Many people with MS want to augment any medical help they receive with complementary therapy’s benefits. Reflexology is a natural therapy traditionally practised in Egypt and China; it originated more than 4,000 years ago and is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands that correspond to every organ, gland, and structure of the body. Gentle pressure is applied to the reflex points by the therapist’s hands to promote balance and harmony. Reflexologists do not diagnose but work with their clients to energise and rejuvenate the whole body, mind, and spirit.
The benefits that reflexology may bring to people with MS include:
It is thought that some people feel points of tenderness in the feet when the reflexologists are working on them, this can be assumed as a positive sign. This indicates an imbalance in the body that needs attention.
The reflexologist can work in such a way that any passing discomfort is minimal. Reflexology is known to aid other ailments in people of all ages. This therapy treats the whole person, not just a particular complaint. Reflexology is suitable for people of all ages and works well with other treatments and therapies.
“I never knew it was possible to feel so relaxed” is a comment that we often hear, and this positive effect of reflexology not only provides relief from the stresses of daily life but also shows a good physiological result. The relaxation affects all the structures of the body, from the muscles to individual cells. When cell walls are relaxed and flexible, they can increase their uptake of nutrients passed to them via the bloodstream.
Advances in reflexology are being made all the time and a Tibetan technique that has recently begun to be used is already showing beneficial results. One lady has been able to get into a greenhouse in the garden, which she had not been able to do for two years. There are other types of reflexology, lymphatic drainage massage, linking techniques and chi reflexology. Clients are often shown hand reflexes to work in between reflexology sessions to enhance the benefits.
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