Why people with cancer choose Reflexology
Being diagnosed with cancer can be a completely life-changing experience. Suddenly everything feels very up in the air, as the shock of being diagnosed sinks in, followed by the reality of the medical procedures, not to mention all the upheaval of normal daily routines.
Reflexology is highly beneficial to relieve the side effects of treatment that people have to receive going through cancer. Reflexology helps the patient to relax deeply, also it helps to reduce the level of anxiety, helping patients cope with the distressing symptoms of pain and nausea that occur after treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Reflexology is one of the most popular types of complementary therapy among people with cancer.
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
- 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
Reflexology is a good treatment to help those suffering from lymphoedema (swelling of the extremities). This can happen after the removal of lymph nodes. Reflexology can help to improve the circulation and lymphatic flow. A reflexologist can work on the reflex points specific to the affected area. In some cases the affected extremity lymphoedema can be very painful, reflexology is a very gentle and effective treatment. In general, reflexology helps improve circulation and lymph flow, which benefits all systems and organs of the body. Reflexology also helps to achieve deep relaxation and improve breathing and mobility, helping patients relax and deal with the physical side effects of treatment.
It is also important for patients to take time for themselves and have a person that they feel able to talk to. It often helps that it is not a person within their family and, in many cases, be able to tell their problems and fears, without having to worry about such talks close relatives and friends.
Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)
Reflexology Lymph Drainage is a unique sequence which has been developed, researched and taught to specifically help people suffering with lymphoedema. RLD was developed through clinical practice while working in cancer care outpatient clinics, using reflexology for patients suffering from all kinds of cancers at all stages of the disease. Many of the patients had been treated for breast cancer and consequently suffered secondary lymphoedema. MLD is often used to treat lymphoedema and a range of other conditions, RLD may be used similarly to help these conditions.
Carers, Relatives and Friends
Having a loved one or friend being diagnosed with Cancer can raise a number of emotions for anyone close to them. Cancer doesn’t just effect the patient who has been diagnosed with the illness. It is important for friends and relatives to realise that it’s normal to feel lost and helpless and it is just as important that they have someone to talk to too.
Reflexology can be very beneficial for friends and relatives who are dealing with the worries of cancer. Reflexology can really help relax, balance any imbalances within the body and help relieve stress and anxiety.
In all cases, my aim is to provide truly nurturing and relaxing treatments to those with cancer. If needed I can adjust the time to suit the client, as often 1 hour is too long.
Some articles that might be of interest;
Research in to Reflexology and Cancer
Article on Reflexology and cancer
Research on Reflexology Lymph Drainage
