What is Reflexology?

Medical Reflexology involves the use of thumb, finger and hand techniques to apply deep pressure onto different areas or reflexes of the foot and sometimes hands. It is believed that different parts of the feet relate to and affect specific parts of the body. Sometimes ‘congestion’ or a build up of toxins can be felt in certain areas of the feet and are thought to contribute to problems found in the corresponding body part. By breaking down the congestion or toxins through the application of pressure, it is believed the body is able to function better because of this reduction in stress – aiding healing and restoring balance – especially in the area of the body the foot’s reflex relates to.

Reflexology was first introduced to the Western world in the early 1900s, with roots stemming from practices used in Ancient Egypt. It is considered a complementary practice that has been shown through many studies to help relieve symptoms of medical problems. However, it should be noted that reflexologists are not physicians and reflexology is not a practice that claims to diagnose or cure medical problems – rather it is an additional therapy that can help to alleviate certain conditions.

How does it work?

Extensive research and trials have shown that different areas of the foot directly relate to different sections of the body. The right foot is said to correspond to the right side of the body, and the left foot to the left side. By clearing congestion in the foot and ridding these areas of toxins, it is believed that blood, lymph and nerve flow is then optimized in the corresponding body part. This in turn helps to minimize pain and muscle tension and helps the body’s natural healing and detoxification processes.

How can it help my back pain?

Reflexology can be used to alleviate symptoms of both chronic and acute back pain. In particular, it is known for reducing stress and increasing emotional well-being which then assists the patient’s perception of pain. This is because the emotional stress that is caused by such pain, especially chronic pain, can lead to an increase in the pain level that is experienced. Conditions such as sciatica and arthritis are commonly treated by reflexologists and complaints such as osteoporosis and herniated discs can also be alleviated depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. Overall, reflexology has been shown to boost circulation and the immune system which then contributes to the healing and recovery process of certain injuries in the back.

What will my treatment involve?

A reflexologist will first discuss your general health and ask if you have any medical problems relating to the feet that they should be aware of. They will ask you to remove your footwear and then use different pressure and stretching techniques on certain areas of the feet. Generally, this experience should not feel like a massage as deep pressure is applied. A good reflexologist will work with you to manage the pain or discomfort levels felt during the process – and any pain felt will only last while pressure is being applied. Studies have shown that shorter, more frequent treatments of reflexology have the best results – some therapists suggest two or three sessions a week over a period of a month, then less regular sessions to maintain improvements. They can be undertaken while employing other methods such as the use of posture and back support, medication or back exercises to help aid recovery of back problems, as well.

What else should I know?

It is always recommended that patients with back problems consult their physician before undertaking any reflexology treatments. Those who suffer from gout, osteoarthritis in the feet and ankles and heart disease, or have areas of broken, burnt or damaged skin on their feet, are also advised to be cautious when requesting reflexology treatment.

Finally, always make sure you choose a practitioner who is certified, experienced and reliable.

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The sciatic nerve is located at the base of your backbone, near your tailbone.  It runs through the buttocks and down the back of the thigh, all the way down through the foot.  This is the longest nerve found in the body, and a number of conditions can easily put stress on it, resulting in severe back pain.  Simple things like unsuitable furniture, or even sitting on your wallet too long can irritate the nerve.  Too much stress can result in compression of the sciatic nerve, resulting in a condition called sciatica.

This pain that results from the impingement of the sciatic nerve can be quite excruciating, and can lead to debilitation in worst case scenarios.  However, there are a many aches and pains associated with sciatica that are not as severe, and can be properly treated.  A careful examination is necessary to properly diagnose the symptoms, and come up with the right solution.  The doctor will ask you for your previous medical history, the duration and frequency of the pain, if you have had previous sciatic episodes, even if you are using the proper posture and back support.  Some people with chronic illnesses such a diabetes are more predisposed to have sciatic problems than others, so make sure your complete medical history is well known.

After the doctor has discussed the symptoms with you, a physical examination will take place.  The source or origin of the pain is determined by making the patient perform a number of common activities like sitting, walking, standing, bending in different directions, even jumping up and down.  Other tests can include electrical conduction to establish whether there is a more serious problem with the transmission in the nerve, or if the nerve has been damaged by some other cause.  A simple X-ray or MRI should be able to get a clear diagnosis if there is any nerve or tissue damage, and will be able to diagnose the severity as well.

In some minor cases of sciatica, doctor intervention is not always necessary.  In some cases doing basic stretching exercises, coupled with extreme rest, can help the affliction.  Some people have even had success with meditation and yoga as an alternative method to treating this affliction.  However, if you are suffering from back pain and you think that it might be being caused by your sciatic nerve, it is best to go get it looked at immediately.  If you are having back pain, get it checked out at a doctor’s office first before you try any alternative methods of treatment.  It could be nothing, or it could be serious, but the only way to have the piece of mind in knowing, is to get a doctor’s opinion.

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Posture and back pain have long been associated with one another as interlocking components, in relation to the health of our spine and our back.  But many people really have no idea how critical posture is in correlation to our back support.  Correct posture is a simple, but effective way to maintain proper back health and maintain healthy spine support.  Good posture and back support are integral components critical to reducing the incidences and levels of back pain and neck pain.

Not maintaining good posture and adequate back support can put serious strain on the muscles and even more stress on the spine.  Over time, the stress from poor posture can change the anatomical characteristics of the spine, leading to possibly serious medical problems, including constricted blood vessels, nerves, and problems with muscles, bones and joints.  Having poor posture can also contribute to neck pain, as well as headaches, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.  Having poor posture is not a laughing matter, and it could be contributing to your back pain more than you realize.

Correct posture involves keeping each part of the body in alignment with the surrounding areas.  This means keeping all parts balanced and supported.  If you have correct posture you should be able to draw an imaginary straight line from the earlobe, through the shoulder, hip, knee, and right down to the middle of the ankle.  When moving from one position to another, the most ideal situation for your back is to move smoothly and with fluidity.  After a concentrated effort, these movements will become more automatic and require little or no effort to maintain.

Examples of bad posture are slouching with shoulders hunched forward, swayback syndrome, which is an inward curve in the spine, due to bad posture.  Carrying something that is too heavy on one side of the body can cause bad posture.  If people hold the phone between their neck and shoulder for too long, it can cause bad posture.  Even wearing high-heeled shoes or clothes that are too tight, can cause poor posture.

To quickly identify bad posture you need to examine your own individual posture throughout the day, such as sitting on the couch, standing in line, etc.  At regular times throughout the day take notice of your posture and back support to see if you are following the correct guidelines of good posture.  Bad posture can cause tense muscles, which can put the whole body out of alignment.  By having better posture you will sustain proper back health, feel better, look better, and maintain a better sense of balance in your body.

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