Reflexology can bring relief to cancer patients!

Reflexology can bring relief to cancer patients.

Reflexology, pain, and cancer: In the past 10 years or so, reflexology has become one of the most popular complementary therapies used by those suffering from cancer. In the Christie Cancer Care Hospital in Manchester, England, almost half of all patients – both on the wards and at outpatient clinics – opt for reflexology as part of their complementary care to orthodox treatment. With a trained therapist, reflexology can bring great pain relief to cancer patient.

“Clients comment on the effect reflexology has on their pain levels, treatment side effects, mood and energy levels, interactions with their family and even on their ability to perform or not perform different daily activities,” explains Carol Donnelly who, together with fellow reflexologist and tutor Terry Kenny, reviewed about 50 people who had received reflexology at the Arc Cancer Support Center.” Feelings of relaxation, an enhanced sense of self and decreased tension were the main psychological benefits people said they got from reflexology. Physically, the benefits included improved appetite, improved sleep and increased energy. Some people also said they experienced some pain relief and less lymphoedema. Almost 60 per cent of participants were initially diagnosed with breast cancer. “Our study reflected results of several other studies carried out elsewhere in relation to quality of life issues,” explains Donnelly, who will speak at the first international symposium on reflexology and cancer in Israel later this month. However, Donnelly is keen to emphasise that reflexologists need specialised training to give treatments to cancer patients. “It’s important that therapists are trained in cancer diagnosis and treatment,” she says. READ FURTHER: Reflexology can bring relief to cancer patients Reflexology masseurs claim guard against health problems How does reflexology work?