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Reflexology for Chronic and Acute Pain

Reflexology is a pressure point reflex therapy on the feet. It uses deep pressure, massage and relaxation techniques on specific reflex points on the feet to relieve pain and internal body conditions. In a reflexology session, the reflexologist will apply pressure to the feet using the fingers and thumbs. Reflexology is not limited to the feet, it can also be applied to the hands. However the treatments is more effective when applied to the feet due to their sensitivity.

“The pressure applied during reflexology facilitates a physiological response in the body,” says licensed acupuncturist and reflexologist Drake Ewing, MS, LAc, adjunct faculty at Bastyr University in Seattle. “Reflexology is a type of health care that has been used for thousands of years.” Ewing says experts estimate that there are close to 7,000 nerve endings in the feet. The practice of reflexology stimulates these nerves and the central nervous system, which in turn interrupts or alters the way you feel pain.

Benefits of Reflexology

In my practice as a reflexologist I have seen clients getting great relief from pain after just one treatment, including: headaches, toothaches, musculoskeletal pain, nerve pain and menstrual pain.

As well as relief of pain, my clients have had results with reflexology treatments for:

  • Fertility problems (both men and women)
  • Menstrual irregularity
  • Digestive problems like: IBS, Indigestion, Bloating
  • Sinusitis
  • Respiratory problems
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Stress

The body’s capacity to heal itself never ceases to amaze me. As a reflexologist, I see my job as facilitating this process. I am not my client’s “healer”, it is their bodies that do the healing, and I simply have the tools and experience to apply the right techniques which allow this to happen. The reflexology treatment activates the bodies parasympathetic nervous response (the response that brings the body into a state of relaxation), which in turn combats stress and promotes general physical and psychological well-being. This relaxation process is enhanced in Dundalk Therapy Clinic with heated beds, blankets and the use of essential oils. In the treatment, the client’s only job is to lie back and relax.

If you would like to know more about reflexology, you can chat to us on our facebook page: Dundalk Therapy Clinic, or get in touch through the website: dundalktherapyclinic.com

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Heat for Chronic Pain Relief

There is no doubt about it, applying a heat pack to an aching body part provides almost instant relief from pain and stiffness. How Does Heat Ease Your Pain? For centuries, heat has been used as a simple yet effective way to manage your pain and joint or muscular stiffness. Deep and penetrating heat not only relieves your pain but also enhances your recovery process. By applying a heat pack to your painful joints and muscles, the heat stimulates your sensory receptors to block the transmission of pain signals to the brain, resulting in an instant and effective pain relief. Even if you are a chronic pain sufferer, heat packs can help relieve your discomfort – NOW and for many years ahead! However, if you have an acute (sudden and intense) injury, do not use heat as this can increase inflammation. Never apply heat to inflamed muscle.

If you’ve been suffering with either stiffness or pain that feels better when you apply heat, have a warm relaxing bath with two cups of Epsom salts or a hot shower. Alternatively, a microwave heat pack or simply a hot water bottle could be the best investment you’ll make this year.

How Does Heat Actually Help You? By increasing tissue elasticity, heat reduces your resting muscle tension and helps to relax those nasty painful knots / trigger points. Your pain is quickly eased via the sedation and soothing of any pain-irritated nerve endings. The deep heating effect increases your blood flow to the painful area, bringing more nutrients to the injured area while flushing out the injured debris. This helps to quicken your healing rate.The deep heat also promotes a speedier healing rate by stimulating your natural metabolic rate. In other words, there is more energy available to fix the injury quicker. What’s the Advantage of Wheat Heat Packs? Can be heated in a microwave with turntable in about two minutes. A strong but soft fabric allows for comfortable use and an ability to mould to your body shape, which is great for those super curvy areas such as your neck, knees and shoulders. You can even pop it in bed with you during those cold winter nights!

If you are unsure about the use of heat or suspect there might be inflammation, get in touch with us for more advice.

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