H.O.P.E. | Reflexology

Reflexology
More than two thirds of Americans living with chronic pain are now using complementary and alternative therapies. One form of complementary therapy, reflexology, has been around since 3000 BC. Reflexology can play an important role in a multidisciplinary approach to managing the overlapping symptoms of fibromyalgia: pain, fatigue, depressed mood, and sleep problems (Stephenson & Dalton, 2003). Whether patients are mildly, moderately, or severely affected by fibromyalgia, they can benefit from the healing benefits of this therapy.

What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a type of body work widely practiced throughout the world. Denmark, for example, has approximately 3,500 practicing reflexologists, compared with 3,000 practicing medical doctors. Some reflexologists work in medical settings like hospitals. Others work in the employee health programs of large corporations, which report reduced sick leave and improved productivity because of employees' access to reflexology. Scientific research in Denmark, Australia, Switzerland, and China claims that reflexology is an effective therapy for a range of health conditions. Chronic pain, especially, is improved by reflexology treatments (Shirley, 2000).

The International Institute of Reflexology defines reflexology as a manual technique based on the theory that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands that correspond to all glands, organs, and parts of the body. (See the hand and foot chart by Byers [1983].) Reflexologists use their thumb and forefinger to apply pressure to reflex areas on the client's hands and feet that correspond to the glands, organs, and body parts (Byers, 1983). Practitioners note that reflexology reduces stress and tension in the body's internal organs by relieving stress from other painful body parts that may not tolerate direct therapy. They believe that reflexology complements massage therapy and other physical therapies and that it improves nutritional and herbal therapies through its effects on the digestive system (Shirley, 2000).

Strictly speaking, reflexology is not massage, because it primarily works the nerve endings in the hands, feet, and ears. Massage works the muscles and their fascia.

The practice of reflexology is ancient. It was first reported in Chinese literature in 3000 B.C. In the tomb of an Egyptian physician, dating from 2330 B.C., a wall painting shows hand-and-foot reflexology. The patient's inscription says, "Don't hurt me." The practitioner replies, "I shall act so you praise me."

Reflexology has been used with acupuncture (Booth, 1994; Gillanders, 1995). In the 1930s, Ingham, a massage therapist, began applying pressure to individuals' hands and feet with her thumbs and fingers to achieve a relaxing effect. Subsequently, she published Stories the Feet Can Tell, citing cases in which individuals with problems such as asthma, angina pectoris, arthritis, and sciatica benefitted from reflexology. Her second book, Stories the Feet Can Tell/Have Told Thru Reflexology (1984), included technical details on performing reflexology. Byers, her nephew, helped her present seminars on reflexology and established both the National and International Institutes of Reflexology, based on the Ingham Method.

Reflexology and Fibromyalgia
Reflexology relaxes the body and reduces pain. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, and fibromyalgia patients all have one thing in common, pain. So, when they come to me for reflexology the very first thing I want to do is to help them relax. Starting with a gentle touch, and checking the foot, I let my fingers do the walking as I feel for congestion. We call that congestion, "crystals." The congestion feels like little grains of salt, and as I apply pressure it breaks the crystals up allowing nature to move it along in the body as waste. This helps restore circulation to the congested area and lets the healing begin.

Since everyone has a different pain tolerance, I try to get a feel for just how much pressure a person can tolerate. It wouldn't do a person much good if I worked with great pressure and they were tense. One can be just as effective with a gentle touch if that is all a person can tolerate. You must let the reflexologist know if the pressure is too deep or if you feel pain. The outcome of a treatment isn't pain but calmness and a relaxed pain-free state.

Reflexology acts in two ways to reduce pain: by encouraging the body to produce endorphins and by interrupting the pain cycle through the application of pressure. As a foot treatment progresses, you can feel it in the feet when the body relaxes and the pain subsides. It's like removing a tourniquet and allowing the circulation to bring healing to an area.

When the treatment is finished, people usually can't believe the difference. They say it's like walking on a pillow. The effects of the foot treatment do vary from one person to another, and much depends on the severity of the patient's pain. But you can feel the good reflexology does, so you know after only a few sessions if this is the way you want to go.

One client I have with fibromyalgia feels the effect of the foot treatment while I am working. Her shoulders begin to relax, her neck, and muscles throughout her body. She feels the warmth of circulation in her legs and feet, and her pain subsides. Another client has such sensitive feet that I must work on her hands instead. Reflexology on the hands can be just as effective as on the feet. But, when working on the hands, I must apply more pressure than on the feet, because the reflexes are deeper.

Selecting a Reflexologist
When seeking a reflexologist, take the time to interview practitioners. Ask if the only "tools" they use are their hands, is it a dry technique or do they use oils? (Oils can be used after the treatment is finished. Using oil during the session makes it harder to feel the little crystals you are trying to break up). Ask how long the treatment lasts, thirty to forty-five minutes is adequate. The reflexologist should understand fibromyalgia and have experience working on those with this disease and chronic pain. The best referrals come from fibromyalgia patients, support groups, physical therapists, or even health food stores. You may also visit the web site: www.reflexology-usa.net for a referral list by state.

A Reflexology Session
During a treatment, you take off your shoes and socks. Most people sit in a recliner, although some prefer to recline. A reflexologist should check the feet, looking for calluses, deformities, sores, and so forth. This check gives me a quick assessment of the feet and lets the client get used to the feel of my hands. I gently massage one foot at a time and then begin my treatment. Using mostly my thumb and forefinger, I walk across each area of the foot feeling for congestion and swelling. If I come across a congested area, I work there until I feel it loosen up, then I move on. I work every reflex in the foot. There is soft music playing, for the atmosphere should be quiet and soothing. Some people become so relaxed that they fall asleep during a treatment. Others like to chat and prefer to relax that way. I let them decide how the session will go. When the treatment is finished, I end with a breathing technique. Three deep breaths while I hold the diaphragm reflex on their feet. I always encourage drinking a lot of water that day to help flush the body. People later report that they felt relaxed that day, got a better night's sleep, and usually felt a burst of energy the next day.

Effects of a Treatment
There are very few side effects of reflexology treatment. Some feel very relaxed or sleepy, and some feel energized. However, normally both types feel fully refreshed the next day. A common side effect is the elimination of toxins, and some may experience headaches or nausea from the toxins being released. Flushing your system with plenty of water helps alleviate any discomfort.

Although reflexology is no cure for fibromyalgia, the effects of regular reflexology treatments can have profound results. Many patients report overall improvements in health, a greater sense of well being, and an increased awareness of their body. Reflexology is wonderful for everyone, young and old. It helps restore and maintain the balance of good health.

Phyllis Peterson, Certified Reflexologist

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