Reflexology and Pain Control

How does Reflexology help with pain?

A number of chemical changes take place in the body during a Reflexology treatment. One of the changes deals with sedation of pain. The body produces its own painkillers, known as endorphins, which are 5 to 10 times more powerful than morphine. Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and can stop the transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord.
Studies have shown that pain signals travel along the nerve pathways to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, beginning a complicated reflex action.  From the spinal cord the impulse is relayed to the thalamus, which then sends the impulse to the cerebral cortex where the intensity and location of the pain is recognised. The brain then sends signals back to the spinal cord to release endorphins.                                                                                         
Reflexology uses finger and thumb pressure to stimulate reflexes mirrored on the feet.  All parts, glands and organs of the body are reflected on the feet.  By stimulating the foot using pressure, reflexology encourages the brain to produce more endorphins while interrupting the pain cycle and helping the body to relax.

www.wilsonandreynolds.ca

Introductory Reflexology Workshop

Wed, May 9, 2012 at 6:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m
Learn the theory and basic techniques of the ancient natural healing therapy of Reflexology.

Workshop objectives:

• Reflexology history
• Benefits of Reflexology
• Learn location of pressure points and reflexes in the feet
• Description of basic techniques
• Includes hands on practice
• Basic skills to treat family and friends
• Valuable addition to a caregiver program

Instructors Julie Wilson and Mark Reynolds
Certified Reflexologists
Reflexology Training Academy Of Canada

Testimonial on workshop
The workshop was great - enough information to get started, not so packed as to be overwhelming, and a useful skill to take home!

My family members are all *Very* happy I took the intro course, especially my husband Nathan who is a mechanic and stands on a concrete floor all day. I gave him a treatment when I got home that night and the difference was amazing - the pain was completely eliminated. He often gets foot massages from me when his feet are sore, and he said that while those feel good in the moment, they don't have a lasting effect. The reflexology treatment made him feel like he was walking on pillows. Lol.

I've referred frequently to the handout as well. The only problem with it, is that the numbers on the foot chart are difficult to read (I have excellent eye sight), so I've gone through and re-written them all in a darker ink. It might be worth checking with Willow Printing in Brighton to see if they can print a higher resolution image for you.

One of the natural health books I have specifies which reflex areas to treat for various health conditions, so I've been able to add those in for family members as well, using the techniques that I learned on Wednesday.

All in all - it was a worthwhile investment of my time and money, and I'm excited to pursue certification this summer. :) Sarah

An age old healing therapy, Reflexology is regaining awareness!

An age old healing therapy, Reflexology is regaining awareness!

Reflexology has been around for thousands of years. This natural healing therapy has been discovered through hieroglyphics dating back to 2500 BC.  Through the centuries it progressed from what was first called zone theory to later years reflexology when pressure points and reflexes were discover within those zones.  Those pressure points and reflexes corresponded to the organs, glands and parts within our body.  Reflexology’s popularity faded as modern medicine and technology have advanced.

Natural alternative therapies, especially Reflexology, are gaining renewed awareness as safe and effective.  They are largely preventative in nature, however, are used to combat many illnesses and diseases. 

Foot Reflexology is based on the principals that the body is mirrored on the bottom of the feet.  The feet have over 7200 nerve endings. They act as sensory receptors which influence all the systems of the body.

Reflexology is suitable for all ages, especially seniors, and may bring relief from a wide range of chronic and acute conditions.  Reflexology has four main benefits: relaxation, increased circulation, reduction of stress and homeostasis (the ability of the body to heal itself). 

These four main benefits can provide relief for such conditions as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, pain management, insomnia, digestive issues, constipation, menopause, muscle and joint pain and more.

If you are looking for a natural healing therapy that has proven over centuries to be not only relaxing but offer tremendous benefits to your health, I suggest you try reflexology.

Wilson and Reynolds Reflexology                                                                  www.wilsonandreynolds.ca

Complementary “touch” therapies such as reflexology may help to reduce the experience of distress for Retirement home residents

Complementary “touch” therapies such as massage and reflexology may help to reduce the experience of distress for nursing home residents by promoting a relaxation response.

This paper discusses the use of reflexology as a clinical intervention in nursing home residents with mild to moderate dementia. A review of the literature indicates that reflexology is a useful tool in promoting relaxation and improving well-being. Referral criteria for reflexology in this population are suggested.
We present the story of a resident whose primary diagnoses of moderate dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and depression is similar to the clinical presentation of many nursing home residents. The case illustrates the role of reflexology in assisting with the management of stress in residents with complex needs.

Reflexology provides a holistic practice tool that does not rely on language, is minimally invasive, and can evoke a positive emotional response with little risk of adverse effect.

Source of support: The Farber Family Foundation
Susan G. Andersen BS, CHES Project Director, Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life North Wales, PA USA

Nancy A. Hodgson RN, PhD Acting Director of Research, Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life North Wales, PA USA

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Citation: S.G. Andersen, N.A. Hodgson: Reflexology with Nursing Home Residents: A Case Vignette. The Internet Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology. 2007 Volume 3 Number 2

Reflexology interest (hands-on) course

Wilson and Reynolds Reflexology
Reflexology for Beginners Interest Course
March 31. Click on the link above for more details