Reflexology within a Medical Practice

WHAT PART CAN REFLEXOLOGY PLAY WITHIN A MEDICAL PRACTICE?

Reflexology acts as a complement to all forms of standard medical treatment that may help with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. The therapy may be particularly useful for:

Stress related conditions
Long term chronic cases
Cases where there is a need to reduce the reliance on drugs under GP care
Patients who “don’t like taking pills”
Patients who need to be given more support than can be given within the constraints of normal medical consultation times
Patients who produce symptoms for which there appears to be no underlying pathology that can be medically detected.

Using reflexology to support and enhance treatment can free doctors to allocate their own time more effectively. It also enables the practice to offer an extra service to patients. The fact that the therapy includes a strong ‘feel good factor’ can have a major effect on patient satisfaction and their appreciation of the level of care offered by a practice. There is also some evidence to suggest that using complementary therapies within a medical practice can help reduce the drugs bill.

WHICH PATIENTS CAN BENEFIT?

Practitioner experience has shown reflexology to be particular helpful in the following areas:

Conditions involving poor cardiovascular or lymphatic circulation
Stress related conditions
Musculo-skeletal pain (backache, stiff neck, frozen shoulder)
Hypertension
Asthmas and other respiratory problems
Headaches and Migraine
Sinus Problems
Bowel Disorders (Constipation and IBS)
Menstrual irregularities, PMT, menopausal symptoms
Insomnia
Pre-operative & post operative recovery
Care of the terminally ill
The therapy is extremely gentle and safe; it can be used to treat all ages, from very young babies to those in their 90’s. There are very few contra-indications, although certain conditions require special care and a close liaison with the medical practitioner.

FURTHER INDICATIONS OF THE EFFECTS PRODUCED BY REFLEXOLOGY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING WHICH ALTHOUGH NOT SUBJECT TO SCIENTIFIC PROTOCOLS, HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED BY MEDICAL TESTS OR MONITORING

Improvements of quality of life in terminally ill patients
Relief of PMS
Help with emotional symptoms
Relief of chronic constipation and related problems
Reduction of anxiety and depression

THERE IS YET NO UNIFIED THEORY AS TO HOW REFLEXOLOGY WORKS. HOWEVER, ITS EFFECTS ARE LIKELY TO INVOLVE SOME OF THE FOLLOWING PROCESSES.

Deep muscle relaxation and the relief of tension and stress
An improvement in cardiovascular and lymphatic circulation
Stimulation and inhibition of the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain, particularly those involving the autonomic nervous system
The reduction of pain through gate control and stimulation of the production of endorphins
The benefits of an hours rest, stillness and quiet
The psychological benefits of an hour’s personal attention and care