Cancer Care: Supporting Wellness Through Reflexology
As a reflexologist qualified to treat people with cancer, I recognise the importance of treating patients with utmost care, attention, and gentleness. Currently, I work alongside Macmillan Cancer Support to bring pain relief and balance to cancer patients in Bristol.
Reflexology is one of the most popular complementary therapies among people with cancer in the UK. Many cancer centres offer reflexology treatments for free. Patients often report feeling more relaxed and better able to cope after a session. Reflexology can help you relax, manage stress and anxiety, relieve pain, and lift your mood, providing a sense of well-being. However, it's important to note that reflexology is not a treatment or cure for cancer.
Why People with Cancer Use Reflexology
Many people with cancer turn to reflexology for its potential benefits, including:
Relaxation and stress management: Reflexology helps alleviate stress and anxiety.
Pain relief: It can provide relief from pain.
Mood enhancement: Reflexology can lift your mood and give a feeling of well-being.
What to Expect During a Session
On your first visit, I will ask about your health, lifestyle, and medical history. A typical reflexology session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. You will usually lie down or sit in a reclining chair for the treatment. Most people find reflexology relaxing and soothing, though pressure on some areas might be uncomfortable or slightly painful. This discomfort might relate to blockages in energy flow in a particular part of your body.
I may suggest a course of treatments rather than just one session, which can be more effective but also more costly. Always check how much a therapist charges and how many sessions they recommend before booking.
Side Effects and Precautions
It’s essential to inform me about any medical conditions you have, including cancer, and any treatments you are undergoing. Ensure your reflexologist is trained or experienced in treating people with cancer, as there are specific points on the feet to avoid or treat with gentle pressure. Always consult with your doctor or nurse before having reflexology if you have conditions such as:
Circulatory problems of the feet
Inflammation or blood clots in the leg veins
Gout
Foot ulcers
Fungal conditions like athlete's foot
A low platelet count
Generally, reflexology is safe and doesn't cause many side effects. Most people feel relaxed after treatment and might feel lightheaded. Some may experience tender feet, emotional responses, or an increased need to pass urine. Always inform your reflexologist about any after-effects.
Research into Reflexology for People with Cancer
While there's no scientific evidence to prove that reflexology can cure or prevent any disease, including cancer, it remains a popular complementary therapy. Some studies have explored its effects on symptoms like pain, sickness, and anxiety, but results have been mixed and inconclusive due to small and poorly designed trials. More research is needed.
Reflexology and pain: A 2015 systematic review suggested that reflexology might help with pain in cancer patients, but the trials were small and had limitations.
Quality of life in early breast cancer: A 2009 randomised controlled trial found that women with early breast cancer who received reflexology or scalp massage had a better quality of life, though further research is needed.
If you or a loved one are navigating the challenges of cancer, consider how reflexology might support your journey toward better well-being. Complementary therapies like reflexology can make a significant difference in the well-being of cancer patients and their carers, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, improve coping with illness, and alleviate some symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatments.
