What is foot reflexology?

Foot reflexology is a form of foot massage and sometimes accompanied by acupressure techniques that targets at points on the foot that are correspond to parts of the organ of the body.

As according to Byers (1983), the reflex areas or points in the feet are correspond to all of the glands, organs, and parts of the body.

Theories 

It has been known from studies that foot reflexology has a positive effect on anxiety reduction and pain reduction. It can also improve the blood supply, and promote homeostasis (Micozzi, 1996). As according to Nancy (2000), the effects were based on theories.

The energy theroy, which use electromagnetic field to direct engery to unblock the bloked pathways. The theroy of proprioceptive nervous receptors,  states that a connection exists between the area of the feet and the body organs and that reflexing the feet affects the organ.

Lastly, it is the lactic aci theory which explains that the lactic acid will deposite in the feet and flexology will crush the microcrystals and allows the free flow of energy.

Patients’ Privacy 

Lately, foot reflexolgy is more appealling to nurses, allied healthcare professionals because of its potential relaxation and pain relief effects. Besides, it is a form of avenue for human touch, it is non-invasive and just your pair of hands plus a little bit of skills.

When your are doing it professionally, it will not interfere with patients’ privacy in fact, it will show that you are showing care and concerns for your patients (Dobbs, 1985).

Head Related Illnesses

As documented in the ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine manual, Huang Di Nei Jin, the treatment for upper limbs illnesses can be effective addressed via lower extremeties. That is what is know as the “Shan Bin Xia Qiu”. This is a popular approach used by many Acupuncturist for treating head related illnesses including strokes.

The Acupuncturist will acupuncture the patients’ feet to help them to relief any discomforts. So, based on the same concept, foot reflexolgoy will be helpful to give refreshing feelings and experiences after that. If you have done foot reflexology before, you will know what I mean.

Increased Relaxations 

A research was done by Ferrell et al. (1991) on the use of foot reflexology to reduce pain for cancer patients. It was reported that patients with cancer experienced decreased pain specially after foot massage.

It was also observed that there was a decrease in patients’ heart rate and diastolic blood pressure and increase in skin temperature which were the results from their increased relaxation (Meek.1993).

Protect Yourself First 

Nurses who wish to incorporate reflexology in their practice can study it from accredited schools. Attaining a certification, although does not mean anything very much to nurses but it is a best way to ensure the use of technique on the patients will correct.

However, I would suggest that the practioners must be aware of your body constitutions as there could be lost of qi after performing the therapy. You must know when to stop when you are tired, and taking long breaks when necessary. I know that you are eager to help others but you must know how to protect yourself first.

Reference.

Byers, D.C. (1983). Beter health with foot reflexology. St. Pertersburg, FL: Ingham Publishing.

Dobbs, B.Z. (1985). Alternative health approaches. Nursing Mirror, 160(9), 41-42.

Ferrell, et. al. (1991). Pain as a metaphor for illness. Part II: Faily caregivers’ management of pain. Oncology Nursing Forum, 18, 1315-1321.

Meek, S.S. (1993). Effects of slow stroke back massage on relaxation in hospice clients. Image, 25 17-21

Micozzi, M.S. (Ed.) (1996). Fundamentals of complementary and alternative medicine. New York: Churchill Livingston.

Nancy et. al. (2000), The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Anxiety and Pain in Patients With Breast ad Lung Cancer. EBSCO Publishing, Vol 27 No 1.