Client B has suffered from sinusitis and hay fever for several years and has lived with low back pain since her school days. (The cause of the back pain is unknown, although she thinks it may have stemmed from playing hockey.) She often experiences discomfort in her left breast before a period. In addition, a sensitive skin leads to occasional outbreaks of dermatitis on her hands, the condition being exacerbated by certain types of washing powder and jewelry.
Client B was extremely unhappy at the level of medication she had been prescribed for her migraines and turned to Reflexology in an attempt to restore her health without the use of drugs.
First Treatment
As both her migraines and sinusitis are predominantly right sided, it was no surprise to find that the toe pads of the right foot were more sensitive than those of the left. while discomfort was felt along the spinal reflex - especially at the level of the fourth, fifth and sixth thoracic vertebrae - on both feet. At the end of the first treatment, Client B felt very relaxed and experienced a tingling sensation in her fingers. I explained the concept of the healing crisis and advised her to drink plenty of water over the next couple of days in order to help combat any side effects resulting from this session.
Second Treatment
Client B reported that she had not taken any painkillers on the night of the first session and, although she awoke with a headache the next day, it felt ‘different’ from a migraine and she resisted taking any medication. For the next couple of days, however, she felt ‘terrible’ - very tired with aching limbs and a pounding head but found that these symptoms gradually disappeared over the course of the week.. During the assessment of her feet at this session, it was clear that the sensitivity in her reflexes had reduced enormously. There was a marked improvement in the texture of the reflexes of the second toe pads, although still very firm, were much less tender than at the previous session. Because of the reduction in discomfort in the reflexes, Client B was able to relax completely during this session and thoroughly enjoyed the treatment. Once again, I advised her to drink plenty of water to combat any side effects though I felt confident that any symptoms she experienced would not be as severe as last time.
Third Treatment
When she returned for her third treatment a fortnight later, Client B reported that she had come down with a stomach bug the previous week, so treatment was focused on the lymphatic system to restore balance and improve immunity and energy levels. Generally, however, she felt much better with the occasional mild headache.
Even at this early stage, it was apparent that Reflexology was having the desired effect in reducing the severity and regularity of many of Client B’s symptoms. She was hugely encouraged by the positive results and, having continued to make good progress over the ensuing weeks.
Looking at each of client B symptoms in turn, it can be seen that Reflexology has, indeed, achieved the goals it set out to meet. Over the last 4 weeks, client B has received four treatments in total and, in that time, She has not had a migraine attack since beginning the course of treatment and, although she still experiences headaches from time to time, the pain is mild and of short duration. She has not been bothered greatly by hay fever or sinusitis this year and her left breast, which is usually quite tender before a period, has given her little discomfort.
The pain in her lower back – most often felt when tired or when lifting - has also diminished greatly.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates how important a role Reflexology can play with regard to restoring and maintaining health in a non-invasive, non-chemical way. The client is now drug free and, for the most part, pain free with the result that she is a happier, more energised and positive individual.
