Today, February 4^th in salutation of World Cancer Day, I AM going to discuss this incredible therapy, furthermore, I WILL highlight the benefits regular Reflexology treatments have for cancer patients.

First of all, let’s consider what Therapeutic Reflexology is… the Reflexology Association of America defines Reflexology as,

“An integrative health practice, that maps a reflection of the body predominately on the feet, hands and outer ears. It uses unique manual techniques to deliver pressure to neural pathways assisting the body to function optimally.” – 2019

That’s a complex definition, so let’s simplify it a little… Reflexology is the application of therapeutic pressure to the reflex points (nerve endings) in the feet, hands and outer ears which stimulates circulation to corresponding organs and body parts. In so doing, it clears blockages in energy pathways and activates optimal functioning within the organs and body parts.

Following illness, injury and disease the body becomes imbalanced, and more so after chemo and radiation therapy. Energy pathways become blocked and the proper functioning of many of the body’s systems, and organs, may have been compromised. Reflexology is a powerful natural therapy that can restore balance to the body, and facilitate the healing process.

Reflexology is a natural holistic therapy that has been used for centuries, to restore health to the body. This is evident in depictions painted on the walls of the pyramid of Ankhmohor in Ancient Egypt in 2500 BC, and in China around the same time.

Consequently, in our 21st century, with the high demand for scientifically proven evidence to support ancient beliefs, extensive research studies have been done on the benefits of Therapeutic Reflexology for various health conditions. The most recent of these studies was done in 2017. It investigated the effect of Reflexology for patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced, nausea vomiting and fatigue. The results were very encouraging and revealed that Reflexology decreased the experience, development and distress of nausea vomiting and retching in the cancer patients who were having chemotherapy. Another study done in 2013 found that Reflexology helped to reduce pain in patients. And a study done by Michigan State University in 2012, investigated the effects of Reflexology for patients with advanced-stage breast cancer. This trial found that patients who had regular Reflexology treatments experienced an improvement in their breathlessness and reported relief in their fatigue.

All of these are scientific studies were done in controlled medical environments. But one only needs to search the social media platforms to discover the multitude of personal testimonials from people who have benefited, first-hand, from regular Reflexology treatments.  

The World Cancer Day campaign theme is, “I Am and I Will”, so naturally, the questions that follow are, “Who are you?” and “What will you do?”

My answer:

Reflexology is a natural holistic therapy that may be done on the reflexes of the feet, hands and ears. It restores balance, health and well-being to an imbalanced body, especially after chemo or radiation therapy.