Physical Health Archives

Cancer patients often experience high levels of anxiety and stress after treatment. Reflexology is a form of therapy that can help them find relief.

Study after study confirms that reflexology aids cancer patients in relaxing and coping with stress. With such mounting evidence, it is only natural to conclude that this ancient art of therapy should indeed be a part of their recovery.

The reflexology experts at Foot Palace gathered the following information to heighten your awareness of the ancient roots of this therapy, of how reflexology helps cancer patients, and to dispel some myths about it.

How Does Reflexology Help Cancer Patients?

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, medication, and surgery can leave patients with an array of side effects including anemia, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, and nerve problems, to name a few.

Reflexology is known for easing the side effects of cancer treatments by:

Improving sleep
Reducing anxiety
Reducing chemo associated vomiting and indigestion

Reflexology may also help mitigate the spread of cancer by promoting increased circulation which stimulates antioxidant activity, a known aide in destroying cancer cells. This research is ongoing and promising towards the increase of quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.

Understanding Reflexology and Its Background

Archaeological evidence indicates that reflexology not only existed but was practiced in China and Egypt over 4,000 years ago. Long before the diagnosing and treating of cancer.

As defined by Foot Palace:

“Reflexology is a therapeutic method of massage that relieves stress and tension by stimulating pressure points within the hands and feet by alleviating the source of your discomfort.” “…reflexology may be as effective for promoting better health and for preventing illness, as it may be for relieving symptoms of stress, illness, injury and for improving your mood.”

In the early 1900’s an American ear, nose, and throat physician named William Fitzgerald, MD suggested that the foot could be “mapped” to diagnose and potentially treat medical conditions. His work divided the body into 10 zones and mapped the foot in accordance to it. Zone therapy was born.

Then in the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, a nurse, and physiotherapist, added reflex points to Fitzgerald’s maps. The name zone therapy then changed to reflexology.

Modern reflexologists train under Ingham’s method or that developed by the reflexologist Laura Norman. All employ the fundamental principles in use for millennia.

Can Reflexology Cure Cancer?

While there is currently no “scientific evidence” to prove that reflexology can cure or prevent any disease, including cancer, there is evidence along with ongoing studies that reflexology is useful in the mitigation of stress, anxiety, discomfort, and much more.

The best way to answer this question is:
Not “no” and not “yes,” at least not yet.

Can Reflexology Spread Cancer

Some may argue that deep tissue massages and other methods which apply pressure in motion to the body may cause the spread of cancerous tissues.

Reflexology differs from other massage methods by focusing on the reflex points of the hands and feet.

There is no indication that reflexology applied by trained reflexologists poses any threat of spreading cancer.

Cancer Patients Finding Relief in Reflexology Treatments

As cancer treatments will typically result in elevated levels of stress, discomfort, and anxiety, reflexology is a perfect fit for post-treatment therapy. And while many myths surround reflexology, let’s not forget that its fundamental principles are thousands of years old.

As research from a variety of studies have shown, recovering cancer patients with reflexology included in their therapy experienced better capabilities in coping with stress and anxiety, pain relief, less shortness of breath (a common symptom after breast cancer treatments), and better abilities to perform daily or ordinary tasks.

While the full benefits of reflexology may not be fully understood, it is indeed a way for recovering patients to lessen their anxiety and cope better with the pain, thus potentially returning a portion of their dignity and quality of life to them.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23107851
https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/20121126-2
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/history-reflexology
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects

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Colder weather is officially here and with Fall being the precursor to the sick season, the Foot Palace team compiled a few tips to help keep your physical and mental health on the up and up.

Sunlight Interacts with the Body’s Circadian Rhythm

During the winter months we lose about 5-6 hours of direct sunlight a day. This lack of sunlight has a direct impact on how our circadian rhythm (internal clock) affects the body. With limited exposure to day light, the body becomes tired earlier in the day. To make matters worse, a majority of the sunlight is burned up throughout the work day when most people are inside. An effective way to counteract the loss of sunlight is by purchasing a dawn simulator. The simulator is placed in the bedroom and acts as a substitute for natural light sources (aka the Sun) in the morning.

Hydration During Winter Months

Hydration is more important than you think. Drinking water during the summer months seems much easier because of the constant heat and the amount of time we spend outside, but with the cold of winter keeping us inside more, it’s often easier to neglect proper hydration. The winter air means less humidity which means dry air, dry skin and dry mucus membranes. Proper hydration can help to keep your bodily functions running smoothly and decrease your chances of catching an illness. An added level of protection would be placing a humidifier in the home to keep your mucus membranes moist despite the dry air.

Taking Preventative Measures with Vitamin Supplements

Taking your vitamins throughout the winter months can be incredibly beneficial! Research has shown that despite Nordic countries receiving far fewer sunlight hours during winter, they still have incredibly low percentages of “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Studies show that this is in part due to the high amount of fish consumed in these countries. Fish contain high amounts of key vitamins and nutrients, notably vitamins D and A, which help to maintain a healthy body during times when fresh produce and limited exposure to light are certain. Alternatives to eating more fish are supplementing with fish oil. Standard fish oil capsules can be picked up at most grocery stores as well as super stores. Additionally, taking vitamin D3 and vitamin C capsules (or gummies) is also a great preventative measure.

Following these tips isn’t guaranteed to prevent sickness but it can definitely help, and a healthy winter is a holiday season filled with fun! For more health and wellness topics like this one, visit www.yourfootpalace.com/blog/