What is reflexology effective for?
by Pat Urban

What Is Reflexology Effective For.pdf

In my practice, I have seen people with long standing conditions regain some quality of an improved life style. Since I am not qualified to diagnose any condition, nor do I prescribe or offer medical advice, reflexology is not a substitute for medical care, medications, or any other prescribed medical modalities.

I seek to balance the whole body. Medical centers are qualified and promote reflexology as beneficial for the following conditions:

The California Pacific Medical Center: Reflexology reduces stress, balances energy flow in the body and mind and supports the immune system. Though given on the hands and feet, this extraordinary technique affects the entire body.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Cancer Center: A reflexology treatment is deeply relaxing and helps to reduce stress, relieve pain, increase circulation, and enhance well-being.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Though empirical studies are lacking, many patients have benefited from reflexology. Conditions treated may include: migraine headache, hypertension, menstrual cramps or irregularities, myofascial pain, fibromyalgia, insomnia and anxiety disorders.

Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine: The benefits (of reflexology) include reduction in tension and stress, increased vascular, neural and lymphatic circulation, and the releasing of toxins. Research has shown that blood pressure can actually decrease during a session! Clients use reflexology to alleviate or manage asthma, sinus problems, digestive disorders, inflammations, menstrual irregularities, pain, fatigue, inflammatory skin conditions and other imbalances. It is especially beneficial for circulatory problems.

Citizens Medical Center Healthplex: Relieves stress, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation. May help relieve headaches, arthritis, back aches, allergy and sinus problems.

The Heart Center at St. Rita’s Medical Center: Reflexology helps speed recovery and reduce discomfort after surgery. Reflexology therapy strengthens and supports the body’s own healing process. St. Rita’s conducted a three month pilot study on open-heart patients who received reflexology, and the study confirmed a patient’s level of pain and anxiety decreased significantly. It also helped patients increase the distance they were able to walk, decreased the number of days they were hospitalized and the amount of medication administered during their recovery process.

Beebe Medical Center: May help relieve stress, improve circulation, relieve stiffness and reduce pain. Reflexology can also be help relieve symptoms from PMS, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The DeKalb Medical Center: Promotes stress reduction, circulation, balance, vitality and normal body functioning, as well as enhancing relaxation.

The Healing Power of Your Feet-Chronic Pain
By Patricia A. Urban

The Healing Power of Your Feet-Chronic Pain.pdf

Pain, like stress, is a healthy component to our existence as it serves the vital function of triggering avoidance. It is a simple reflex action, for example, you put your hand under the faucet, the water is very hot, it hurts and you quickly pull your hand away. Pain is sensory, physical and emotional. Imagine living a life of pain which is often associated with an overlapping illness.

Constant pain can create a never ending cycle of destruction. You are uncomfortable, therefore, you do not sleep, you battle fatigue all day which affects your appetite, your mood, your relationships with family and friends, your ability to concentrate, to be productive, and the list goes on. The physical and mental challenges can be overwhelming.

Many clients I work with have chosen to incorporate a multidisciplinary approach to cope with their chronic pain. Medications help deal with the specific symptoms, exercise and diet fuel their bodies, a positive attitude reinforces their mental well being and Reflexology helps to manage pain. The combination of the various disciplines in total brings about some remarkable results. My clients report less fatigue, improved sleep patterns, increased productivity, reduced pain and stiffness, more mental clarity, less anxiety and, in general, uplifted spirits.

The results from Reflexology do not occur in one session, but, over a period of time. Chronic pain is individualized; therefore, each session is customized to meet your specific needs and concerns. Your feet are the basic assessment tool and the communicator to the rest of your body. By applying pressure to specific areas of the foot, I can break up stress patterns in parts of the body inducing a state of deep relaxation. With over 7,000 nerve receptors in each foot, stimulation and therapeutic movement activates responses throughout the nervous system. The results have wide effects on the body such as improved circulation, enhanced lymphatic movement and increased serotonin levels which reduces the chemical messenger of pain.

In my practice, I see people with long standing conditions regain an improved quality of life and mental well being. Reflexology is not a cure, but, a form of natural healing which has been practiced for centuries. This therapy can be traced back to the Chinese, the ancient Indians and the Egyptians. There is scientific research that backs this therapy based on the premise there are zones and reflex points in the feet which correspond to the entire body. The most important function of Reflexology is to activate and harmonize your body’s own life forces and healing powers.

Depression and Reflexology
By Michelle Becz

Depression and Reflexology.pdf

Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults age 18 and older in a given year. It broadly affects all aspects of your life such as physical health, sleep patterns, eating habits, work and relationships and results in thoughts, feelings and behaviors such as anger, irritability, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, fatigue, numbness, confusion, worthlessness and shame. When suffering from depression you are often told by frustrated family and friends to “snap out of it” or “cheer up” but what they don’t realize is that you are suffering from a real illness that extends beyond your immediate control. It is a condition that has much more power over you than a period of unhappiness caused by painful circumstances.

My research into the causes of depression found that it is actually a state of high arousal. This leads to over arousal and agitation and subsequent exhaustion and chronic fatigue. When depressed you actually have higher concentrations of stress hormones such as cortisol and noradrenaline in your blood than a non depressed person. Therefore, you often need to experience regular relaxation as part of your treatment and recovery.

I have found in my practice that reflexology can aide the body in dealing with this disorder and its accompanying symptoms. By inducing deep relaxation, reflexology encourages the body to regulate chemicals and hormones for optimal functioning. I can also target specific areas in the feet such as working your adrenal gland reflexes to encourage the body to regulate adrenaline and to release natural pain relief chemicals.

Reflexology can trigger your brain to release endorphins. Endorphins (natural pain killers) in turn can elevate your mood such as in the endorphin release referred to in the well known “runner’s high.” I have witnessed clients feeling energized after a session and ready to take on life’s tasks.

Depression also often results in physical discomforts which reflexology can aide by relaxing your body so that the muscles are not overly constricted causing aches and pains.
Circulation is improved moving more oxygen into your cells where it is needed. Thousands of nerve endings reside on your feet and stimulation of these is an enjoyable treatment that benefits your mind, body and spirit.

Reflexology is also a wonderful form of TLC. If you are feeling in an emotionally vulnerable state, only your feet are worked allowing you to feel safe as you nestle under a blanket in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment to receive some loving human touch. This is one of the parts of reflexology I enjoy most. In my own experience I know that nothing comforts like the touch of another human who genuinely cares for your well being. It is gratifying that my practice in reflexology now allows me to share that kind of nurturing with others.

A good reflexology session treats your whole person with compassion. Relaxation of your physical body is offered through the stimulation of the myriad of reflexes on your feet and nurturing of your spirit is felt through my hands’ touch and the concern and compassion I intend during each session. It is a natural way to bring your body back into balance with the intent of enabling you to respond to life’s events in a healthier way.

Stress reduction is only two feet away!
By Pat Urban

Stress Reduction Is Only Two Feet Away.pdf

One of the most important benefits of reflexology is its effect in reducing stress. Stress is intangible it cannot be seen, heard, smelt or tasted, but it certainly is detected through the physical, mental and emotional changes in the body. Not all stress is negative; at times, it can be immensely stimulating. Nevertheless, the long-term constant exposure to stress may have devastating effects on the body.

The word stress is derived from the Latin word “stringere” which means ‘to draw tight’. Our reaction to stress is a primitive response to survival. When presented with danger, our ancestors drew tight their energy to escape or attack commonly known as the ‘fight-or flight’ reaction. Historically, stress was a reaction to external forces exerting pressure on mankind and the response was physical. Imagine the consequences today, if you attacked your boss, or ran screaming from confrontation with a colleague?

Evolution has brought about very different survival needs. The pace of our world is fast, with technology, traffic, noise, cell phones job, family pressure, fear of disease and financial issues. In recent times, we have come to recognize the response to a situation depends on the interaction between the person and his environment. The intensity of the stress experienced is determined by how a person feels he can cope with an identified threat. Today, we recognize that every thought causes a chemical change in the body.

The hormonal and chemical defense mechanisms of the body’s response system to a threat have not changed from primitive times, but today they have little outlet. The inability to express any physical response to a stressful situation means our natural instincts are suppressed, which can cause the body harm. Often stress situations are continuous, so the body is permanently on alert. The physical stress overload on the body eventually explodes and the systems out of balance can cause physical and mental harm.

When confronted with a situation we perceive harmful, our thoughts trigger two branches of the central nervous system – the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system initiates the involuntary responses designed to activate all the major systems in the body. The first response is a flood of hormone secretions from the pituitary and next the adrenal and non-adrenal glands in to the bloodstream. These hormones create the actions of nervous stimulation in a number of the organs of the body. The stress response always activates the immune system.

The stress chemicals induce physiological changes in the body to react to the pending danger. Blood supply to the brain is increased, to improve judgment and decision-making. To produce additional energy the heart speeds up and fuels generated from glucose, fats and stored sugars are released into the blood stream. Additional blood is sent to the muscles for instant action. There is a reduction in the blood flow to the stomach and intestines, because the body does not relay on digestion and excretion in dangerous situations. Blood is drained from the skin and other areas of the body to be used in the muscles. The body is now ready for a short burst of activity to respond to the imposing threat.

The parasympathetic nervous system relaxes the body after a stressful event. If the body is in a continuous stress mode, it becomes difficult for the parasympathetic system to work. The body begins to weaken and may become more susceptible to a variety of diseases. These may include asthma, allergies, constipation, diabetes, depression, hypertension, high blood pressure, heart attacks, migraines, skin disorders and ulcers. The manner, in which events lead to illness, depends largely on how a person perceives situations, the impact of major life changes, (such a birth, death, marriage, divorce and employment) and his or her perception of their ability to cope.

We may not be able to alter the stress situations in life but we can alter how we cope. Reflexology starts with a calming action that brings relief to tense nerves and knotted muscles. It helps banish fatigue and sends a new vitality pushing through the entire body. The body experiences a greater flow of blood throughout the body without undue strain, pressure or overexertion of the heart. Reflexology assists in the overall nourishment of the body. It will release the mind, body and soul from the grips of fear and anxiety. A balanced mind manifests a balanced body.

Reflexology is a form of natural healing which has been practiced for centuries. The basic premise is the entire body is mirrored on the feet through a system of reflex points. The application of gentle stimulations of the reflexes in both feet increases energy flow, promotes relaxation, and encourages the body, mind and spirit to function optimally.

Breastfeeding and Reflexology
By Michelle Becz

Breastfeeding and Reflexology.pdf

Giving birth to a child ranks near the top when one thinks of a stressful time in life. Not only is it physically demanding on the body to go through labor, but there is also an emotional stress to introducing a new life into one’s family. Although a joyful experience, it is indeed a time of much change and adjustment naturally creating anxiety.

A woman’s body, after going through nine months of pregnancy and then child labor, must now produce milk to nourish the newborn, if she has chosen to breastfeed. Many women deal with inadequate milk production at this time which creates feelings of failure and deep sadness.

Reflexology and its ability to induce a relaxed state in the body have been found to assist postpartum mothers with milk production. A Chinese study in 1996 found that mothers given reflexology after birth were able to breastfeed more quickly and with more satisfaction. In addition, reflexology helped avoid use of drugs in lactation that may be harmful to the baby and cause adverse side effects in the mother. Other studies show that the supply of milk is greater in women who received foot reflexology after birth. www.ninemonths.com references a study that showed reflexology promotes milk flow and balances hormone production.

Women today are learning more and more that the attention given to their own care can in turn enhance their ability to care for those they love. A reflexology session is a wonderful gift for new moms as the reflexologist only needs to touch the feet allowing mom’s body to continue its recovery. For a woman who has just embarked on a journey of caring for another human life, reflexology can give her the nurturing she needs to do it well.

Sore Tired Feet? Try Reflexology
By Michelle Becz

Sore Tired Feet - Try Reflexology.pdf

It is estimated that the average person’s feet carry them 115,000 miles in a lifetime. That is more than four times the circumference of the globe. Feet that feel good are often taken for granted. It is only when our feet ache that we remember how important they are to our daily movement. A myriad of foot ailments like plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, stubbed toes and poor circulation create challenges to millions each year and prevent them from enjoying the movement our feet were designed for. So, how can reflexology help?

Each foot has over 7,000 nerve endings and the pressure and stimulation of a reflexology session can be very beneficial. While Pat and I work the feet as a means to bring the whole body into balance, the improved circulation and stimulation to the nerve endings in the feet during reflexology helps to relieve foot pain. Foot pain can also occur as a result of congestion and toxins collecting near the 7,000+ nerve endings. Congestions press against the nerve endings much like a small stone. When this congestion is broken up by the stimulation of a reflexology session the pain dissipates.

Furthermore, our feet are the furthest point from the heart and circulation can stagnate here. Reflexology improves the circulation to the feet thereby nourishing the muscles, tendons and ligaments found there. I have had many clients who pound the pavement with their feet for work or play and find a reflexology session warms and loosens the tight muscles making them light and airy and most importantly bringing great relief to the foot pain. Clients often joke that it is a shame to walk on their feet after a session because of how good they feel! So, this summer season as we push our feet to their limit, notice how your feet feel and appreciate all that they do for you. For when they are not feeling good even the simplest of tasks can become quite challenging and much more unpleasant.

Foot Facts:

• Women have 4x more foot problems than men.

• Each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles.

• 75% of people will experience some form of foot problem in their lives.

• Your feet will carry you about 115,000 miles in a lifetime.

• There are over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot.

• When walking the pressure on your feet can exceed your body weight and when running the pressure can be up to 4x your body weight.

• Your feet mirror your general health. Arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can all show their first symptoms in the feet.

Living with Fibromyalgia - Relief through Reflexology
by Pat Urban

Living with Fibromyalgia - Relief through Reflexology.pdf

Last summer, a petite soft spoken woman came into my office. Her doctor had suggested she try reflexology to help manage symptoms of fibromyalgia. Her visit encouraged me to research what fibromyalgia was, its symptoms and what I, as a reflexologist, could do to help relieve her pain. To my astonishment I found that more than 6 million people are dealing with this disease.

What is fibromyalgia?
According to the NFA (The National Fibromyalgia Association) fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic widespread types of pain. Individuals often experience:
• Chronic widespread body pain in the neck, shoulders, back, arms and legs
• Deep tenderness, soreness and flu-like aching
• Poor sleep, stiffness and fatigue
• Dull pain in muscles, tendons and ligaments

What are the symptoms?
The NFA tells us fibromyalgia is characterized by the presence of multiple tender points and a collection of symptoms such as:
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Headaches and migraines
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Impaired memory and concentration

What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a form of natural healing which has been practiced for centuries. We believe the entire body is mirrored on the feet through a system of reflex points. By stimulating specific reflex points on the feet, congestion and tension are released and the body’s natural tendency towards balance is restored. This moves the body into a state where its natural healing abilities can work at optimal levels.

What are the benefits of reflexology?
• Improved sleep patterns
• Stress relief
• Pain Reduction
• Relaxation
• Cleansing of toxins
• Revitalized energy
• Improved circulation
• Relief from headaches and migraine

The soft spoken petite woman, I started working with in August of 2007 is doing well. “My sleep patterns have improved greatly; in turn my energy level is much higher. After a number of reflexology sessions, I was finally relieved of the chronic pain in my lung and chest area. I no longer have the labored breathing discomfort I suffered with. I have my occasional down days but overall I have experienced some very positive changes in my health. I am very consistent with my reflexology sessions and feel the commitment is very worthwhile.” H.A., Tolland, CT

Migraines and Reflexology
by Michelle Becz

Migraines and Reflexology.pdf

The true aim of reflexology for the body is homeostasis; a state of well-being and balance maintained despite changes in the external environment. As a reflexologist I always approach my sessions with the intention of offering the body the opportunity to regain balance by reducing tension and improving circulation to the glands, organs and various body parts. The wonderful thing is that in doing reflexology on an individual’s feet, the balance that their body regains from this therapy has some positive “side effects.”

I recently had a client come to me with a several year history of migraines. The client spent 3 long years undergoing tests to rule out any other possible causes for the debilitating headaches. Large doses of medication had been prescribed with minimal effect and the daily battle with the migraines had begun to take its toll both physically and emotionally. We discussed a plan of approach and the client was willing to commit to an hour session a week with the hope that that reflexology would provide some relief. We worked all the reflexes on the feet completely focusing extra time on specific reflexes that could be part of the root cause for the ailment. The first session showed improvement with my client telling me after the first weekend that “life was wonderful without a headache.” Four sessions later the headaches were no longer presenting and we scaled back our sessions to a ½ hour every other week to maintain the balance the body had established.

Since then my client has come for alternate week appointments and reports that things are going great. The client is now on the lowest dose of medication and predicts that they will soon be off medication altogether. It is so nice to see a smile on this client’s face and to see that this person has some time again to just focus on enjoying life. I know that as a reflexologist I did not heal this client of their migraines, rather I acted as a tool in the body’s healing process. For the practice of reflexology is really about offering the client’s body an opportunity to regain its innate balance and in turn this enables the body to heal itself.

Pre and Post Operative Reflexology Side Effects
By Pat Urban and Michelle Becz, Certified Reflexologists

Pre and Post Operative Reflexology.pdf

Any surgery intervention coupled with the effects of anesthesia can result in debilitating effects on the immune system. There are successive lines of defense in the body. The first warrior against infection is our skin which includes the hair in our nose and the mucous membranes found in our nose, mouth and throat. The second warrior in line consists of a network of other systems within the body, which include our endocrine and lymphatic systems, liver, spleen and intestinal systems. We are born with an innate immunity.

A healthy immune system will often responded to an invasion of an outside organism without us recognizing any changes in our bodies. There are other times, however, when the system needs extra fuel to combat a foreign exposure. How often have you felt tender or swollen glands accompanied with a slight fever? Your body was incubating white blood cells to fight an infection. This is the body’s innate self healing process. If an immune system is weakened by continuous physical and emotional ailments, it loses the ability to naturally combat health issues. It takes a great deal of energy to repair the wounds of the body.

Most times, we have an opportunity to ready our bodies for surgery and the recovery process to follow. We may consider improving our eating habits, adding supplements to our diets, increasing exercise to strengthen the body and reducing stress. Another consideration may be incorporating weekly reflexology sessions into your pre- operative and post operative plan. Clinical studies have shown regular reflexology sessions post operatively can be of great benefit in restoring the immune system thereby aiding in pain reduction and more effective healing.

At the Sole Connection, llc we have also worked with clients six to ten weeks prior to surgery. Reflexology sessions were designed to meet the needs of the individual client and were done consistently in preparation for the surgery scheduled. It was a commitment on the part of the client but the great thing is it yielded results. Clients reported that they used little to no pain medication after surgery and the surgeons themselves expressed amazement at the rate of the healing process. Why the results? Well, the true aim of reflexology for the body is homeostasis; a state of well-being and balance maintained despite changes in the external environment. As Reflexologists, we always approach our sessions with the intention of offering the body the opportunity to regain balance by reducing tension and improving circulation to the glands, organs and various body parts. The wonderful thing is that in doing reflexology on an individual’s feet, the balance that their body regains from this therapy has some positive “side effects.” Pre-operatively, reflexology boosts the immune system by improving the lymphatic system’s functioning, improving the circulation and providing necessary time in “relaxation” where the body can be at optimal functioning. Post operatively reflexology helps keep blood flowing, aides the body in toxin removal, provides relaxation to aid in healing and has a wonderful effect on pain levels. Facing surgery can be an intimidating life event. Your body already has its own healing system. Reflexology helps this system to work optimally and ultimately this leads to a more positive surgery experience.

“When faced with yet another surgery I decided to do what I could to prepare my body. For 3 months prior to shoulder surgery I had a reflexology session every week and I continued this weekly for 2 months post surgery. I suffer with severe joint pain on a regular basis and I had to come off all my medications 10 days prior to surgery to avoid excessive bleeding. I firmly believe reflexology is what allowed me to tolerate the on-going pain and inflammation after discontinuing these medications.

After the surgery, my surgeon was absolutely floored when I returned in 10 days to tell him I had only taken 4 of the 80 pain pills he prescribed and I had quite a significant range of motion without starting physical therapy. At my 6 week check up he reiterated his surprise and stated, ‘what I did prior to surgery, I should keep it up because it made a difference’.

I firmly believe the reflexology sessions in the pre-op state allowed me to better absorb the invasion of surgery. Post-operative reflexology allowed me to resume daily life in a pain free state at a much faster pace than in the past. I continue today with twice monthly sessions and believe my body is better able to handle the daily traumas that we each experience.”

Peg Busse

Spring Cleaning and Reflexology
by Pat Urban and Michelle Becz, certified Reflexologists

Spring Cleaning and Reflexology.pdf

Spring is quickly approaching and with that comes thoughts of spring cleaning our homes and yards. It is also a good time to consider spring cleaning for our bodies and their internal systems. Winter has a way of making us eat a little less healthy and be a little more sedentary than we are in the warmer months. In the cold months our lifestyle competes with our body’s natural design to keep itself free and clear of wastes. The added fat cells we create in the winter store toxins and tax our lymphatic system. The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels, ducts, nodes, lymphatic fluid, the spleen, tonsils, adenoids, thymus gland and the appendix. Its function is to free and clear the waste of the body which in turn protects the body from infection and disease and creates immunity. When toxic buildup occurs it can cause worsened allergies and food sensitivities, frequent cold and flu infections, joint pain, headaches and migraines, arthritis, sinusitis, loss of appetite and gastrointestinal issues, muscle cramping, fatigue, poor mental clarity, fluctuation in mood, depression, skin breakouts, acne and cellulite just to name a few.

A Reflexology session is a great way to cleanse our body! This modality deeply relaxes the body causing the systems to run more efficiently and it specifically works reflexes on the feet for the kidneys, the liver, the lymphatic system, the skin, the colon, etc. This in turn improves their functioning in order to keep our bodies free of toxic build up. Reflexology also has the benefit of working the feet which not only are the farthest point from the heart but also are targeted by gravity. Gravity naturally causes unabsorbed liquids and toxins to sink towards the feet. Waste such as uric acid or calcium deposits tend to build up in the feet so having a skilled reflexologist break up these deposits can bring relief to the whole body with measurable results. Some of the reported cleansing effects of a session include: releasing excess toxins from the large intestine, improved/increased urination or bowel movements, improved digestion, energized feeling, watery eyes, itchy all over the body, increased mucus, sensitivity to touch, reduced pain in certain conditions and a feeling of emotional well being. These responses may not all sound positive but they are a wonderful sign that your body is now moving the toxins out of the internal systems where they were doing unseen damage. It is much preferred to have them out of the body rather than stored internally as if in a waste dump slowly leaching into the body systems and creating illness.

So as you prepare to spring clean your home and garden after the long winter, consider taking some time out to tend to yourself as well and experience the benefits of an internal spring cleaning with a relaxing reflexology session.