Hello
This month in our ‘Health in Focus’ posts, we’ll be looking at complementary therapies, including some of those that Anna covered in her posts on this topic previously.
Complementary therapies don’t aim to directly treat cancer, but many people find that therapies including touch, energy and mind-body therapies help them to manage their symptoms and side effects and also to relax and cope better with some of the psychological aspects of the diagnosis and treatment.
In this post we’ll be focusing on reflexology. In our other posts this month we’ll also cover acupuncture, meditation and mindfulness and aromatherapy.
Reflexology is massage of the feet or hands (and sometimes the ears, lower legs or face)and combines direct massage touch from the therapist’s hands and energy therapy. In traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s believed that energy circulates around the body through channels. When this energy flow is blocked or out of balance, it can lead to illness. Energetic therapies aim to maintain or restore the flow of energy to support your health. There is no medical evidence that this energy exists, but energy therapies have been practised for thousands of years and are still popular today.
Reflexology is thought to work by putting gentle pressure via touch on points connected to the body’s energy system. Each point is believed to correspond to a different part of the body. Touching these points is therefore thought to help the whole body via the energy system. There’s no research evidence to support this theory, but many people find that it helps them to relax and feel more positive.
As reflexology only involves touching the feet or hands, you stay clothed for the treatment. You will usually lie down or sit in a reclining chair. A session usually lasts for 45-60 minutes. The reflexologist will start by taking a medical history and talking to you about what you’re hoping to get out of your treatment. They will then start to massage or put pressure on the points where they think it will be beneficial.
You should tell your therapist if the treatment becomes uncomfortable or painful at any point. It’s also helpful to give them feedback about any other sensations that you experience, so they can see how you’re responding to the treatment.
Some hospitals and many hospices and cancer centres such as Penny Brohn (pennybrohn.org.uk/ ) offer reflexology free of charge. You can ask your team about where to go in your area or contact your local cancer centre for information.
Therapists at these centres are also likely to have special training in treating people with cancer and have some understanding of cancer treatments. This is important, as they may need to avoid or be very gentle on certain areas or avoid using some ingredients in their oils and other products.
If you decide to go to a private therapist, it’s important to make sure that they’re fully qualified and a member of the Association of Reflexologists or the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Registration with these bodies is voluntary, but it provides some reassurance that the therapist is qualified, meets their standards and has signed up to their code of conduct. You can search for a registered reflexologist at members.aor.org.uk/search/ or cnhc.org.uk/find-practitioner.
When contacting a reflexologist, tell them that you have been diagnosed with cancer. You should also ask them about their qualifications, experience, insurance and training, especially whether they are trained and experienced in treating people with cancer.
Reflexology is generally considered safe, but it can interfere with some diabetes treatment, so speak to your doctor before having reflexology if you have diabetes. You should also ask your doctor or nurse for advice if you have any of the following:
• Problems with the circulation in your feet
• Inflammation or blood clots in the leg veins
• Gout
• Foot ulcers
• Fungal infections of the feet such as athlete's foot
• Thyroid problems
• Epilepsy
• A low platelet count, which increases the risk of bruising or bleeding
You should also tell your reflexologist if you have a pacemaker.
You can find more information about reflexology at:
about-cancer.cancerresearch...
macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf...
nccih.nih.gov/health/reflex...
If you would like to share your experiences of reflexology or have any tips on it, please comment on this post. If you would like information or support, please contact our Support Line on 0800 008 7054 or email support@ovacome.org.uk.
Best wishes
Julia (Ovacome Support Services Officer)
Clinical reflexologist in South Manchester? 
