SAMCHEOK, KOREA 2011 – Earlier this year a study from Korea revealed that ‘self-foot reflexology’ was effective in reducing perceived stress and fatigue:
TITLE: ‘Effects of Self-Foot Reflexology on Stress, Fatigue, Skin Temperature and Immune Response in Female Undergraduate Students’
CONCLUSION – The results of this study indicate that self-foot reflexology is an effective nursing intervention in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and, in improving skin temperature. Therefore, it is recommended that this be used in clinical practice as an effective nursing intervention for in female undergraduate students.
| Keywords: Reflexology, Stress, Fatigue, Skin temperature, Immune response. | |
Raising money for cancer with reflexology
August 7, 2008
 Raising money for cancer with a reflexology treatment  Reflexology treatment |
Raising money for cancer: The annual relay raises money for the American Cancer Society, celebrates cancer survivors and remembers those who lost the battle. Regina Brown of Monee, chairman of the 2008 relay, said this year she invited providers of supplementary health treatments, such as massage therapists and reflexology, to be part of the health pavilion tent. “We’re showing different types of treatments that patients can use in conjunction with traditional medicine,” Brown said. |
| Connie Webster-Young and a group of 10 friends circled the Rich Central High School track in Olympia Fields with a large banner showing the smiling face of their late friend, Cheryl McCowan, who succumbed to ovarian cancer two years ago.
The group, which called itself “Cheryl’s Crew,” was one of many relay teams participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life South Suburbs on Saturday at Rich Central. She was my best friend,” said Glenwood resident Webster-Young of Cheryl, the late wife of University Park Mayor Al McCowan. Relay participants walked the outdoor track over a 15-hour period, from 3 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday. Walkers did blindfolded laps, three-legged laps, disco laps, skipping laps and barefoot laps, among others. The annual relay raises money for the American Cancer Society, celebrates cancer survivors and remembers those who lost the battle. Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld gave the opening address, while Hazel Crest Mayor Robert Donaldson, a prostate cancer survivor, gave the survivor’s speech. Cancer survivors and caregivers were treated to a dinner in the survivor tent. The Jesse White Tumblers were the headline performers. Regina Brown of Monee, chairman of the 2008 relay, said this year she invited providers of supplementary health treatments, such as massage therapists and reflexology, to be part of the health pavilion tent. “We’re showing different types of treatments that patients can use in conjunction with traditional medicine,” Brown said. Renee Seibert of Homewood was offering reflexology treatments to participants. Seibert is the owner of Renee Marie’s Healing, which specializes in reflexology, ear reflexology, yoga instruction and facials. She was giving Lambert Caldwell of Country Club Hills a relaxing ear reflexology treatment. Caldwell, who teaches massage therapy at the Soma Institute in Chicago, came out with six of his students to treat walkers, cancer patients and survivors to soothing massages. “It’s good experience for my students and it’s an opportunity for them to come out into the community and help people,” Caldwell said. Joy Jones, owner of Serenity Mobile Massage, said massage “brings back oxygen to the muscles, reduces stress, and improves circulation.” Jones said she served her internship in the cancer ward of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “It was a great experience to be on that end of the spectrum. I know the patients benefited from the treatments. So when I was called by Regina Brown to participate in the relay, I was all aboard. I’m very excited about what the American Cancer Society represents and I want to give back to the community. That’s why I’m out here.” MORE REFLEXES ON REFLEXOLOGY:
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Reflexology: the major benefits! (1)
July 29, 2008
 The major benefits of reflexology |
What are the major benefits of reflexology?: In general: the major benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. The feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body, and therefore they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body’s equilibrium. |
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About the specific major benefits of Reflexology: Stress Reduction When we are stressed our body’s defences break down and we become more susceptible to illness and disease. Reflexology reduces stress by generating deep tranquil relaxation, helping the body balance itself and allowing healing energy to flow. Improved Circulation Blood needs to flow freely throughout the body carrying oxygen and nutrients to all the cells and removing the waste products of metabolism and other toxins. By reducing stress and tension, reflexology allows the cardiovascular vessels to conduct the flow of blood naturally and easily. Stimulated Nerve Function By stimulating more than 7,000 nerves in the feet, reflexology encourages the opening and clearing of neural pathways. It interrupts pain pathways, reducing pain. Improved Immune System Reflexology stimulates the lymphatic system thus reducing risk of infection. It cleanses the body of toxins and impurities and also stimulates the production of endorphins, leading to an improved immune system and sense of well-being. Increased Energy Reflexology revitalises energy throughout the body by relaxing and opening up energy pathways. MORE REFLEXOLOGY TOOLS:
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Third Coast Reflexology Of Chicago
July 19, 2008
 The third coast reflexology of Chicago |
The third coast reflexology of Chicago: Third Coast Reflexology Of Chicago is presented in collaboration with resurrection center for integrative medicine provides relief for signs and symptoms of stress. SOURCE: |
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How can your feet lead you directly to a treatment that can help heal your entire body? By experiencing Third Coast Reflexology of Chicago, an integrative health approach that alleviates stress and pain and promotes wellness. Research in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) shows that stress causes 90% of all illness. Reflexology is a safe, non-invasive therapy, whose primary benefit is to promote relaxation and good health, and reduce chronic pain and stress.
Nancy L. Cole, Chicago reflexologist trained and certified by the International Institute of Reflexology, has aligned her practice, Third Coast Reflexology, with the Resurrection Center for Integrative Medicine in Chicago (http:// www.mindbody.reshealth.org) and three other city and suburban locations.
Third Coast Reflexology focuses on clients seeking help with conditions such as: chronic back and neck pain, headaches, sinus congestion, and digestive discomfort. Cole’s reflexology treatments are beneficial in alleviating symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune deficiencies. Women’s health, including infertility and pre-natal care is another important specialty area of Cole’s reflexology practice. Reflexology is a centuries-old form of natural healing based on the concept that every part of the body is aligned along pathways that end in specific points on the feet and hands. Reflexology stimulates the body’s innate capacity to heal itself from imbalances caused by illness, surgery and other stressors, unblocking vital energy pathways to restore proper body function.By applying precise and steady pressure to reflex areas on the feet and hands, the reflexologist bolsters the body’s ability to heal itself. The cumulative effect of reflexology treatment suggests that scheduling a series of sessions with Third Coast Reflexology will provide optimal results. Clients in stressful and physically and emotionally demanding occupations such as doctors and nurses, athletes, actors, and other performers seek out Nancy Cole’s services as do those who sustain serious injuries. Case in point: Rachael Havrelock, PhD: “I have received reflexology treatment from seven different reflexologists over a fourteen-year period and I can enthusiastically speak of Nancy Cole as the most insightful, professional and skillful reflexologist I have ever visited…she has analytical skills and continues to study new techniques and expand her knowledge.” Visit www.thirdcoastreflexology.com to find treatment locations and other therapeutic applications and benefits for Third Coast Refexology, celebrating 5 years of success in Chicago.
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Interactive reflexology map
July 6, 2008
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Interactive reflexology hand chart: The interactive reflexology map was introduced by experienced reflexologist pioneers, Barbara & Kevin Kunz from Albuquerque, NM, United States. SOURCE:
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How does it work? Well, the foot is divided into various dermatomal patterns that corresponds to particular body part or organ in the body. The idea in foot reflexology is to stimulate the particular ‘zones’ of the feet and initiate a corresponding ‘reflex’ that will invoke a beneficial response to that body part or organ.
The basic concepts of reflexology in the foot include the following:
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However, it can be argued that this thought process is conceptual. Does pressing the bottom of the big toe, for instance, stimulate the pituitary gland. As Kunz describes, “For example, a single nerve travels from the center of the big toe to the part of the brain responsible for controlling movement, respiration, and cardiac acceleration. So pressure applied to the center of the big toe, the pituitary gland reflex area, triggers a revival response (as in fight or flight)”
Now, as any doctor or anatomist will know, there is really not a single nerve that travels from the big toe to the pituitary gland. Also, if this concept is true, scientific testing can validate the concept of pituitary stimulation by stimulating pressure receptors under the big toe. To my knowledge, this has not been studied. Or maybe its just too ludicrous to study? Like many arguments made with alternative medical treatments, it is harder to prove that something doesn’t exist rather than prove it does.
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Reflexology workshop
July 6, 2008
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Reflexology is beneficial for cancer patients: Reflexology says that the hands and feet contain a map of all the parts of the body. The stimulation of reflex points decreases stress, improves circulation and reduces pain. Various studies have found that reflexology is beneficial for: breast and lung cancer patients, in terms of providing relief from pain, nausesa and anxiety. SOURCE:
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Several small studies have found that reflexology is beneficial for cancer patients. A Michigan University study found that breast cancer patients experienced a decrease in depression and anxiety, and an increase in quality of life. Researchers at the School of Nursing, East Carolina University, found that foot reflexology alleviated anxiety and pain for patients with breast and lung cancer.
Ten minutes reflexology treatments can provide relief from pain, nausesa and anxiety according to a report from the School of Nursing at the University of Canberra, Australia. The basis of reflexology is that the hands and feet contain a map of all the parts of the body and stimulating these reflex points decreases stress, improves circulation and reduces pain. |
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Reflexology is a simple procedure and can be done at home on yourself or other family members. Join Becky Cobb for a hands-on workshop that will demonstrate how you can do reflexology for yourself or other family members. This workshop is for cancer survivors and their caregivers. Workshop will be held at the Cancer Center for Healthy Living located at 5215 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria.
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