World Reflexology Week 2010
I cannot believe a year has come and gone since I had posted my first blog promoting World Reflexology Week. I began my journey to become a reflexologist August 2008. By July 2009, I became a board certified reflexologist from the American Reflexology Certification Board ( ARCB ). I was so excited to include this new "relaxation" modality in my holistic nursing practice. According to the ARCB website, reflexology aids in the healing process because... "Many of our health problems can be linked to stress. It is an acknowledged fact by the medical community that a body trying to function while under the influence of prolonged stress is less capable of organizing its defenses against illnesses and repair damage caused by injury. Stress can be mentally, emotionally, physically, or environmentally induced. Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique. Reflexology can negate the effects of stress while it helps the body relax & balance. Through the relaxation process the body is more capable of dealing with the stresses placed on it by daily living and those associated with illness. Reflexology gently nudges the body toward better functioning by improving lymphatic drainage and venous circulation, stimulation to the nerve pathways, and muscle relaxation, helping the body to balance itself."
Over the last two years, I have performed hundreds of reflexology sessions to help clients relax, de-stress, and relieve foot pain due to running, walking or simply standing all day. The feedback was positive with comments such as "I feel so relaxed", "I feel like a marshmellow", " I can't believe working the feet relaxes my whole body" and "Once you touched my feet, I went right to sleep". I knew I was providing a great relaxation service to my clients.
However, while many clients found it relaxing to experience the gentle touch applied to the feet or hands, what I didn't imagine was how reflexology can truly serve as a powerful tool in both the diagnostic and healing process. My practice has organically evolved to integrate a medical and energy model approach to reflexology. Being a holistic nurse affords me the opportunity to draw on both my nursing knowledge and experience, as well as with my reflexology training and intutitive element to foster a greater therapeutic partnership.
Photo Courtesy: Mike Russo @Monroe.Patch.com
Medical and Energy Model Reflexology Approach
To be clear, a reflexologist is trained not to make any medical claims or diagnostic assumptions. Any health benefits associated with reflexology are viewed as a by-product of the relaxation process. Using a medical and energy model approach does not indicate that I work beyond my scope of practice as a nurse and reflexologist. I provide the client and health care practitioners with assessments, insights and information to enhance the healing process and to help compliment the "diagnostic process". Perhaps reflexology should be viewed as a useful tool beyond the concept of a relaxation therapy. In my experiences, complimenting conventional medical systems with reflexology can translate into the best treatment plan and facilitate optimum wellness.
"Holistic nurses may integrate complementary/alternative modalities (CAM) into clinical practice to treat people’s physiological, psychological, and spiritual needs. Doing so does not negate the validity of conventional medical therapies, but serves to complement, broaden, and enrich the scope of nursing practice and to help individuals access their greatest healing potential" - American Nurses Association
The following case studies are provided to highlight my experiences:
Case 1: Sluggish Kidney
Client is a female, age 83. She has been employing my reflexology services periodically for relaxation. She states "it feels so good to have my feet worked on". This client was anxious because she had to go for an endoscopy procedure. There was a suspicion of a bleeding ulcer. The client's past medical history and lab values suggested this to be the most probable diagnosis. She was anxious about the upcoming procedure. Into the session, there was an area of sensitivity in her foot that was associated with the kidney. As I continued the session, I asked the client several questions (aka: a "nursing assessment") about her recent urniary output, water consumption and lab values associated with her history of anemia. Since the client had never had a history or symptoms of kidney problems yet had a history of ulcers, I understood the procedured ordered. However, during the session, I began to feel that perhaps the procedure could be avoided. That was an educated guess based on both her response to my questions and the tenderness surrounding her kidney reflex. I was further convinced that her current condition was a sluggish kidney which can be tested via a blood test. I suggested the client speak with her physician about the kidney function test. I also offered to speak to the physician. Fortuantely, the physician was open to the client's converstation. Conclusion: client was diagnosed with a sluggish kidney, provided pharmeceutical therapy and her anemia improved, and the procedure was avoided.
Case 2: Rotator Cuff Surgery
Client is a female, age 64. Came to try reflexology "simply to relax". She had recently had rotator cuff surgery and has been dealing with a lot of pain and limited range of motion. I knew I could work her shoulder reflex on her foot to help the body heal. As I was working on the foot, I had the inutitive feeling that she needed to compliment reflexology and her physical therapy sessions with reiki. I suggested that she consider adding weekly reiki and reflexology sessions along with her physical therapy sessions. Conclusion: Client participated in sessions 3 times a week for three weeks and indicated that her pain level went from a level 6 to a level 1 and her range of motion and mobility was improving.
Case 3: Liver Detox
Client is a female, age 45. Is recovering from an outbreak of shingles two and half months prior. She has been under the care of a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) for detoxing and reducing systemic inflammation. During her session I felt "adhesions" (tissue/texture changes found in the muscles or adipose tissues which feel sandy or gritty to touch)in the area known as the liver reflex. The client did not feel any sensitivity to the area. I discussed what I was feeling. She said she would talk with her ND. The following week, she came for a session and as I worked on her foot, the adhesions were not as pronounced. The client had spoken to the ND about her reflexology findings. The ND previously had her on a detox tea. After the reflexology session, she assessed the liver detox too strong and changed to a milder form. Conclusion: The ND adjusted her prescription to a milder detox since it appeared the previous dosage was causing the liver some "stress". This stress produced no obvious symptoms, but was detected via reflexology. Within a week of using a milder detox, the liver reflex revealed improvements.
Reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all body parts. The physical act of applying specific pressures using thumb, finger and hand techniques result in stress reduction which causes a physiological change in the body (Wolfe,2008).
Reflexology as a scientific art....
Scientific because anecdotal data and research studies around the world continue to provide information on how reflexology can have a positive impact on illness and disease. The science is also the physical part of how reflexology is applied-how much pressure is used and where (Issel, 2002). Reflexology is an art, in the sense that we must develop a caring relationship or "bed-side manner" to provide the soothing touch our clients physical, emtional, mental and spiritual wellness. The art of reflexology is listening to the intuitive mind and the body's innate intellegnece-the part of the body which we do not see, but which organizes the physical part, we do see (Issel, 2002).
What we all agree with...
Reflexology relaxes the body, revitalizes energy and facilitates overall good health. Stress (whether physical, emotional, or mental) can easily be linked to many health problems. Healing requires a state of rest. Therefore the reflexology premise is to stimulate the body's own healing process.It is important that you not only understand reflexology but also how to find a qualified practitioner for you. Remember, reflexology is not a substitute for medical treatment. People with serious and long-term medical problems are urged to seek the advice of their healthcare provider.
Wellness Tip: The tip for today is simple...Invest in a Reflexology session! Relax and re-energize while enhancing your body's natural healing potential. If you live in the New Haven or Fairfield County area, call Intrinsic Health Source at 203-450-0786 or click here to schedule an appointment . Live outside the area? Click here for a listing of board certified reflexologist .
Sources:
American Reflexology Certification Board website
American Nurses Association website
Issel, Christine (2002, Winter). The Yin and Yang of Reflexology. Reflexology TODAY.
Wolfe, Bob (2008). Advanced Reflexology Certification Program Manual. Received at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies.
Posted by Jeannine Capria at Sunday, September 19. 2010 
Categories: Reflexology, Stress Mgt, Holistic Health Therapies, Nursing, Prevention and Wellness, Intrinsic Health Source, Health Conditions
Categories: Reflexology, Stress Mgt, Holistic Health Therapies, Nursing, Prevention and Wellness, Intrinsic Health Source, Health Conditions
I find your case studies truly amazing!! The problem I think most people have with these therapies is that they want immediate results. It does take some time and committment. Both financial committment and scheduling in your day. But I must say, it is truly worth it!! I do reflexology to relax primarily, but I can see the other benefits. Thanks so much for sharing. If I was in CT I would check you out!
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