Reflexology, alternative treatment for a variety of diseases

Reflexology is an alternative treatment for a variety of conditions and has been in use for thousands of years. The ancient Chinese have documented practices similar to reflexology as a treatment for certain afflictions. It involves the reflexologist applying pressure to specific areas in the hands, feet, and ears that affect certain reflex areas of the body.

#1. Pain relief
The existing research into the effectiveness of  reflexology in treating arthritis has concentrated on its ability to reduce pain or the need for pain medications.  Regular treatments have been shown to reduce pain and (in some cases) help to alleviate the depression long term sufferers can experience

#2. Detoxification
Individuals coping with gout, pseudogout and certain other forms of arthritis are often encouraged to change their diets in order to improve their symptoms. Regular reflexology sessions can help to speed up the process of removing toxins from the body and will have a positive effect on your metabolic rate.

#3. Improve sleep
Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons why people struggle with sleep. It’s also a bit of a catch-22 situation; if you could get more and better sleep, you wouldn’t be as aware of the pain.

#4. Improve circulation
Reflexology is an excellent way of improving the circulation of both blood and lymph, particularly in peripheral areas. Improving the circulation will help to remove toxins that are contributing to arthritic symptoms. This is particularly important for those suffering from gout or pseudogout, where waste products of metabolism have been deposited around specific joints. Getting rid of these waste products will significantly reduce the symptoms of Gout.

#5. Reduce stress levels
Living with the discomfort of arthritis is going to generate a certain amount of stress in your life, no matter what else is happening. Long-term stress can leave you feeling exhausted, debilitated and prone to developing other symptoms of ill-health – as well as making your arthritic symptoms worse. Regular treatments can help to keep stress at manageable levels and to keep you in optimum health.
 
#6. Improve the immune response
Some forms of arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis in particular, are autoimmune conditions. They develop as a result of the body’s immune system starting to attack other body tissues. Reflexology concentrates on balancing all body systems; that includes encouraging the immune system to respond normally.