“The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art” Leonardo da Vinci
A Brief History of Western Reflexology:
Reflexology is a therapeutic practice with roots in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, India, China, and Native America.
The earliest documentation of reflexology dates back to ancient Egypt. A scene depicting medical practitioners treating hands and feet was discovered in a 2,500 BC papyrus found in the tomb of Ankhmahor, a prestigious physician at Saqqara.
What is Reflexology:
Reflexology works similarly to acupuncture and acupressure. It is a specialized pressure technique primarily applied to the feet or hands. It is rooted in the belief that specific zones and reflex points on the hands, feet, and face are interconnected with and correspond to all organs, glands, and systems throughout the body.
By stimulating these reflexes, the body's natural electrical energy is thought to flow through the nervous system, clearing any blockages within the related zones. During a reflexology session, deposits, often perceived as sandy or gritty areas under the skin, are believed to be broken up, allowing for the unimpeded flow of the body's energy.
The manipulation of specific reflexes aims to alleviate stress, triggering a parasympathetic response in the body and facilitating the release of disharmonies through physiological changes. As stress diminishes and circulation improves, the body can return to a state of homeostasis, the inherent mechanism that regulates the body back to a ‘balanced state’. For instance, in the case of abnormal blood pressure, the body will initiate processes such as the secretion of the enzyme renin by the kidneys, which is associated with blood pressure regulation, and the hormone erythropoietin, which increases the production of red blood cells.
Reflexology’s Role in Wellness:
Homeostasis… “The physiological process by which the internal systems of the body are maintained at equilibrium, despite variations in the external conditions.” The Bantam Medical Dictionary, 1990, p. 204
Homeostasis is the target for most holistic modalities – the practitioner wants to reset the nervous system and bring a person back to a normal, healthy state of being. The main benefits of reflexology are relaxation with the removal of stress, enhanced circulations, assists the body to normalize the metabolism naturally, and importantly, it complements Western medicine and all other healing modalities.
Reflexology & Cancer:
Mason (1999, p. 1) describes receiving a diagnosis of cancer as:
“The shock can be incredible, the uncertainty profound. Although many people read and hear a great deal about cancer, they are often ill-prepared for the trauma, both emotional and physical, that diagnosis and treatment can bring.”
Reflexology can often help on both an emotional and physical level, by initially helping to overcome this shock and then aiding symptom relief.
Mason (1999, p. 65) discusses the use of complementary therapies for cancer saying:
“What they can do, though, is to bring to patients a sense of doing something for themselves and taking control. This is because complementary therapies require the individual to take an active part, and it is a part of their treatment that they have chosen rather than had prescribed for them. Moreover, complementary practitioners tend to take a holistic view and many spend a great deal of time with their patients. Not surprisingly, therefore, many people find that using them helps to improve their quality of life, including their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.”
Patients undergoing breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, often experience stress, which can exacerbate pain. Reflexology has been found to effectively alleviate pre-surgery anxiety and post-surgery shock. It can contribute to reducing post-operative pain by helping patients feel less anxious. Furthermore, reflexology may also aid in enhancing the immune system, thereby promoting a faster healing process following such medical treatments. There are 3 main areas where reflexology has a role to play in helping breast cancer survivors:
1: Reflexology & Chemotherapy
Reflexology has shown potential in easing some of the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Additionally, it has been suggested that reflexology can aid in boosting the immune system and improving the functioning of the liver and kidneys, all of which can be beneficial for individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Moreover, there is some indication that it may help minimize damage to normal cells. From an emotional standpoint, reflexology is known to alleviate anxiety and provide valuable emotional support for those undergoing treatment. It's important to note that treatments may need to be shortened to minimize any adverse effects, particularly due to the high levels of fatigue experienced by individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Reflexology treatments can be administered before or after chemotherapy, or even during chemotherapy sessions, with the latter being especially beneficial when combined with visualizations / hypnotherapy for needle-phobic individuals.
2: Reflexology & Radiotherapy
Before undergoing radiotherapy, reflexology may provide relief from any anxiety. Following radiotherapy, reflexology can help alleviate side effects like nausea and vomiting. It also supports the immune system, aiding in the repair of damage to normal tissues. It's important to note that reflexology should be avoided while the patient has a radioactive implant and is under isolation nursing. However, once the implant has been removed and isolation is no longer necessary, reflexology treatments can be resumed.
3: Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment
Cancer Research UK states that 1 in 5 people (20%) will develop lymphedema of the arm after breast cancer treatment that includes: surgery to remove lymph nodes and radiotherapy to the lymph nodes. Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid that is unable to drain away because the cancer of cancer treatment has had an effect on the fluid drainage channels of the lymphatic system. The pressure from the swelling can be painful and will make arm movement more difficult if left untreated.
Reflexology in general can benefit the circulatory and lymphatic systems. However, Sally Kay, an award winning Reflexologist from the UK, has taken it a step further and has researched and developed (whilst working in Cancer Care) a unique sequence which focuses on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes on the feet with the aim of causing an effect on the lymphatic system in the body. The results appear to support the theory of reflexology.
To find out more about reflexology, visit the two sites below:
Note: Reflexology is not a treatment or cure for cancer.
CLICK HERE for a useful abstract taken from the British Journal of Community Nursing regarding looking at Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Treatment.
— Judith Anne Whatley, Sally Kay: Published online October 8, 2020
Victoria Williams, VW Holistic Wellness
Victoria is a certified reflexologist having trained at the Ontario College of Reflexology in Canada. She also holds specialized qualifications in Orthopedic Reflexology, Facial Reflexology, Reflexology Lymph Drainage, and Reflexology for Palliative Care. She is also a Trauma Incident Reduction Facilitator having trained with Applied Metapsychology International (AMI). Victoria has practiced reflexology for six years in Canada and the US.
References:
David Wayte: Cert Ed, MAR, ICR
Prof. Donald Bisson: Dean at Ontario College of Reflexology Cancer Research UK
Sally Kay: Certified Reflexologist practitioner, researcher, educator, and author