Holland Reflexology Institute

Reflexology: Addressing Pain and Putting Cancer Patients at Ease

doug — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:34:33 +0000

Jack Bleeker

May 2010

With roots in ancient Egypt, China, and Japan, the art of reflexology is a healing and relaxation technique that has stood the test of time and is familiar to many today. Found on treatment menus in world-class spas and on the schedules of many hospital-based palliative care centers, reflexology is viewed by skeptics as just a foot massage, but those who have recognized the therapy’s benefits will loudly proclaim that it is much, much more.

For patients with cancer, such as those battling malignant mesothelioma, reflexology is said to have numerous benefits. Used as a complementary therapy along with conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, proponents of reflexology note that the treatment goes a long way in addressing such issues as pain, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting. Especially upon the mesothelioma prognosis, these individuals are in dire need of therapeutic relief from the side effects mentioned.

So how does a foot rub help eliminate the unpleasant effects of cancer? Simply put, reflexology involves applying pressure to and stretching the hands and feet in order to trigger responses in other parts of the body. Experts theorize that the pressure sends a calming message from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system, where it signals the body to adjust its tension level, therefore creating a feeling of overall relaxation, increasing blood supply, and bringing organs to an optimal level of functioning. Others say the success of reflexology relates to the “gate control” theory of pain relief, which theorizes that pain is a subjective experience created by an individual’s brain. The notion that factors like mood or stress can also affect the experience of pain enters into play here. Hence, reflexology can reduce pain by relieving stress and anxiety.

Though there is no steadfast scientific evidence that reflexology offers an cure for cancers like mesothelioma or any other disease, numerous studies have shown that this complementary therapy improves quality of life for many cancer patients, even if just for a short time, hence, its inclusion in many complementary and palliative care programs at cancer hospitals nationwide.

A 2000 study at the School of Nursing at East Carolina University, for example, involved 23 breast and lung cancer patients who noted “a significant decrease” in anxiety with the use of reflexology treatment. This, wrote the professionals that authored the study, “has important implications for nursing practice as both professionals and lay people can be taught reflexology.

“Reflexology is a simple technique for human touch which can be performed anywhere, requires no special equipment, is non-invasive and does not interfere with patients’ privacy,” the study continues.

Indeed, many medical professionals have suggested that caregivers for cancer patients take time to learn reflexology so that they can use it when necessary to help those for whom they are caring find relief from the pain and stress associated with the disease. Furthermore, noted study leader Dr. Nancy Stephenson, in the case of those caring for spouses or other family members, “the therapy provides a way for partners to get involved in their loved one’s care at a time when they may feel there is nothing they can do to help.”

Sources:

University of Minnesota, http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology/how-does-reflexology-work

American Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Reflexology.asp

Dosing, Cancer, and Reflexology (Kunz), http://www.reflexology-research.com/dosing.html

Regis Philbin supports reflexology on NBC

doug — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:57:35 +0000

We received an email today from the RAA (Reflexology Association of America) stating that Regis Philbin (of ‘Regis and Kelly’) was bragging about having a reflexologist work on him because of a kidney stone issue. According to Philbin, after one treatment, the stone passed. I guess this was aired on NBC during his show.

Even though I thought, ‘that was nice that someone in the entertainment industry gave credence to reflexology to help share information with the 98% of the public that’s never heard of it’, I had no idea that hours later an individual had seen this episode and scheduled a treatment and was hoping that reflexology would help her specific condition. I guess ’star-power’ does work.

Update: Here is the show clip that has him talking about his experience in reflexology. The issue he had starts at the 4:41 mark of the video.

Barefoot Running

doug — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:14:29 +0000

Here is a great video to keep your feet healthy. Run without shoes.

As a Reflexologist, I am very happy to see people discover that shoes cause a lot of our problems.

The Grinberg Method?

doug — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:21:16 +0000

Still almost unknown in Britain, the Grinberg Method is the ultimate in holistic therapies – curing chronic pain, heavy scarring and deep emotional wounds.

Victoria Oldham is telling me how she too used to be a sceptic. ‘When I first went and saw a Grinberg Method practitioner I wasn’t into that sort of thing at all. I was incredibly sceptical, but I was also curious. I went because I had had neck ache for a long time and then one morning I couldn’t turn my head one way. I was in Switzerland at the time, and someone told me to try the Grinberg Method, which is very well known over there. And I went and saw this person, and she gave me a foot analysis, and I was quite blown away by the things she said to me and the insight she had into my life.’

After two sessions Oldham’s neck… read on

Reflexology sessions will benefit local food bank

doug — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:11:33 +0000

This week, reflexologists around the world are working to raise awareness of reflexology therapy.Special events are being held in conjunction with World Reflexology Week, including here in Agassiz.

Katharina Helfer, a local RCRT, will be at Black Sea Organics throughout the day tomorrow (Friday, September 25) providing mini introduction sessions.

“This is so they can see what reflexology is all about,” Helfer says. The sessions are by donation to the local food bank.

Reflexology is an art and science that has existed in one form or another for centuries. The art of Reflexology is the way that the reflexologists use their thumbs and fingers in a walking technique on the feet. Their thumbs and fingers are sensitive and aware of changes in the feel of the feet that can indicate tension or lack of well being in certain areas. The science of Reflexology is that there are reflexes on the feet that relate to every gland, organ and part of the body, which is mapped in miniature on the feet as well as the hands and ears. Reflexology is a therapy with professional standards of practice and code of ethics.

The Reflexology Association of Canada (www.reflexologycanada.ca) founded in 1976 is Canada’s only national reflexology association with active chapters in many provinces. It has a standardized professional training program for foot, hand and ear reflexology leading to certification as well as teacher training certification. RAC is now a Registered Profession with specific standards and ongoing education and training for reflexologists to maintain the status of Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist (RCRT).

For information, research results, and to find a Certified RCRT Reflexology Therapist check out RAC BC Chapter website: www.racbcreflexology.com.

What is Homeostasis?

doug — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:49:14 +0000

Homeostasis:

- a state of physiological equilibrium or normalization.

Does Reflexology Hurt?

doug — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:57:52 +0000

Should reflexology be painful?

Pain makes people feel better with regards to reflexology and the autonomic system. Sound crazy? Not to the experienced reflexology client. They realize, as I do, that pain is a qualifier and a response that proves reflexology is actually working within the system construct. There should always be some congestion resulting in pain due to our imperfection or our level of activity. This does not mean that there is something seriously wrong because pain exists, rather it is an issuance of the need for internal reminders through this external diagnostic mechanism (foot reflexes). Just like putting a note on the refrigerator as a reminder of responsibilities of the day, so too, the reflexology treatment acts as a series of notes prodding the body to maintain homeostasis; pain is just that – the note.

Also,

Isn’t it interesting that the first four or five treatments bring about complaints of pain and ‘when will it end’ and ‘just feel good’ but subsequently months later, they complain about NOT receiving pain and it feeling too much like a general massage. This is what led me to a critical understanding that despite the fact that clients complain about pain, the homeostasis needs that are derived through the nervous system supersedes our general comfort zone and the body understands what’s good for it.

Make it clear to your client that reflexology is a form of therapy not to be confused with standard massage used for relaxation only. We’re not sadists trying to cause unnecessary pain, but I believe that through pain we reach the dominant reflexes that unlock the entire human physiological system. My clients tell me that they feel cheated when they don’t feel pain. I’ve been accused of not using the same pressure as in the beginning treatments. That’s funny because we know as reflexologists that the more treatments they receive correlates to better health and thus there is less pain response from the nervous system

- from Doug Holland’s book on reflexology

Can Reflexology Help These Symptoms?

doug — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:57:09 +0000

Below are symptoms clients say reflexology has helped them with. Some have profound changes while others report minor changes. However, most report their feet feeling better with improved circulation.

Anxiety / Stress / Depression
Arthritis
Back / Hip Pain
Bladder Infection
Diabetic (poor circulation)
Fatigue (feeling tired -a symtom of fibromyalgia)
Foot Pain
Headaches
Heart Problems
Infertility
Insomnia (sleeplessness)
Kidney Problems
Menstrual Irregularities
Numbness (neuropathy)
Muscle Cramps
Obesity (can’t lose weight)
Prostate
Restless Legs
Sciatica
Stomach Issues (Acid Reflux)
Tired Feet

Even though reflexology can help these issues in a natural way for some, always consult your health care provider.

The Amygdala

doug — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:33:24 +0000

The greatest reflex of concern for the profession of foot reflexology is the amygdala. Why?

The Amygdala (uh-mig-duh-luh) – the amygdala sends impulses to the hypothalamus (hy-puh-thal-uh-mus) for important activation of the sympathetic nervous system, handles emotional trauma and stress, as well as expressions of fear. Another task is for activation of dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and serotonin.

If someone was to pull out a gun to rob you, you would quickly find out what the amygdala is for. You are either going to do one of three things (if your sane).

1) run

2) fight

3) freeze from the release of adrenaline

“In my opinion the amygdala is the most dominant reflex of the entire human system because it will dominate all systems of the body if it so chooses.” – Doug Holland

Dominant Reflex

The 6 Most Dominant Reflexology Reflexes

doug — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:59:26 +0000

These are the most important types of reflexology reflexes. They require less pressure to activate and open up the sensitivity and communication to the intermedial and elementary reflexes. This is an excerpt from Doug Holland’s Advanced Reflexology Book (with copyright permission). The ‘Dominant Theory‘ is purely unique to his method.

The top 6 Dominant reflexes are:

1) Amygdala / Brain (from brain to lower neck) – unlocks emotion and relieves all tension and stress due to anxiety.

2) Hypothalamus – unlocks parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. Controls the pituitary.

3) Pituitary / Pineal – unlocks chemical and hormonal systems and activates adrenals. Adjusts melatonin release.

4) Anterior / Posterior Trapezius (shoulders) – unlocks muscular system.

5) Sciatic / Hip / Pelvis – unlocks sciatic nerve and entire spine, and promotes circulation for the whole body.

6) Whole Spine – unlocks nerve supply to the entire body for internal diagnosis and healing.

Doug's Book On Reflexology