Reflexology for psoriasis
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a complementary therapy working on the feet or sometimes the hands. The reflexologist uses specific movements with their hands to access their client's reflex points found on the feet or hands. By covering all these points, the reflexologist can encourage the body's natural healing response which in turn may help alleviate a multitude of health conditions. It is a holistic treatment that can be useful for people of all ages and all health conditions. It can also be used safely alongside conventional medicine and other therapies.
History of reflexology
Reflexology has roots in Ancient cultures across the globe such as Egypt, India and China. In the early 1900's an American ear, nose and throat surgeon, Dr William Fitzgerald devised a technique to alleviate pain during his operations. He named this 'zone therapy' because he found that by applying pressure to points on the hands and feet could have an anaesthetising effect on part of the body within that zone. From his research he mapped out the areas and organs of the human body onto the hands and feet. This 'zone therapy' was developed further by Eunice Ingham in the 1930's and is now known today as Reflexology.
What happens during a reflexology session?
The initial reflexology session involves the taking of a client case history during which the reflexologist will ask a number of questions relating to their client's present health condition, lifestyle, diet and presenting problems. This covers emotional and mental well-being as well as physical symptoms. The actual reflexology treatment starts with the reflexologist observing the feet while the client lies on a reclining couch with their feet elevated. Most people enjoy reflexology for this simple aspect of not having to take off any clothing other than socks and shoes. Reflexologists observe the skin before commencing treatment, they will check the colour, texture, temperature, humidity and elasticity, all signs and clues of what the body is doing or what is happening with that person.
The reflexologist will then do a sequence of moves on the feet which comprises the reflexology treatment. They may also suggest some self-help techniques on the hands for the client to do between sessions.
How can reflexology help in cases of psoriasis?
Reflexology has been found to be helpful in cases where other routes have been investigated and unsuccessful. Many people turn to reflexology as a last resort and often say they wish they had done so sooner. Skin disorders are often caused by poor function of internal organs. The skin tries to eliminate toxins which have not been able to excrete through other means. The symptoms experienced are exacerbated by increased stress and the effects of stress are known to be damaging on the internal organs and systems of the body.
The reflexologist will always adapt a treatment to a client as their symptoms and constitution is as individual as they are. This means that they may concentrate on specific reflexes that are found to be imbalanced. In particular with skin disorders, they will concentrate more on the adrenal glands for the anti-inflammatory effect; the digestive system as this is directly linked to removal of waste and if functioning incorrectly will affect the skin and also work the endocrine system to regulate hormonal balance. In cases where the skin on the feet or hands is too inflamed or tender to touch, for example with Pustular Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis, the reflexologist may decide not to treat. Often if there are only patches of skin on the feet or hands that are affected, the reflexologist will check with their client if they are happy to have a treatment. The reflexologist would avoid any areas of skin that have fissures, cuts or open abrasions. However, reflexology is very versatile and if the feet cannot be worked on, then the hands will be instead.
Many who experience reflexology say this non-invasive treatment working just on the feet gives the same results as having a full body massage.
Research
Unfortunately, research into many complementary therapies is not conducted due to lack of funding or inability to define criteria satisfactory to mainstream medical models. However, reflexology is practiced by a growing number of people and anecdotal evidence into how it can help many different conditions is another confirmation that it does work and it works well. Studies conducted in Denmark using reflexology within workplaces have showed impressive results with a reduction in stress-related illness decreasing absence from the workplace. There is no current research into the effects of reflexology on Psoriasis however, anecdotal evidence suggests that reflexology is beneficial for reducing the effects of stress-related illness.
Stress related illness/stress management
Reflexology is ideal as a preventative tool to help re-balance and maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit, in addition to circumstances where presented conditions are problematic, reoccurring or long-standing. Many illnesses have unknown causes or are made worse by stress. Reflexology is proven to produce a relaxation response that can help combat the effects of stress and because it focuses on the whole person rather than the symptoms it goes to the root or cause which is always a more effective and lasting way to reach equilibrium. Because Psoriasis is made worse by stress it is useful to find out what triggers the stress so as to be aware of potential outbreaks. Reflexology can help to stimulate the circulatory and immune system. As Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder it can be effective at managing the outbreaks more successfully on a physical and also an emotional level.
Self help exercises
Ideally, if someone would like to experience reflexology they should contact a qualified reflexologist who will be able to advise the best course of treatment including some self-help exercises. Deep breathing and relaxation moves can help to boost the effects of the treatment.
How do I know if they are qualified?
The Association of Reflexologists is the largest independent organisation for reflexology in the UK. The AoR was founded in 1984 and currently has over 8000 members, steadily increasing each year. All Full Members of the AoR use the initials MAR (Member of the Association of Reflexologists) after their name, have public liability and malpractice insurance and have trained to the required standards to practice on members of the public. Anyone wishing to try reflexology is advised to check that the reflexologist has met these criteria and is competent to practice.
Further information about reflexology can be found via The Association of Reflexologists website www.aor.org.uk.
Article written and supplied by Polly Hall
Last Reviewed: 9 November 2010
Next Review Date: 9 November 2012
