Reflexology
We have started Reflexology sessions, free of charge for people affected by cancer. All services are carried out by professionals who volunteer their time and efforts in support of our cause.
Reflexology sessions are currently available every Friday. If you would like to book an appointment, please contact us, 090 9645574 or email us on ballinasloecancer@gmail.com.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is the holistic understanding, study and practice of treating points and areas in the feet and hands that relate to corresponding parts of the body. Using precise hand and finger techniques, a reflexologist may improve circulation, induce relaxation and enable homeostasis. This encourages the person’s own healing systems to be activated to maintain wellbeing.
Reflexology is a gentle healing art which dates back to ancient Egypt and China. An indication that even then the benefits of this therapy were strongly acknowledged can be seen in Egyptian tomb artwork dating from around 2000 BC. This depicts a scene of the giving and receiving of foot massage.
It was not until 1913 that Dr William Fitzgerald introduced this therapy to the West. He found that the application of pressure to one part of the body could create a response in another. This reflex relationship was found to lie within certain longitudinal zones of which there were ten in the body. Fitzgerald called this the science of “zone therapy”.
In the 1930’s a young physiotherapist called Eunice Ingham further developed the study of zone therapy into reflexology as we know it today. It was she who determined that the reflexes on the feet and hands were an exact mirror image of the organs of the body.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy, which works on the feet to assist in restoring homeostasis to the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms.
The Reflexology Treatment:
A reflexology treatment lasts for approximately one hour. As it is the feet which are generally treated you simply remove your socks and shoes. You will be invited to sit or lie on a comfortable treatment chair or couch.
The reflexologist will then use their hands to apply precise pressure techniques to the feet treating specific points which correspond to all organs and systems of the body.
Following treatment, any significant findings will be discussed with you. As the effects of reflexology are cumulative, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments.
How will I feel after a reflexology treatment?
In order to gain maximum benefit from your reflexology treatment try to rest and take things easy as this helps to boost the body’s natural healing abilities. Increasing the amount of water that you drink can help to flush the toxins out of your system thereby aiding the detoxifying process
Just listen to your body and put aside time to relax. After one or two treatments your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people note a sense of well-being and relaxation; sometimes people report feeling lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is transitory and is a part of the healing process.
This is vital information to feed back to the reflexologist as it shows how your body is responding to treatment. This will help the reflexologist to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Why people with cancer use it
Reflexology is one of the most popular types of complementary therapy in the UK among people with cancer.
There is some evidence that reflexology can help to:
relax and cope with stress and anxiety
help relieve pain
help lift their mood and give a feeling of well being
Some people think that reflexology can help:
boost the immune system
fight off colds and bacterial infections
reduce sinus problems
reduce back problems
change hormonal imbalances
overcome infertility
reduce digestion problems
reduce arthritic pain
reduce nerve tingling and numbness from cancer drugs (peripheral neuropathy)
*All information about Cancer Treatments is provided by Cancer Research UK