This article explains the combined use of reflexology with chemotherapy to treat cancer patients.
Reflexology is a gentle treatment, not intrusive, made on foot, using reflex points that correspond to the different body systems. It is a complementary treatment, that should not replace any traditional medical treatments.
Reflexology for cancer treatment
The foot reflexology is highly beneficial to relieve the side effects of chemotherapy, helping the patient to relax deeply, also it helps to reduce the level of anxiety, helping patients cope with the distressing symptoms of pain and nausea that occur after chemotherapy treatments.
There is a myth that reflexology releases toxins from the body so that the chemotherapy would not work properly. Obviously there is no evidence to support this legend and yet, yes there are a lot of evidence about the positive results patients have experienced in this regard.
Many people who have cancer and have used reflexology claim that reflexology helped them to relieve some of the symptoms or helped them cope with the side effects of chemotherapy. However, other patients say they only felt a very pleasant way of relaxation, which is not enough given the seriousness of his illness.
The reflexology is used by many people who are under treatment to cure cancer, in fact, reflexology is included in the center complementary therapy in oncology units of some hospitals and day centers with excellent results.
Many patients say that in addition to enjoy the relaxation and stress relief, also feel able to live with the physical side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
It is also an important factor, take time for themselves and a person with whom to chat that is not part of their family environment and, in many cases, be able to tell their problems and fears, without having to worry about such talks close relatives and friends.
Reflexology and lymphedema
Reflexology is a good treatment to help those suffering from lymphedema (swelling of extremities) after surgery to remove the lymph nodes, as it helps to improve circulation and lymphatic flow, and a reflexologist can work on the reflex points specific to the affected area. In some cases the affected extremity lymphedema can be very painful, reflexology is very gentle and effective and in such cases it is a good complement to the lymphatic drainage massage.
In general, reflexology helps improve circulation and lymph flow, which benefits all systems and organs of the body and helps to achieve deep relaxation and improve breathing and mobility, helping patients relax and deal with the physical side effects of treatment.
