How acupuncture may work, how about reflexology?

Acupuncture has been used for over 4,000 years, but little is known about the biology that enable carefully placed needles to relieve pain in many patients. In march (2010) Nature Neuroscience presented an innovative study which points to the role of adenosine – an essential molecule found in all cells and involved in providing the energy needed for many biochemical processes. It appears that adenosine appears to be a key in the effectiveness of acupuncture – in mice. Could this also explain how reflexology works as a massage techique to relief pain?STUDY ABSTRACT: “Acupuncture is an invasive procedure commonly used to relieve pain. Acupuncture is practiced worldwide, despite difficulties in reconciling its principles with evidence-based medicine. We found that adenosine, a neuromodulator with anti-nociceptive properties, was released during acupuncture in mice and that its anti-nociceptive actions required adenosine A1 receptor expression. Direct injection of an adenosine A1 receptor agonist replicated the analgesic effect of acupuncture. Inhibition of enzymes involved in adenosine degradation potentiated the acupuncture-elicited increase in adenosine, as well as its anti-nociceptive effect. These observations indicate that adenosine mediates the effects of acupuncture and that interfering with adenosine metabolism may prolong the clinical benefit of acupuncture.” The researchers mimicked acupuncture in mice by placing and gradually rotating a needle at a point just below the knee, for 30 minutes. Blocking enzymes that break down adenosine made the acupuncture much more effective, tripling the level of adenosine near the needle and extending pain relief from about one hour to about three hours. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING: • The benefits of a reflexology treatment! • The basics of the calming touch of hands! Is the effectiveness of acupuncture and reflexology related?

Pain relief with reflexology for cancer patients!

Pain relief with reflexology.

Pain relief with reflexology: During the past decade reflexology has become a very popular treatment for pain relief in cancer patients through alternative health care. The Christie Cancer Care Hospital in Manchester (UK) offers patients a reflexology treatment, and almost half of all patients are using reflexology to acquire pain relief. The results so far indicate that a trained reflexologist can bring very significant pain relief to cancer patients.

SOME QUOTES: “Clients comment on the effect reflexology has on their pain levels, treatment side effects, mood and energy levels, interactions with their family and even on their ability to perform or not perform different daily activities,” explains Carol Donnelly who, together with fellow reflexologist and tutor Terry Kenny, reviewed about 50 people who had received reflexology at the Arc Cancer Support Center.” “Our study reflected results of several other studies carried out elsewhere in relation to quality of life issues,” explains Donnelly, who will speak at the first international symposium on reflexology and cancer in Israel later this month. However, Donnelly is keen to emphasise that reflexologists need specialised training to give treatments to cancer patients. “It’s important that therapists are trained in cancer diagnosis and treatment,” she says. READ FURTHER: Reflexology can bring relief to cancer patients Reflexology could detect more serious problems The basics of foot reflexology

Therapist offers pain relief

Pain relief trough reflexology: Certified massage and occupational therapist offers pain reflief. SOURCE: Therapist offers pain relief

Certified massage and occupational therapist John Whalen has opened a new facility in Connellsville — A Healthy Place. A Healthy Place is located at 110 Arch St. Whalen offers an array of services including reflexology and trigger point therapy. Whalen, a Connellsville native, is a graduate of Geibel High School. He is certified in occupational, massage, sports, orthopedic, oncology, and pregnancy therapy. Whalen originally started his career as an occupational therapist. In 2001, he continued his schooling. “I wanted a change in my career and my real interest has always been massage,” Whalen said. “I’m remarkably happy with the change.” Whalen graduated from the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy. “I offer a different type of massage,” Whalen said. “I work with each client individually, giving each my full attention and focus. I offer advanced medical massage therapy and that’s my focus. I don’t do spa treatments or wraps.” Whalen’s services at A Healthy Place include acupressure, aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and pregnancy, reflexology, sports, Swedish and trigger point therapies. “I work with a lot of orthopedic and sports clients and cancer patients (oncology massage)” Whalen said. “And I really enjoy what I do. My goal is to help my patients with pain relief.” Also important to Whalen is listening. Whalen takes ample time to sit with each potential or long-term client, listening to their thoughts and concerns pertaining to their trouble areas. “I listen,” Whalen said. “I listen to what they tell me and I go by how their body feels.” Whalen takes his therapies outside the office, going directly to his clients. Most of Whalen’s services can be performed at any office location, clinic, work site and in the clients’ homes. Combining his skills with a relaxing atmosphere, Whalen will also perform massages at the poolside, campsite or vacation hideaway. “I travel to you if needed,” Whalen said. He also volunteers his services at numerous functions and fundraising events. “I’ve worked at the U.S. Open as a volunteer and for the Jerome Bettis Association. I also volunteer for certain charities or community events. I have always gotten a lot from the community, and I like to give back when I can and volunteer at events. If I am able to help, I will.” Family orientated, A Healthy Place’s services are offered to clients of all ages. “There are as many reasons for receiving massage therapy, as there are different types of people,” Whalen said. “Almost everybody benefits from massage in one way or another.”

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