Reflexology is a non-invasive, natural therapy that treats the entire body by applying firm, gentle pressure to reflex areas on the feet, hands and ears. It is believed that these reflex areas correspond with the various organs, glands and systems of the body. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA writes that more people need to tap into this mode of healing.
Do you suffer from pain disorders, especially musculoskeletal pain? Are concerned about obtaining balance for your body? According to Prof Magnus Atilade, it is time to take a break from swallowing all manners pain killing medications and other non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), thus escaping from their long term effects.
Prof Atilade said: “It is fascinating to know that every part and organ of the body is represented by points, either on the hand, ear or foot. Reflexology is a complementary arm of medicine that studies the relationship of the reflex points of the feet (hands, feet and ears) to the rest of the body. The formation of this ‘Body map’, linking the reflex points to body areas, enables the practitioner to locate imbalances or disorders and treat accordingly. By stimulating these points on the feet, using gentle thumb pressures and hand movements, all areas of the body can be treated, addressing not only prevailing symptoms but also underlying, chronic conditions. This gentle therapy restores and maintains the body’s natural equilibrium by encouraging the body to heal itself, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse – following illness, stress, injury or disease.
“By applying this pressure, the practitioner can influence the corresponding area of the body, aiding the natural healing processes and, thereby, restoring balance. Treatments have been shown to reduce harmful stress and tension, as well as relieving pain and discomfort due to injury. Not only does Reflexology reduce physical, emotional, and psychological pain, the deep state of relaxation obtained during a Reflexology session protects the body from the harmful accumulative effects of stress. Chronic stress has been proven to cause a depletion of the body’s immune system, which can lead to disease. It is for this reason reflexology is a viable preventative health care measure. Research has shown the specific techniques of Reflexology to be effective and beneficial in many ways.”
Atilade said most Nigerians do not know of Reflexology; which is a field in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). He said though many people are aware of massage and the benefits, they should not confuse same with Reflexology.
He said: “Some people confuse reflexology with massage. While both massage and reflexology use touch, the approaches are very different. Massage is the systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, using specific techniques, for example, tapping, kneading, stroking and friction) to relax the muscles. But reflexology focuses on reflex maps of points and areas of the body in the feet, hands, and ears using unique ‘micro-movement’ techniques such as thumb or finger walking, hook and backup to create a response throughout the body.
“Massage therapists work from the outside in manipulating specific muscle groups or fascia to release tension. Reflexology practitioners see themselves as working “from the inside out”, i.e, stimulating the nervous system to release tension. Another difference between massage and reflexology is that a client will stay fully clothed for a reflexology session except for removing footwear, whereas clients remove clothing for a massage session.”
The complementary expert said although many people are aware of the relief massage therapy offers musculoskeletal pain sufferers, many folks are surprised to learn of the long history that reflexology enjoys in this area. Such people have realised that reflexology holds an advantage over massage in addressing pain disorders, because reflexology can address both pathological and non-pathological musculoskeletal pain, while massage addresses only the latter.
He said in America: “Where I trained, reflexology’s association with pain management began in the early 1900’s, when Dr. William Fitzgerald, often referred to as the ‘father of modern reflexology’, introduced zone therapy into his medical practice. Dr. Fitzgerald successfully utilized reflexology techniques to anesthetise his patients for nose and throat surgeries. One of Dr. Fitzgerald’s many research findings also taught us that when pain was relieved, the condition that produced the pain was also generally relieved. In my reflexology practice, I can think of countless times that my services resulted in long-term relief of both somatic and visceral pain such as headaches, neck and low back pain.
“To represent how the body systems correspond to one another, reflexologists, as we practitioners are called, use reflexology ‘maps’. A good example of a reflexology map exists for the feet. Each foot represents a vertical half of the body. The left foot corresponds to the left side of the body and all organs, valves, etc. found there. The right foot corresponds to the right side of the body and all organs found there. For example, the liver is on the right side of the body, and therefore the corresponding reflex area is on the right foot.”
Prof Atilade enjoined people to avail themselves of Reflexology: “Since Reflexology treats the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease, most people benefit from this treatment: its use has effectively and successfully treated a wide number of disorders and conditions, such as menopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome, stress/anxiety, Sinus problems, insomnia, digestive disorders, Hormonal imbalances, circulatory conditions, migraine/headaches, Post-operative pain/nausea or Sciatica.
“There are many benefits inherent in Reflexology such as in stress management, it helps in the prevention of stress related health challenges by promoting a deep sense of relaxation. It reduces pain and tension. Improve circulation and blood flow resulting in better oxygen and nutrient supply to all the cells of the body. Detoxification, improved organ and gland function, feeling better, greater productivity, enriched quality of life. Normalisation of body functions.”
Speaking on positive aspects, hesaid: “Reflexology aids post-operative recovery as it has been shown to have positive results in recovery after surgery as indicated by several studies, reducing pain and lessening the use of post operative analgesics. Complements cancer care because pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety are eased for chemotherapy patients following reflexology work. It also eases the discomforts of pregnancy, delivery and post-partum effects: Women who received reflexology experienced shorter labour times and used less analgesia. Reflexology is used safely and effectively with patients for a variety of health concerns including anxiety, asthma, cancer treatment, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, headaches, kidney function, PMS, sinusitis and overall stress relief. It also works well as a complement to other modalities and treatments.”
