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Reflexology
digesttherapy
Autumn 2013
Under the spotlight:
Used to heal since ancient
Egyptian times, we look at
how reflexology may help
people with arthritis
R
eflexology is a complementary therapy
that hinges on the belief that there are
reflex areas in the feet and hands that
correspond to the organs and glands of the
body. Stimulating these areas correctly can
create a positive effect in the corresponding
part of the body.
Evidence exists that reflexology has been
practised since ancient Egyptian times. Today
it is relatively common – and can be used to
treat arthritis according to the British
Reflexology Association.
“Reflexology aids pain relief and may
reduce inflammation and ease the symptoms
of arthritis,” explains Nicola Hall, chair of the
British Reflexology Association.
“When the body is
relaxed it is more able
to bring itself into
balance and heal”
No clinical trials on the exact subject of
reflexology and arthritis have been carried out
yet. The lack of science is largely due to lack of
funding and while there are reported to be
reams of clinical trials from China, because
they are not written in English they will not
be accepted in academic journals.
However, there is some positive evidence in
the area.
“A case study of one patient with
rheumatoid-arthritis-associated foot pain
showed that the foot pain was reduced in both
feet directly after reflexology treatments and
the pain reduction lasted for two to three
days,” says Rosanna Bickerton, a reflexologist
who worked in pain research after studying
neuropharmacology at university.
Another recent (albeit small) study carried
out by the University of Portsmouth suggests
ARTHRITIS
that reflexology may be as effective as
painkillers in relieving acute pain.
A total of 15 people had two sessions of
submerging their foot in ice water. In one
session they had reflexology before they
submerged their foot; in the other they
believed they were receiving treatment from a
TENS machine (but it was switched off).
www.arthritisdigest.co.uk
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