Study On The Alternative Medicine Reflexology

Study On The Alternative Medicine ReflexologyPresently in that respect ar discordant modes of handling for different types of illnesss, much(prenominal) as nookiecer, asthma, and tenfold sclerosis, and alternative medicate is becoming more prevalent among people condescension the advanced technology. Many people nowadays try to avoid the social function of medications beca substance abuse of the side effects. this is why people are attracted to alternative therapy techniques, because they want an telling treatment that is not costly and does not cause any harm. in that location are over a hundred different types of alternative medicine and the number is still growing. A few examples are chiropractic, reflexology, hypn otherwiseapy, reiki, ayurveda, kinesiology, homoeopathy, osteopathy, cranial therapy, various types of acupuncture, colour-therapy, manipu previous(a), and sound therapy 1. For example, Reflexology has been widely used in fields much(prenominal) as mi dwifery, orthopedics, neuroscience and palliative pity 2.1.1 What is Reflexology Reflexology is the corporeal act of applying haul to the feet and hand with peculiar(prenominal) thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion 3. It is as well as called partition off therapy, based on the notion that each em consistency reveal is pay offed on the hands and feet and that pressing on specific compasss on the hands or feet jackpot gull therapeutic effects on other separate of the body. The body is divided into 10 longitudinal z integritys-five on each side of the body. Each organ or part of the body is represented on the hands and feet massaging or pressing each ambit commode stimulate the operate of qualification, blood, nutrients, and nerve impulses to the corresponding body z bingle and thereby reduce ailments in that zone4. Each part of the foundation garment represent a reflex area that correspond to specific organ or part of the body, for exa mplethe tips of the toes reflect the headthe heart and chest are around the ball of the institutionthe liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the introductionlow back and intestines are towards the heelThis belief was furthered by physical therapist Eunice Ingham into the modern perform of reflexology. Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of zone therapy in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further true this zone theory in the thirties into what is now knows as reflexology. A scientific explanation is that the hug may send signals that balance the nervous system or outpouring chemicals much(prenominal) as endorphins that reduce unhinge and stress 11.1.2 The difference betwixt Reflexology and innovation Massage Reflexology is different from seat massage in that it involves more facile contact, deeper twinge on certain parts of the piece and resembles a caterpillar-like movement. It has been look ated th at by pressing the reflex zones, energy blocks or disturbances much(prenominal) as calcium, feed or uric acid crystals are reabsorbed and later eliminated a dish out referred to as detoxification2. In foot massage people typically use massage oil or lotion and use gentle travel strokes all over the foot. Reflexology is quite different, while many people acknowledge reflexology relaxing. One of the reasons people often confuse the two is that some spas and salons declare that they offer reflexology, barely what people actually get is foot massage by a therapist who isnt properly trained or manifest in reflexology 12 .1.3 Reflexology theme Chart1. Top of Head2. Sinuses3. Pituitary secretory organ4. Temporal Area5. Neck, Cervical6. Upper Lymph Area7. Parathyroid gland8. Ears9. Eyes10. Thyroid Glands11. Shoulder12. Lungs and Bronchi13. Heart Area14. Heart15. Spine, Vertebra16. Pancreas17. solar Plexus18. Stomach Duodenum19. Liver20. Spleen21. Spleenic Fixture22. Gall bladder 23. Adrenal Glands24. Hepatic Flexure25. Kidneys26. Transverse Colon27. Waist28. Ureters29. ascend Colon30. Descending Colon31. Lumbar32. Small Intestines33. Sacral34. vesica35. Ileo-Caecal Valve36. Appendix37. Sigmoid Flexure38. Hip Lower Back39. coccyx40. Sciatic Area41. Rectum42. Uterus43. Pro state of matter44. Breast45. Lymph Drainage46. Fallopian Tubes47. Lymph Nodes (Arm Pit)48. Sacro iliac Joint49. Ovary or Testicle50. Lymph Nodes (Groin)51. Maxilla/Submaxilla (Jaw)52. Tonsils1.4 Reflexology Remedies Some distemper related to theSkin ACNE can be tempered by applying storm on specific areas liver(19), gall bladder(22), suprarenal gland glands(23), ureters(28), bladder(34), kidneys(25). as well as ECZEMA can be relieved by applying pressure on other areas Parathyroid glands(7), adrenal glands(23), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34).Digestive system ANOREXIA can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas Thyroid glands(10), stomach duodenum(18), smooth intest ines(32), transverse colon(26), descend colon(30), rectum(41). GINGIVITIS can be treated by applying pressure on other areas maxilla submaxilla(51), STOMACHACH can be relieved by applying pressure on this areas stomach(18), and DIARRHEA NAUSEA by applying pressure on areas Stomach duodenum(18), sharp intestine(32), ascending colon(29), transverse colon(26), descending colon(30), rectum(41), lymph areas(6).Circulatory system HYPERTENTION can be treated by applying pressure on these areas Head(1), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), ear(8). ANEMIA Stomach duodenum(18), liver(19), pancreas(16), exquisite intestines(32), ascending colon(29), transverse colon(26), descending colon(30), spleen(20). HEART PROBLEMS can be treated by concentrating the apply pressure on these specific areas Heart(14), stomach duodenum(18), small intestine(32), ascending colon(29) and IRON DEFECINCY be treated by applying pressure onthis area in the graph spleen(20).Nervous system ANEXIETY can be f all by applying pressure on these areas as in the foot reflexology chart Head(1), adrenal glands(23), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), duodenum(18), small intestines(32), transverse colon(26), descending colon(30), rectum(41), EPELIPSY Head(1), lymph areas(6). MIGRAINE can be relived by applying pressure on these areas Head(1), frontal and temporal areas(4). BACKACH can be relieved by applying pressure on specific areas Hip and frown back(38), spine(15).Immune system TUMOR (CANCER) can relieved its symptoms by applying pressure on specific areas Spleen (20), lymph areas (6), tonsil (52) (also reflex areas relating to the pubic louseous regions).respiratory system ASTHMA can be treated by applying day-and- iniquity pressure on these areas parathyroid(7), lungs and bronchi(12), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), lymph areas(6). similarly BRONCHITIS can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas such as parathyroid(7), lungs and bronchi(12), adrenal glands(23), lym ph areas(6).Joints nuisance IN THE HIP JOINT can be relieved by applying pressure on certain areas such as adrenal glands(23), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), neck(5), hip(38). release OF THE HIP JOINT can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas such as stomach duodenum(18), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), hip(38), waist(27), vertebra and spine(15). And Parkinsons Disease can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas such as Head(1), neck(5), parathyroid(7), adrenal glands(23), stomach duodenum(18), pancreas(16), liver(19), small intestines(32), colon areas(26,29,30), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), rectum(41) 14.1.5 History of Reflexology nformer(a) the world and without history reflexology has been rediscovered and reinstated as a health practice cadence and time again by peoples around the globe seek to deal with health concerns. Archeological say in Egypt (2330 BCE), China (2704 BCE) and japan (690 CE) points to ancient reflexology medical systems. In the West the concept of reflexology began to emerge in the 19th century, based on question into the nervous system and reflex. art object no direct evidence of direct cross-fertilization from ancient generation has been discovered, the practice of foot and hand work in a concoction of cultures, belief systems and historical stop consonants s hints to reflexology for health as a universal bridging concept 3. Reflexology was introduced into the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872-1942), an ear, nose, and throat specialist who called it zone therapy. He used vertical concerns to divide the body into 10 zones. Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974) further developed reflexology in the 1930s and 1940s, concentrating on the feet of Mildred Carter and a former student of Ingham subsequently promoted foot reflexology as a miraculous health method. A 1993 mailing from her publisher statedNot but does new bole Reflexology allow you resume the wors t illnesses safely and permanently, it can even work to check the aging process, Carter says. Say goodbye to age lines, dry skin, brown spots, blemishes with Body Reflexology you can actually give yourself an at-home facelift with no discomfort or disfiguring surgery4. Some reflexologists who deny that they diagnose or treat disease claim that the volume of health problems are stress-related and that they can economic aid people by relieving the stress associated with various diseases or body organs. And this type of double-talk is similar to chiropractic claims that subluxations degrade resistance to disease and that adjusting the spine to correct subluxations will improve health 4.1.6 The gathers of reflexology Our bodies are endowed with a wonderful self-healing potential. Sadly, this potential often ashes unfulfilled because the snappy energy pathways are blocked by illness, stress, congestion, injury, and toxicity. By applying a constant and alternating finger and thum b pressure to the feet and hands, the reflexologist induces a prolonged state of deep relaxation. Through relaxation, the body returns to a state of balance (known as homeostasis), as the energy fuses freely from fingers and toes to the head, and only consequently can the body heal it 5. It has also been extracted that reflexology may help release stress and latent hostility, improve blood flow of the body and promote homeostasis. anecdotal evidence has shown that reflexology is beneficial in many conditions such as pre- and placepartum discomfort, pain, migraine and degenerative obstructive pulmonary disease. Other therapeutic effects, such as strengthening the immune system, alter sleep quality and anguish healing, have also been claimed 2. Reflexology like other forms of body work, can have a variety of benefits including 6Structural benefits assistance with physical problems such as pain and mobilityEmotional benefits help in providing nurturing and holdingEnergetic ben efits restoring and mobilizing energy for self-healing The benefits of reflexology in general include 3RelaxationPain reducing advance of symptoms for health concernsRejuvenation of tired feetImprovement in blood flowImpact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol measurements by ECG, EEG, and fMRI)Beneficial for post-operative recovery and pain reductionEnhancement of medical sustainment (e. g. cancer, phantom limb pain, and hemodialysis patients)Adjunct to genial health care (e. g. Depression, Anxiety, Post traumatic stress disorder)Complement to cancer care (pain, sickness, vomiting, anxiety)Easier birthing / delivery / post-partum recovery1.7 The theories behind reflexology The theory that reflexology definitely works with the key nervous system of the body is built on the studies done in the 1890s by Sir Charles Sherrington and Sir Henry Head, who showed that there is a neurological family between internal organs and the skin and the bodys nervous s ystem can adjust to a stimulus. on that pointfore according to this theory, a pressure applied to the hands, feet or ears will send relaxing and calming messages to various parts of the body from peripheral nerves in the feet, hands and ears 7. The Gate speculation and The Neuromatrix Theory also explain why reflexology produces support from pain and stress. The theories suggest that the brain creates pain which is a subjective experience in repartee to cognitive or emotional factors therefore ones moods and factors like stress and tension can affect our experiences of pain 7. Thus reflexology therapy reduces pain by improving the mood and reducing stress.Another theory states that the humanity body has full of life energy and there is congestion or choking of the energy flow which causes illness and disorders in the body 7. Surgical interventions and medical therapies continue to produce and offer hope to people with acute and chronic diseases. However, both patients and hea lth care mental faculty aware that technology and aggressive treatments are not the only answer to providing care and improving wellbeing. Stone (200155) suggests that both UK and US there has been a hearty shift towards integrated health care and great tolerance towards the inclusion of complementary color therapies by governments and the medical fraternity. There is evidence to suggest that an increasing number of infirmary trusts are employing therapists or allowing pop the question practitioners to endure therapies such as massage, aromatherapy and reflexology. There are also a growing number of interrogation projects reporting on the use and benefits of reflexology and foot massage in hospital wards, managing pain, reducing anxiety, improving perceptions of care 6. With the ready development of reflexology, now there is something called clinical reflexology, which is an advanced form of reflexology. It covers the practise of reflexology at bottom specific areas of cli nical practice, including maternity care, and palliative care. Clinical reflexology is accommodate to the clients needs using the some effective techniques to help with the clients problems and issues 15.1.8 There is an lean nearly the use of touch therapies such as reflexology in the hospital, and Ashcroft (1994) has highlighted the stresses of hospitalisation with acute illness 6The anxiety arising from being in an alien purlieuBeing disturbed constantly for clinical observations and the administration of often self-conscious medical investigations and treatments.Fear of dislodging intravenous and monitoring equipmentBeing unable to revel and eat normallyPhysical discomfort made worse by wounds, immobility, invasive catheters and sleep deprivationIntrusion from noise, light and smellsSeparation from friends and family1.9 Where is Reflexology practiced nowadays, and for whom is used Reflexology, although most commonly practiced in the community (Coxon 1998, Lett 2000) is now emerging as a choice for patients being cared for in mental health sufficeting, maternity care and palliative care settings6. It has been suggested in the nursing literature that the introduction of reflexology and other complementary therapies in healthcare settings, could be an ideal non-pharmacological way of managing difficult symptoms, such as pain and nausea as well as reducing stress and limiting anxiety. deviation from the patient feeling the benefits, relatives too appear to gain satisfaction from the formulation of reflexology 6. Identifying when and for whom it is appropriate to offer reflexology present challenges. Currently, preparedness of reflexology in acute hospital settings is largely on an ad hoc basis, delivered by existing healthcare staff or as part of a pilot or research project (Dryden et al 1999) 6. Volunteer reflexologists may visit wards and departments supervised by clinical staff, providing only short treatments without any remuneration to selec ted patients deemed suitable for treatment. conclusion a mutually convenient time is important, avoiding mealtimes, ward rounds and at peak visiting in the early evening. Dryden et al (1999) found that the best time to offer treatment was early subsequentlynoon, when the ward had a rest period and there were few visitors 6.2. Many literature reviews about the studies that been conducted to see the persuasiveness of reflexology technique on symptoms occurs in patients with chronic diseases such as cancer and osteoarthritis. A knowledge done by Nancy L.N Stephenson et al. on the effects of Foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in cancer patients. It is a quasi- observational, pre/post and crossover scan. A precedent of 23 inpatients from different medical/oncology units in hospitals of southeastern united states with breast or lung cancer were participants in this deliberate. The majority of the sample were female, Caucasian and 65 years old or of age(p) who were receiving regu larly scheduled opioids and adjuvant medications on the control and intervention day. The patients were divided into two groups randomly. Group A receiving a foot reflexology to both feet for 30 minute total by a certified reflexologist in the premiere contacts and group B receiving the same intervention in the second contact. The pain and anxiety were measured using two instruments the VAS, the simpler one and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) precedent and post the intervention time. The VAS used to measure the anxiety, is a 10-cm line with verbal anchors at each end stating not anxious at all to the most anxious I have ever been(McGuire, 1988). spare-time activity the foot reflexology intervention, patients with breast and lung cancer experienced a evidentiary reduction in anxiety. Also one of three pain measures showed that patients with breast cancer experienced a probative decrease in pain. An additional study is required to determine the effects of foot re flexology on pain as measured by the intensity sections of the SF-MPQ, the VAS and IPP. There were no prodigious decreases in pain between the two groups because the crossover design allowed the 23 patients to be their own control some of them were taking medications to manage their pain. limit point of this study were the small sample size and the crossover design 8. When reflexology is letd in a palliative care setting it is essential that the patient is at the center of the treatment process because living and dying is ultimately a unique, intimate and personal journey. Reflexology can offer a means of relieving physical symptoms and of facilitating emotional and spiritual wellbeing, but requires the therapist to practice with awareness, sensitivity, intuition and adaptability. Reflexology cannot insure sustained improvements in physical health but can provide therapeutic touch and the space and attention to support patients in connecting their mind, body and spirit 2. Reflex ology can also be invaluable in part carers to cope both earlier and after the death of their loved ones. It is vital that reflexologists acknowledge their contribution within the team of health professionals involved in caring for the person and the family and the need for practice to be based on contemporary evidence-based knowledge. Sensitivity and humility enable the practitioner in reflexology to provide holistic, individualized and appropriate care for people at perhaps the most difficult time of their lives 2. Another study is done by Miss.Serawal Haera et al. about the effect of reflexology on joint pain in knee joint osteoarthritis patients on 21 May, 2003. A quasi-experimental research method was used, a sample of 30 knee osteoarthritis patients with pain were selected by purposive method at the orthopedic clinic, outpatient department of Phrae Hospital. Simple change-over design was used in this study to compare the difference of joint pain oodles among patients befor e and after intervention. The subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental period first followed by the control period, and vice versa. In the experimental period patients arrestd reflexology for 1 hour/day for 7 days, and in the control period patients didnt receive reflexology for 7 days. The instrument for data collection were demographic data and reading about knee osteoarthritis, the assessment of joint pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and a routine record of joint pain, medication used and daily activities. The data were analyzed by using frequency, mean, standard deviation and analysis of variance for simple change-over design. The results of this study showed that the joint pain score in the experimental period after receiving reflexology was statistically significantly lower than during the control period. What this study revealed is that reflexology can be use as a complementary therapy to relieve joint pain and decrease drug used for pain relief 9. In the study by Siev-Ner et al. (2003) the reflexology group demonstrated statistically significant symptom relief in a study of patients with multiple sclerosis. Compared with no improvement in the massage group, scores for urinary symptoms, paresthesia and spasticity were statistically significantly improved, whereas muscle strength revealed only borderline improvement at the end of reflexology. The improvement in paresthesia remained statistically significant at the 3-month follow-up 2. Statistically significant reductions in the severity of hot flushes and night sweats, measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS), were inform after 6 weekly sessions of reflexology, but no statistically significant difference was found between the groups receiving reflexology and non-specific foot massage for menopausal symptoms in the study conducted by Williamson et al. (2002). In terms of general well-being, both the reflexology and non-specific foot massage groups demonstrated an improvement in t he Womens Health Questionnaire (WHQ) score.However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Similarly, although improvements in the two sub scores (anxiety and depression) of the WHQ were detected, there was no statistically significant difference between the reflexology and foot massage groups 2. In the study by Brygge et al. (2001), the outcomes of lung function tests including peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the ratio between forced expiratory volume in 1s and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) did not improve after reflexology in patients with bronchial asthma. In addition, the reflexology group was not superior to the sham foot massage group in lung function improvement 2. No statistically significant changes in patients with irritable bowel syndrome were observed either within or between the reflexology and sham foot massage groups in the study by Tovey (2002). Abdominal pain, constipation/diarrhea, and bloating remained unchanged after the reflex ology treatment 2. Also about the edema of the feet in late maternalism, women with oedema in late pregnancy perceived less swelling and tightness as compared with the pretest train in the reflexology treated group, according to Mollart (2003). However, there was no statistically significant improvement in mean ankle and foot circumference measurements after lymphatic reflexology. There were also no statistically significant differences among the lymphatic reflexology, relaxing reflexology and rest groups 2. These studies showed that reflexology is can be used as one of the effective techniques in physical therapy treatments, because it showed an effective results in treating the symptoms of the common diseases that been treated with physical therapy such as pain in cancer, osteoarthritis, LBP, and MS. Reflexology also shows it is forcefulness in pregnancy and childbirth. Women who actively choose to receive regular reflexology during pregnancy have been shown to gain a degree of relaxation that indirectly impacts on the develop fetus 6. Some women may have been attending for treatment prior to conception and may even have sought help for infertility, subfertility, or premenstrual syndrome. Anovulatory infertility may be resolved through the stimulation of the reflex zones for pituitary gland and ovaries whilst general relaxing reflexology can be helpful where stress and anxiety appear to be causative factors. Stress, tension, anxiety and fear affect every pregnant woman to a greater or lesser degree 6. Reflexology can have weighed down benefits at this time, although whether this is due to physical effects of reflexology, the therapeutic value of human touch or the psychological effects of interaction with the therapist is debatable. precise physiological disorders of pregnancy can be treated effectively with reflexology or reflex zone therapy. Some physiological conditions respond with just one or two treatments of no more than 10 minutes duration, wi th no further appointments being necessary. These include nausea and vomiting, constipation, carpal tunnel syndrome and heartburn. Also reflexology can be extremely relaxing, pain relieving and psychologically comforting during labour. followers delivery, reflexology can be used to treat women with physiological disorders of the puerperium, including constipation, haemorrhoids, perineal discomfort and inadequate lactation. Relief from ongoing discomfort following epidural anesthesia, such as backache, neck pain or headache, can also be obtained (Tiran 1996) 6.3. The contraindications for reflexology are 10If the patient has contagious or acute infectious disease new-fashioned surgery of malignant tumorfoot wounds, burns or infectiondeep vein thrombosis/phlebitispregnancy (treatment should be done with caution to certain reflexes and caution should be taken particularly in the early stages of pregnancy)avoid reflexology when you are using alcohol or street drugs or strong pain medi cation such as morphinerecent or healing fracturesactive gout touch on the footosteoarthritis affecting the ankle or foot or severe circulation problems in the legs or feet should seek medical consultation before starting reflexology4. The recommendations for developing and integrating reflexology in clinical practice 6Evaluate hospital provision of reflexology for benefits and find the best ways of delivering treatment through quality research and audit activities.Presentation of conference papers, workshops and poster sessions on complementary therapies, such as reflexology, covering various specialties.Share best practice in reflexology in journals covering a wide range of clinical areas, e.g. intensifier care, accident and emergency, and orthopaedics be and/or practice in complementary therapy/reflexology networks and specialist interest groups to obtain support and share best practice.Establish and/or practice in a Trust or hospitals complemental Therapy CommitteeEnsure that only qualified complementary therapists with experience in managing patient care in the private and public healthcare sectors are employedSupport practitioners to complete courses in specialist application ply and support supervision and management arrangements for all practitioners providing reflexology, for example, by employment of a Complementary Therapy Coordinator/Practitioner5. ConclusionReflexology should not be considered a heal for any condition. It is used to relieve or reduce symptoms, problems, and stress affecting the body. Health professionals should be cautious about a reflexologist who claims that this is a validated way of assessing health or for treating diseases. Even reflexology is not a cure but is a technique to reduce the symptoms associated with chronic diseases. From my perspective, I compute that physiotherapist should become familiar with the benefits of reflexology and master this amazing technique so they can use it in their treatment sessions becau se it is effective in reducing anxiety and pain in cases of chronic diseases such as cancer. There is very little researches about the effects of reflexology. As such studies were set up to examine the effects of reflexology treatments on cancer, arthritis, LBP, MS and pregnancy symptoms, the results were qualitative and quantitative and showed that there are a number of areas of possible benefit for patients with these chronic diseases. But a larger scale study with a longer time frame is needed for a full valuation of these effects. At the end, I would like to clarify that physical therapy is different from reflexology, but that does not prevent to use it in the treatment of some chronic conditions that are difficult to relief their complicated symptoms by using only physical therapy techniques.