Complementary Therapies
This is the first of several articles on complementary therapies, written by practitioners. We hope to give a description and insight into a variety of therapies and what they can offer people with lupus.
REFLEXOLOGY
by Judith Felton MA, Linda Rumbles MIIR, AOR
The gentle art of Reflexology is believed to have come from ancient Egypt, where as far back as 2000bc there is evidence that some form of foot and hand therapy was practised for healing purposes. In the 1930's an American physiotherapist, Eunice Ingham, further developed this treatment and today the original 'Ingham Method' of reflexology has been adopted in clinics and hospitals all over the world.
Reflexology works on the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hand that correspond to all the glands, organs and parts of the body. For instance, the toes represent the head, the ball of the foot relates to the chest, lung and heart. It is a unique method where a qualified practitioner uses thumb and fingers on these reflex areas, encouraging a fresh supply of blood to the part of the body in question.
A non-invasive treatment suitable for all ages, reflexology is a safe and natural way to relax tension and help balance the whole body. Despite its soft touch Reflexology can induce profound levels of healing and is effective at addressing a wide range of conditions.
For those of you who suffer joint and muscle pain and fatigue with lupus, reflexology can help to reduce the pain a little and aid mobility within the joints, gently boosting energy levels giving a feeling of well-being.
Although there is no evidence of contra-indications within a reflexology treatment, we would stress the importance of caution for those suffering with antiphospholipid syndrome and would not usually recommend a treatment during the first three months of pregnancy.
Linda's story
I was first diagnosed with Systemic Lupus 22 years ago, after the birth of my second son. The story will be familiar to many people with lupus. At the age of 13 I had what was diagnosed as 'growing pains' and seemed to catch colds and viruses more frequently than most people. My first pregnancy had many problems and after the birth of my second son I began to have repeated pleurisy and pneumonia, this led to prolonged spells in the Brompton Hospital, London, some 150 miles from my home and family in Somerset. Then at last a firm diagnosis of lupus was made.
As the treatment programme began to bring my symptoms under control, I looked around for ways of helping myself that would not interfere with the medication I was taking. I started by changing my diet. Where possible I bought organic food to try to keep toxin levels in my body to a minimum. I tried supplements such as vitamin C, E and as I was taking steroids made sure I took a calcium supplement with added Vitamin D and magnesium to help keep my bones healthy and strong. I also looked for a complementary therapy that would support me both mentally and physically. That's when I tried Reflexology.
A professional reflexologist will be trained in anatomy, physiology and pathology in addition to learning about each reflex point to work for health conditions.
During my first visit the Reflexologist was very honest with me, and said she knew very little about lupus but if I was willing we could work together to gain more knowledge. This was fine by me, not many people, even some in the medical profession know about lupus, and I admired her for her honesty.
She took a thorough case history, including childhood illnesses, operations, broken bones etc, and a brief family medical history. I was asked about my lifestyle, diet, exercise, sleep pattern and she made a full list of my medication. I was then asked to remove my footwear and make myself comfortable on the couch.
The first treatment on the feet was at times painful, as the Reflexologist worked over tender reflexes. I was amazed that when she worked a painful area and I asked why it was hurting, she would reply 'it's your knee reflex'(my knees are always painful), or 'I am working around your chest area' (my weakness). The treatment ended with a gentle relaxing foot massage.
As I was leaving the treatment room the Reflexologist warned me I might feel sleepy for a while, and also any pain I had may be a little heightened for two or three hours. This proved to be right. However the next morning I had more energy than I'd had for a long time and my joint pain, although still there, had definitely lessened.
A week later I had my second session, this time it was not so painful and afterwards I felt relaxed and had a wonderful feeling of well-being.
Since then I haven't looked back, 15 years on I still try to have Reflexology every two or three weeks. It certainly helps with my energy level, lessens pain a little and I strongly believe it helps the mobility. My lupus is now in remission and with the help and advice of my consultant, I am relatively drug free. I do feel that the Reflexology has helped me in achieving this, and it's good to know that this treatment works safely along side the conventional treatment I receive from the medical profession.
I was so impressed with Reflexology, that in 1996, as my health began to improve, I trained as a Reflexologist myself, and today run my own practice from my home in Somerset and a clinic once a week from a busy GP Surgery.
To find out more about Reflexology or to find a qualified practitioner, visit www.reflexology-uk.net or ring 01142 812100.
Our grateful thanks to Judith and Linda for producing this interesting article. We would advise persons diagnosed with lupus or suspecting the illness to consult with their doctor before commencing complementary therapy.
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