Reflexology

Guest · Reflexology

I have been recommended this as a treatment for IBS but am unsure as to what it involves - has anyone actually experienced reflexology and could tell me how it works - the basics too! Also if it is more beneficial to have a course of treatments rather than a one off? Thanks in advance.
I'm currently on extremely strong painkillers, Tramadol and for various reasons would prefer not to be taking them long term.

mummymelly

Sorry Treez, I've no experience with this. Will ask around though and if I get any answers I'll give you a shout.

patweb

Sorry Treez I don't know anything about it either. Can understand you looking into alternative treatments rather than keep taking the stong painkillers. Have you looked at this website?

www.reflexology.org/

dingsy

Reflexology is wonderful, although I haven't had any for a while, I found it immensely beneficial.
Part of my treatment for lymphoedema was undertaken at our local hospice, and with the enlightened attitudes there, they arranged reflexology for me-much to the surprise of my gp (who had been feeding me diuretics), and my consultant(who couldn't see beyond compression bandaging!)
Anyhow, the best and most effective pain relief for me came via reflexology.As to the basics? Primarily a foot massage, with the practioner establishing via your feet the areas in your body which need attention (strange, but true). Although I was being treated for one condition, there was an occasion in which Sandra stopped, and said to me-"Your adrenal gland is in overdrive-problems?". She was correct, as her treatment was taking place a few hours before I was seeing my surgeon to request a second mastectomy :I had no desire to have reconstructive surgery, and was concerned that he would refuse. So it's also a powerful disgnostic tool.
I found the first few sessions exhausting, and was told to rest afterwards and drink several litres of fluid, as the first sessions clear toxins from the body. Hence the horrendous headaches for the rest of the day!
Subsequent sessions delivered the pain relief-for me at least, very effectively, and assisted, I think, in restoring the flow of the lymph fluid. However, it's difficult, if not impossible to quantify if the latter was due to the bandaging or the massage-I suspect a combination of both.
I'd recommend you to give it a try:you know my feelings on tramadol! Good luck, and let us know what you decide to do:I hope that you find relief from the pain soon.

Guest

Thank you Elaine. Have been trying to take as few of the Tramadol as I can but sometimes it's just unbearable and if I can find a more natural way I'll go for it. I think there is a reflexology practitioner down the road so I will contact her and at least have one session to see how it makes me feel. I also read in a Boots Healthcare leaflet that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy also plays a very good role in coping with pain as it must train your brain to cope with it better - however I think I'll try the reflexology first. Thanks for replying, folks. :)

dragonfly