Most people don’t consider their feet when dealing with a digestive disorder such as heartburn, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or food allergies. But a series of Foot Reflexology sessions with a professional Reflexologist may help spell relief.
Reflexology is a form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) that is thought to have been around for thousands of years. Modern Reflexologists practice this wellness-based modality with the intent to promote the body’s natural healing abilities. The most common form of Reflexology is applied on the feet with specific finger and thumb pressure techniques. For most people it is a deeply relaxing therapy and is very enjoyable to receive.
Digestive Complaints Reflexology May Help
Everyone responds differently to Reflexology sessions so there is no hard and fast rule on how quickly this therapy may work. Since the Reflexologist isn’t working towards a specific health condition the reflex areas for the entire body are stimulated – not just for one part or system in the body.
Here is a sampling of digestive disorders that a Reflexologist may see in his practice:
- Acid reflux – or heartburn, this can be deeply uncomfortable as digestive juices come up into the esophagus.
- Celiac – known as a disease that causes both an abnormal reaction to gluten foods and a causation of malabsorption, or inability to properly absorb nutrients. Reflexology for this condition is often to help support the entire body to promote widespread healing after a gluten-free diet has commenced.
- Constipation – probably the most common issue a Reflexologist sees related to digestive health. Plan for a series of treatments, especially if this has been a chronic or long-standing condition.
- Crohn’s Disease – a painful inflammatory disorder of the small and large intestines. Very gentle Reflexology should be applied on person’s with this disease, shorter more frequent sessions may be most helpful.
- Diarrhea – very loose bowel movements can be a sign of a virus or infection so be sure to rule that out if the condition has been ongoing for more than 24 hours. The practitioner will use a gentler form of Reflexology on the feet so as not to exacerbate the condition.
- Diverticular disease – this is a combination of diverticulosis, a condition where small pouches form in the colon wall, and diverticulitis, the result of inflammation of those pockets. Gentle Reflexology techniques should be applied, emphasizing the reflex points for the digestive and immune systems.
- Gallstones – these small pebble-like substances can be caused by too high cholesterol, hereditary blood disorders or biliary tract infections. The practitioner should use gentle pressure techniques to the gallbladder reflex as this point can be very sensitive on the client with gallstones.
- Hemorrhoids – this painful inflammatory condition affects the veins around the anus and lower rectum. A Reflexologist will emphasize points for the pelvic floor and be very thorough over the digestive system. Sometimes this is tied in with the complaint of constipation but be sure to let your Reflexologist know at your next visit.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome – a collection of symptoms, IBS, may cause cramping and diarrhea during or following a meal. A series of Reflexology sessions should be planned for conditions such as these that have unexplained sources or causes.
Remember that Reflexology is not a substitute for medical care, but a complement to existing treatments and protocols. Use local resources to find a qualified Reflexologist in your area.
Resources:
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch, CNC, Avery 2000
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Institutes of Health
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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