Reflexology, a powerful antidote to stress

Reflexology

Reflexology is a complementary therapy. It is a treatment of the whole person by therapeutic massage of the feet. Inge dougan (1992) states that ‘reflexology is a gentle art, a fascinating science and an extremely effective form of therapeutic massage that has carved an impressive niche in the field of complementary medicine’.

The person not the symptoms are treated by massaging the reflex points on the feet that correspond to all parts of the body. It is not a cure. It is very relaxing and reminds our bodies how to relax. Our bodies constantly strive to reach a level of balance, but it is increasingly difficult in the world today. To help the body achieve more balance reflexology stimulates the blood circulation system, lymphatic system, nervous system and the endocrine system, encouraging the body to balance itself. This allows the body to function as efficiently as possible and so reducing symptoms.

Paul Denton (1992) stated that ‘complementary therapies add choice, completeness, care, time, touch and tenderness.’  There is a connection between the care that practitioners give clients and the way they feel cared for themselves. Both practitioners and clients need to give time to themselves. If practitioners have a feeling of self worth then this will be reflected in their practice. Reflexology allows all to move from being a passive recipient of stress to actively taking part in the resolution and prevention of stress effects. The World Health Organisation states that ‘health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease’ (Editorial, Health Education Journal 1993).

Stress

Stress is necessary for life, but some aspects of stress are not healthy. In the 1950’s Hans Selye (1976) put forward the idea that it is not stress itself but the continuing nature of stress that causes wear and tear on the body. Selye described the General Adaptation to stress, the stressor causes alarm, the body then adapts, but after a period of time there is exhaustion of the body’s ability to adapt.

In the last 100 years life has speeded up considerably with the telephone, computer and fax machine. The television brings the world to the corner of the sitting room and the internet has shrunk the world still further. Stress is very personal. One person’s stress is another person’s challenge. Some of the symptoms of stress are fatigue, irritation, insomnia, general shoulder and neck aches, headaches, menstrual cycle problems, food cravings and an increased susceptibility to coughs and colds.

Benefits of Reflexology

Reflexology has a reputation for being of benefit to a wide range of conditions, especially those related to stress. Statistics show that the majority of general practitioner consultations are for stress related issues. Reflexology can be an investment for better health and an antidote to stress. Even living on the sun soaked island of Cyprus carries its own stresses. We insure our houses for peace of mind. We insure our cars in case of damage and service them to keep in good working order. We invest in a pension for our later life. How can we invest in ourselves for better health and less stress? I believe that reflexology is a powerful antidote to stress. It can help us to change our attitude to stress, giving us more energy and recharge our batteries to allow the mind, body and spirit to remember wellness and wellbeing. To remember how to work, rest and play. It is an investment in the present and the zest for living. When life takes it out of you, reflexology puts it back!

References

Denton P. (1992) Conference notes of Oncology Nursing Society. UK

Dougan, I (2002) The Complete Illustrated Guide to Reflexology. London: Thorsons Books

Editorial (1993) Towards Health For All. Vol. 52/3 Health Education Journal UK

Selye, H.(1976) the Stress of Life McGraw Hill Paperbacks.