Reflexology soothes discomforts associated
with menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. By regulating hormonal functioning
and inducing relaxation, reflexology can cause many symptoms, including
irregularity, fluid retention, and cramps, to fade or disappear.
Katy
Dreyfuss, “The Reflexology Deck"
What is
reflexology?
Dating back to Ancient Egypt, reflexology is the practice
of treating reflex points and areas in the feet and hands that relate to
corresponding parts of the body. Each organ and structure within the body is
linked to the feet by energy channels or meridians. When our physical or
emotional health is weakened or compromised by illness or stress, these
channels become blocked or congested. Reflexology can be used very effectively
to facilitate the free flow of energy and thus restore the body to its more
natural state of health and wellbeing.
By applying gentle pressure and using specific techniques
and movements, reflexology can both identify and support the areas of the body
which are in need of strengthening and healing. Although the feet are more
usually treated, the hands may be equally effectively worked with.
The Benefits of
Reflexology
Reflexology is suitable for all ages and stages of life
and can bring relief to a wide range of both acute and chronic conditions as
well as working more preventatively in helping the body to maintain overall
health and well-being. Specific conditions which are known to benefit from
reflexology include:
·
Allergies
·
Anxiety and Stress related issues
·
Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and other
respiratory problems
·
Back pain and sciatica
·
Chronic Fatigue and general exhaustion
·
Digestive disorders including irritable bowel,
colitis, gastritis and constipation
·
Headaches
·
Hormonal imbalances
·
Immune disorders
·
Infertility
·
Menopausal symptoms
·
Menstrual irregularities including pain levels
and PMT
·
Migraine
·
Pregnancy and post-partum symptoms
·
Tonsillitis
·
Urinary problems
·
Vertigo
More generally reflexology helps to:
·
reduce stress
·
promote relaxation
·
increase vitality
·
improve circulation
·
eliminate toxins
·
reduce pain levels
·
strengthen the immune system
·
restore and maintain the body’s natural
equilibrium
Menopause
and Reflexology
At menopause reflexology works by regulating the hormones
and glandular functions of the body. It can help to alleviate and balance both
the physical and emotional systems. By working with the hypothalamus and
pituitary, reflexology can help to restore balance to the endocrine
system. This in turn can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot
flushes as well depression and anxiety. By calming the central
nervous system, sleep disturbances can also be alleviated and anxiety and
stress levels reduced. By regulating calcium and phosphorous levels in the
thyroid gland, bone loss can be prevented.
Reflexology also helps the ovaries to regulate their estrogen
secretions and the uterus to maintain its natural health and flexibility.
Research carried out at the UK School of Complementary
Health in Exeter indicates a marked decrease in anxiety, depression, insomnia,
hot flushes and night sweats among menopausal women who received regular
reflexology over a 4-month period.
What can you
expect from a treatment?
On your first visit the therapist will conduct a full
consultation with you, taking into consideration your past and present health
and lifestyle. This enables the treatment to be tailored to your specific
needs. You will be invited to remove your socks and shoes and to sit or lie on
a comfortable treatment couch. (If you prefer to have just your hands treated,
you may sit on a chair or sit or lie on a treatment couch). During the session,
which lasts approximately one hour, the reflexologist will massage and apply
gentle pressure to the feet and/or hands, treating the whole body as well as
paying specific attention to the organs and systems of the body in need of
particular care. Individual experiences of the treatment may vary from a
general sense of relaxation to sensations of tingling and warmth in parts of or
throughout the body.
The effects of reflexology are cumulative and, depending
on specific needs and symptoms, a course of treatments is usually recommended.
Many people find it beneficial to have 4-6 weekly or fortnightly sessions
initially, followed by a more general ‘maintenance’ session every 4-6 weeks.
Self-healing
The Association of Reflexologists (AoR) has been
promoting the use of hand reflexology as a means of self-help and have shared a
few techniques for you to try on your own hands or even better work with a
friend or family member and work on each other’s hands. The AoR recommends you
use hand reflexology for 5 minutes a day or when you feel that stress levels or
anxiety are building.
It is easier to carry out hand reflexology using a little
cream although it can be done without.
Unlike a muscle massage, small circular motions on the
targeted area are used. Fingers, knuckles, massage tools, and even golf balls
can help perform the necessary motions. At first, you may feel some pain, but
this is due to the improper functioning of the area you are trying to heal.
Start with light pressure and add more as you progress.
The massage of several reflex points is needed to produce
desired effects. In the case of menopause, the points needed may vary per
individual, since there are several contributing factors of menopause. If you
are unfamiliar with the causes of menopause, please, read our site to discover
the reasons and solutions. If you have read the information, continue reading
to see which points help alleviate menopause. Remember, results will not be
instant. A few sessions will be required to show results.
Where Should I Massage?
The problem with menopause symptoms can be escalated due to the several health-related factors. So, there are the following areas to concentrate on:
·
Pituitary Gland Area: The pituitary
gland produces most of the body’s hormones. Pituitary stimulation helps the
body produce enough hormones and chemicals needed for sexual functioning.
Pituitary hormones provide the proper neural communication (neurotransmitters)
that effect hot flashes, mood swings, and lack of sexual desires.
·
Thyroid Gland Area: The thyroid
gland is part of the endocrine system, which includes the hypothalamus,
pituitary gland, adrenal gland, and testes. Any improper function of the
hormones can alter other parts of the body as well as sexual function.
·
Adrenal Gland Area: The adrenal
gland produces stress, anxiety, and sex hormones. Women who lack sexual desires
or feel more anxious than before can use massage techniques to calm the nerves
and help elevate their mood.
·
Kidney Area: Kidneys remove toxins
that may retard or interfere with the proper functioning of hormones and
organs. Women who have abused birth control pills, drugs or alcohol may be
dealing with symptoms of menopause earlier than expected. By eliminating
the toxic waste found in the kidneys, women can help decrease some menopause
issues.
·
Ureter Area: Proper urine flow helps
dispel the toxins removed by the kidney. A proper working ureter will ensure
that harmful elements are not reabsorbed back into the body.
Examples
1. Perform these moves on both hands:
Place your thumbs on the solar plexus reflex point which
is good for calming, this is situated in the center of the palm, take 3 deep
breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. As you breathe in push
gently into the reflex point. If you are doing this on yourself do one hand at
a time
2. Spend time massaging all
over each thumb, this is the head reflex which can help ease
tension and calm the mind. Two important glands are found within the head: the
hypothalamus (which plays a part in hot flushes) and the pituitary which
controls all hormones.
3. Rub over the tip of each thumb, this is the brain
reflex, to help calm the mind
4. Next rub along the spine reflex to help calm the nervous
system. Use one thumb to rub along the edge of the other thumb from the wrist
all the way to the top, then swap hands.
5. The adrenal gland reflex is
particularly good to work for anxiety. This reflex can be found easily by
pinching at the base of the ‘V’ at the base of the thumb and first finger.
Place your thumb and finger on the top (dorsal) and bottom (palm) and squeeze
gently together.
The adrenal
glands also continue to produce small levels of estrogen.
Sources and
Additional Information:
