Running head: INTEGRATIVE HEALING MODALITY EXPERIENCE 1 Integrative Healing Modality Experience: Reflexology Cornelia C. Campbell Washburn University School of Nursing For NU 504 Integrative Healing Modalities March 27, 2010
INTEGRATIVE HEALING MODALITY EXPERIENCE 2 Introduction According to (Kunz & Kunz, 2005, p. 3) reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It has been practiced for thousands of years as a specialized type of massage for relieving pain and inducing relaxation and is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands ("Reflexology for stress", 2008). When pressure is applied to a particular reflex point, it stimulates and effects a physical change to the corresponding body part. Selection of an Integrative Healing Modality The author selected reflexology as an integrative healing modality for further investigation and personal experience based upon an existing interest in the field but also due to a selfidentified knowledge deficit regarding the potential benefits of this modality for future nursing clients. Investigation of this modality initially focused on gaining a broad understanding of the general concept and public perceptions of reflexology. Various websites were explored to broaden the author s understanding of the history, potential benefits and expectations of treatment, self-treatment and research in this field. Additionally, the author also gathered information on criteria to consider during the selection of a reflexologist. The author then identified a licensed massage therapist, Emily Davis, with training in a variety of massage techniques including reflexology. An initial interview was conducted to establish a treatment goal. The author and therapist agreed that the goal of the reflexology treatment would be to reduce the intensity of occasional stress and tension headaches and to promote stress relief in an attempt to prevent such headaches. The author visited the therapist for a reflexology treatment lasting one hour.
INTEGRATIVE HEALING MODALITY EXPERIENCE 3 Experience of the integrative healing modality. Upon arrival the author was escorted to the massage room and asked to make herself comfortable in a massage recliner. The head-, arm- and foot rests were adjusted according to the author s comfort, a glass of water was provided and the therapist dimmed the lights to the room and turned on some soothing music. She reminded the author of her preference to keep verbal communication to a minimum during the course of the treatment and advised the author to tap her fingers on the armrest of the chair in case any pain or discomfort occurred due to the reflexology technique. The therapist left the room to prepare herself and then quietly returned without disturbing the author. She started with a general massage of first the left and then the right foot. This included circular massage, slight pressure, stretching and movement. The foot not receiving treatment was gently wrapped in a warm cloth. The therapist then increased the intensity of the pressure and methodically focused on specific parts of each foot. For each foot, pressure treatment started from the heel area and then progressed to the area between the heel and the ball of the foot, the ball of the foot and finally the toes. In addition to pressure being applied, the therapist also performed sliding deep massage (up and down the longitudinal arches), moving her thumbs and fingers in a caterpillar way across the foot bridge, rolling each toe between her thumb and index finger, and slightly tugging on each toe. During the course of the treatment, the author focused on enjoying the experience and allowed herself to completely relax without thinking about the assignment guidelines. The author was amazed by the almost immediate effect of the reflexology on her level of physical comfort. At the time when the therapist was massaging the left foot, the author experienced heaviness in the left side of her body. Again, when the therapist was massaging the right foot, the author experienced deep relaxation of the right side of her body. Only on two occasions did the author experience some
INTEGRATIVE HEALING MODALITY EXPERIENCE 4 discomfort at which time the therapist adjusted the intensity of pressure to a lower level. The therapist also performed reflexology treatment on the author s hands using the same sliding, pressure, rolling and tugging motions and following a methodical approach. The author experienced deep relaxation of her neck, head and facial areas. At the end of the treatment session, the author was relaxed to the point of almost falling asleep. The therapist whispered that she should take her time to wake up and drink all of the water provided at the beginning of the treatment. The author felt rejuvenated and relaxed after completion of the experience. The therapist also provided some recommendations for self-treatment for the relief of stress and headaches. The author has been able to apply these techniques with reasonable success and continues to refine her self-treatment skills. Appropriate use and application of Reflexology As mentioned in "Reflexology for stress" (2008) many people unknowingly use reflexology daily when they rub a sore spot on their bodies or ask a friend or partner to rub a specific part of their feet. Literature widely supports the use of reflexology as a method of reducing stress and enhancing relaxation (Kunz & Kunz, 2005, "Reflexology for stress", 2008, Whysong, 2009). Other benefits of reflexology include pain reduction, rejuvenation of tired feet, improvement in blood circulation, wound healing, restoring of hormonal imbalances, strengthening of the immune system, as an enhancement of medical treatments (e.g. hypertension, phantom limb pain, lower back pain, cancer treatment and hemodialysis), as an adjunctive to mental health care (e.g. anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder and dementia) and facilitating easier birthing and post-partum recovery experiences. It is therefore pain and anxiety or the detrimental effects of this on physical and mental wellbeing and medical treatment regimes are to
INTEGRATIVE HEALING MODALITY EXPERIENCE 5 be strongly considered for referral to complementary or integrative healing services such as reflexology. Contra-indications for reflexology Consensus exist that patients with contagious or acute infectious disease, foot wounds or burns, phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, recent surgery for a malignant tumor, drug or alcohol intoxication or daily use of strong pain medications should avoid the use of reflexology as a healing modality ("Reflexology for headaches", 2008 and Kunz & Kunz, 2005). Additionally reflexology should be practiced with caution in pregnant clients or those with multiple medical diagnoses. The cost versus the risk associated with reflexology Reflexology is viewed as a holistic modality that, when properly applied, has tremendous health benefits ("Foot reflexology", 2008). Reflexology is essentially harmless, oriented to revitalizing the whole body and hence supporting the body in its own healing process (Kunz & Kunz, 2005). The purpose of treatment is to normalize the body's functioning, to help break down tension, and to improve nerve functioning and blood supply throughout the whole body (Hands of Change, 2009-2010). When considering the cost related to the treatment of conditions like cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, the benefits of reflexology in the prevention and as adjunctive treatment of stress-related conditions are exceptionally cost-effective. However, reflexology as a healing modality is only recognized and billable to health insurers in one State, Tennessee, the only State with a registration law for reflexologists (Hands of Change, 2009-2010). In the months preceding legislative decision making on health care reform in the United States, the focus of the Hands of Change campaign
INTEGRATIVE HEALING MODALITY EXPERIENCE 6 was to obtain recognition of reflexology as a viable healing modality and to establish policies to make it billable to insurance in all States (Hands of Change, 2009-2010). Conclusion According to O Regan, Wills and O Leary (2010) the basic tenet of many complementary therapies is holism, which is also a fundamental aspect of nursing practice. In providing true holistic care for her clients, the advance practice nurse should therefore assist all clients in exploring integrative healing modalities which may be of benefit to them. As the primary care providers of the future, family practice nurses can provide direction to the integration of complementary healing therapies, such as reflexology, with conventional medical treatments thus embracing a philosophy of wholeness and balance of body, mind and spirit.
INTEGRATIVE HEALING MODALITY EXPERIENCE 7 References Foot reflexology. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.altmd.com/articles/foot-reflexology Hands of Change. (2009-2010). http://site.reflex4usa.com/ Hodgson, N., & Andersen, S. (2008). The clinical efficacy of reflexology in nursing home residents with dementia. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14, 269-275. Kunz, B., & Kunz, K. (2005). The complete guide to foot reflexology (3 ed.). Retrieved from http://www.reflexology-research.com/whatis.htm McGraw, P. (2000). Dr. Phil s ten life laws. Retrieved from http://drphil.com/articles/article/44 McGraw, P. (2000). Life strategies: Doing what works, doing what matters. New York, NY: Hyperion. O Regan, P., Wills, T., & O Leary, A. (2010, January 27). Complementary therapies: a challenge for nursing practice. Nursing Standard, 24, 35-39. Reflexology Research Project Presents. (2009). http://www.reflexology-research.com/ Reflexology for headaches. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.altmd.com/articles/reflexologyfor-headaches Reflexology for stress. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.altmd.com/articles/reflexology-forstress Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. (n.d.). http://www.swiha.edu/ Toker, S., Shirom, A., Shapira, I., Berliner, S., & Melamed, S. (2005). The association between burnout, depression, anxiety and inflammation biomarkers: C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in men and women. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 10, 344-362.
INTEGRATIVE HEALING MODALITY EXPERIENCE 8 Whysong, H. (2009). The safe & proper tool for a headache - Reflexology [Online exclusive]. Reflexology. Retrieved from http://www.swiha.edu/