitted so well with the nurse I felt was within me.

It wasn’t just that, however. Reflexology’s holistic approach doesn’t simply ease a symptom, it treats the cause too; contrasting somewhat with conventional medical treatments which usually just deal with the symptoms. It is also a preventative therapy: if the body is in tune, it is less likely to break down in the first place. Reflexology does not diagnose problems, but it does find imbalances in the body and it’s then able to assist the body to repair itself. The whole idea appealed to me immensely.

THE HISTORY

Reflexology is an ancient art of healing, dating back many thousands of years. It is believed to have been practised by the early Egyptians, Indians and Chinese.

In 1913, Dr William Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose and throat surgeon, introduced this therapy to the West. He had discovered that pressure on specific parts of the body seemed to have an anaesthetizing effect on a related area. He developed this theory further by dividing the body into 10 vertical/equal zones, beginning at the head and ending at the fingers and toes. Dr Fitzgerald concluded that pressure on one part of a zone could have an effect on everything in that zone.

In the 1930s, a therapist called Eunice Ingham continued with Dr Fitzgerald’s doctrine by refining the ‘zone therapy’ into what is now known as Foot Reflexology, noting that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrored congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. Therefore, when treating the big toe, there is a related effect in the head, and treating the whole foot can have a relaxing and healing effect on the whole body.

The more I studied, the more I realised that Reflexology was far more in-depth than I’d first realised. More than just the physical side, it dealt with the whole person – physical, emotional and mental. I really liked the idea that if I found an imbalance in, say, the chest area, this didn’t necessarily mean that there was a potential physical problem. The person could actually be suffering from heartache caused by a relationship problem! Then again, if it persisted over a few treatments and I felt that it could be a physical symptom, I could write to the patient’s GP and ask them to check my client out, thereby averting something that could be serious, or at least allaying fears.

WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU?

Reflexology can encourage the body’s natural ability to heal itself, as well as help to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium – particularly after illness, injury, disease, when stressed, or when the body is ‘imbalanced’. If vital energy pathways are blocked, our bodies are prevented from functioning effectively.

A Reflexologist will apply gentle pressure to the feet, with hands only, in a unique way for each client. Doing this, they can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet which are causing blockages. These can be released, restoring the free flow of energy to the whole body, thus releasing tensions, aiding circulation and eliminating toxins. Reflexology treatments can also reduce anxiety, strengthen the immune system and relieve pain, as it promotes the release of endomorphines. The body is therefore encouraged, at its own pace, to self-heal, often after years of abuse.

THE TREATMENT

After doing a medical and lifestyle consultation, then explaining what is about to happen, the Reflexologist begins working on your feet (or your hands), noting problem areas. Occasionally, there is a fleeting discomfort in some parts of the foot, which indicates some congestion or imbalance in a corresponding part of the body. For the most part, the sensation is pleasant and soothing, relaxing you while stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms. Sometimes you can actually feel a twinge or sensation in the corresponding body part to that being worked on in the foot.

There were times when I’d surprise myself. One client had hard lumps of skin on both feet, covering the corresponding areas to her ears, but had mentioned no discomfort or problems with her ears, which baffled me a little. However, upon checking further I discovered that she wore ear plugs every day at her place of work. She was actually damaging her ears, a fact that she was already aware of, and the hard skin buildup was an attempt by her body to protect itself from further damage.

Sessions can last for up to one hour. A course of treatments may vary in length depending on your body’s needs. After the first treatment or two, your body may react in a very definite way: you may experience a feeling of well-being, great relaxation, feel energised, or you may sleep better or for longer. You could also feel lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is transient. These symptoms are of great importance, as they show the Reflexologist how your body is responding to the treatments.

WHO CAN BENEFIT?

Reflexology is suitable for all age groups and an increasing number of people are turning to it, as it treats the whole person and not just the symptoms of disease. Most people benefit from treatments, whether being treated simply to relax from the everyday stresses or life, or bringing relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, such as the debilitating Multiple Sclerosis. Regular treatments are recommended in order to help maintain health, well-being and equilibrium.

One client, whom I shall refer to as 'Steve' was diagnosed with MS 18 years ago, when he was in his 20s, and is now severely affected. He is mainly bed-ridden, having relatively little use of his limbs, and he also has some eyesight problems. Steve suffers a lot of pain and discomfort throughout his body and, due to lack of mobility, he has numerous internal problems which affect his bladder, bowel and digestive system and his sinuses. Apart from finding his weekly Reflexology treatments extremely relaxing, Steve reports that his nightly sleeping pattern has altered for the better. He often finds himself falling asleep one to two hours earlier than usual and enjoys a deeper sleep. In general, for several days after treatment Steve feels more rested and relaxed than before. He has also noted that his bladder and bowels seem a little better and his nasel congestion began easing from the first treatment. Overall, Steve finds the treatment beneficial and looks forward to his weekly session.

From recent medical research carried out on complementary therapies, Reflexology has also shown promising results in the area of female fertility. This obviously relies on the cause of infertility being specifically non-physical. Many practitioners are finding that, after a course of treatments, clients who were having problems conceiving become pregnant shortly after the course. At least six weekly treatments are recommended, although more or fewer may be required depending on an individual client’s case.

Due to well-publicised health scares surrounding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which may be linked to an increased incidence of breast cancer and osteoporosis, many women are seeking a more natural, alternative way to cope with menopausal symptoms. Depending on individual circumstances, Reflexology may be of benefit.

WHO CAN’T BE TREATED?

There are various 'contra-indications' that may prevent a Reflexology treatment from taking place, some being: pregnancy (in the first trimester, or if there were previous pregnancy problems), cancer (depending on stage), infectious and contagious illnesses, thrombosis, phlebitis, venous or lymphatic inflammations, psychosis, internal bleeding and a continued extreme negative reaction to treatment.

Caution is also occasionally advised if you suffer from fevers, foot conditions, heart conditions, menstruation, osteoporosis, hypertension, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, if you are in the stages of pre- or post- surgery, terminal illness, or anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Reflexology is not a replacement for your doctor, nor does it claim to diagnose problems. It is recommended that you always ensure that your practitioner is professionally qualified and a member of a bona fide organisation before beginning a course of treatment.

Michelle Rees, MICHT, can be contacted on 020 8262 1173, or at: reflexologyfirst@aol.com