Health
| Feet first |
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| Written by Judy Darley, 2009 | |
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There is a lot more to reflexology than most people realise, says Judy Darley. Anyone with ticklish feet can confirm that these strange-looking extremities are one of the most sensitive parts of the body. Our feet deal with more wear and tear than almost any other body part, bearing us almost everywhere we go. However, according to reflexologists, much of the pain felt in these appendages is linked to other problems in the body. Believed to have been practised by the ancient Egyptians and the Chinese, the complementary medicine we know today as reflexology was devised by an American in the early 1900s. Nose and throat doctor William Fitzgerald noticed how applying pressure to different parts of the feet and hands relieved symptoms in other parts of the body. Physiotherapist Eunice Ingham took this further by mapping out the feet with 10 zones corresponding to distinct parts of the body. As a result, a trained reflexologist can alleviate headaches, insomnia, digestive problems and all kinds of other problems simply by applying what seems to the uninitiated to be little more than a delicious foot rub. "The effects of having a reflexology treatment resonate for much longer than the duration of the treatment itself," says practitioner Kate Wallace. "As the pathways of blocked energy begin to clear, the body can function more effectively and holistically. Reflexology is a means of activating the natural healing powers of the body." The treatments themselves vary according to the practitioner as well as the patient, with some using aromatic oils as part of the therapy. Kate offers this on occasion, and begins the process of choosing oils by asking her clients whether they want to be relaxed or rejuvenated, or whether there is any particular ailment they are hoping to alleviate. If you are having trouble sleeping, she may suggest benzoin, a tree bark resin that is particularly grounding and warming. This works well with clary sage, which is relaxing, and mandarin, which is uplifting and soothing. A lot of sniffing and smelling goes on at this point, until you are happy with your chosen blend. Other practitioners, such as Philippa Sweetnam, prefer not to use anything during the treatment itself: "I use almond oil at the end of the treatment only for massage. It is sometimes difficult to locate and work the reflexes accurately and effectively if the skin is slippery with oil." Sense of wellbeingAs the treatment commences, you may experiences thirst and mild headaches as toxins leave your body. Afterwards, however, you're likely to be left with a general sense of wellbeing. "When you stop to pay attention to your physical self, it feels good," Kate says, "In fact, 7000 cells are stimulated during an average reflexology treatment!"One of the major attractions for patients and practitioners alike is how holistic reflexology is. "Reflexology treats the whole body through the feet and includes working reflex points to the brain, digestion, lungs and heart," practitioner Louise Morgan explains. "Working the different reflexes has a knock-on effect: it relaxes each of the corresponding points in the body and releases the tension. This then encourages the body organs to work efficiently in distributing nourishment and eliminating waste, which then encourages every cell in the whole body to work to its optimum efficiency, and which can result in an improvement in a health condition. This is why many people will say they have found reflexology has been able to help with a particular health problem." Despite this, it is important to remember that reflexology is a complementary medicine and that symptoms picked up on during a treatment should always be verified by a doctor. "The most common question I hear from people new to the therapy is 'Is it true you can you tell stuff about me by looking at my feet?'" says Louise. "People have heard stories about reflexology and believe it can identify undiagnosed health complaints, but while reflexologists may pick up on sensitivities, tense areas and so on, we don't diagnose and will refer to a GP if we think it needs to be checked." Philippa Sweetnam worked as a physiotherapist for many years before becoming a reflexologist. She is registered with the Association of Reflexologists (AoR), which sets high standards of practice. "I had become increasingly interested in complementary medicine and realised that the holistic and natural approach to promoting good health made sense. I see these therapies as complementary, not alternative, to orthodox medicine, and I find that my health professional background is helpful in reflexology practice. Reflexology dates back thousands of years, and is fascinating, powerful and adaptable." Reflexology also provides wider benefits, as Kate discovered when she volunteered at the Drugs and Young People Project (DYPP). The project is linked to Bristol Social Services, and works with children aged 5-16 who have been referred due to their vulnerability to drug misuse. DYPP provides services ranging from structured counselling to complementary therapies. "Some of the children are very suspicious at first, but eventually most relax into it and leave looking and sounding more at ease with the world," Kate says. "These are children who have built up shields to protect themselves, and I think the treatments helped them to see beyond their defensive walls." Though we usually associate reflexology only with the feet, it works just as well on the hands. While our feet are so often hidden away, neglected and forgotten, our hands are the most exposed parts of our bodies apart from our faces, and as a result some recipients of reflexology prefer to have their hands treated. "This is often the case with children, so I focused on the hands with many of my patients at DYPP," says Kate, "It can be just as beneficial, yet without the demands of baring feet, so I felt it was more appropriate with some of the children." For the patient, the treatments are emotionally far-reaching - one of reflexology's major benefits is reduction of stress. "It's estimated that 75 per cent of disease is stress-related. Many people have hectic lifestyles and are juggling so many commitments that to even take an hour out is seen as a luxury," says Louise. "People often ask if I get tired from treating several people in a day, but actually I often feel rejuvenated afterwards. I think a lot of it is to do with being in the 'now'. A professional therapist leaves her personal issues at the door and is focused on the treatment." Reflexology practitioners often find giving a treatment as beneficial as receiving one. Kate says she finds it rewarding "helping people to feel cared for. I usually feel more grounded afterwards." "Reflexology encourages a positive state of mind," says Philippa. "For me it's calming and relaxing. There is a sense of 'giving' to someone else, which feels special." Further information
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