Restless Leg Syndrome – Can Reflexology help?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that causes a strong urge to move your legs. This mostly occurs at night making it difficult to sleep and causing drowsiness throughout the day.The sensation is likened to an itch you can’t scratch, often uncomfortable and at times painful. Some people have little or no sensation apart from the strong urge to move. Symptoms can vary in severity, with some people suffering only occasionally whilst others suffer every day. Movement will temporarily give you some relief but simple things such as adopting a good bedtime routine, sleeping regular hours, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine late at night, quit or at least cut down smoking and take regular exercise.RLS is not life threatening but it can cause insomnia which in turn can trigger anxiety and depression.
So how can Reflexology help?
Although there is no sure way to get rid of RLS, Reflexology can help to ease stress and promote good sleep patterns which can in turn improve levels of anxiety.
The Reflexology treatment is a pressure point massage treatment of reflex areas found in the hands and feet but most commonly the feet. The reflexes (areas) on the feet are linked to areas on the body and have a direct relationship to the area of the body they affect. The treatment has many benefits,the main aim of the treatment is to stimulate energy flow and ease areas of tension and pain. Reflexology is not recognised in the medical world and a therapist should never offer to cure you however case studies have shown that symptoms can improve with regular treatments.
Benefits include:
- Stress reduction – Studies suggest that reflexology can aid in alleviating the negative effects of stress.
- Relaxation – The therapy encourages the body and mind to enter a deeply relaxed state
- Stress reduction – Studies suggest that reflexology can aid in alleviating the negative effects of stress.
- Relaxation – The therapy encourages the body and mind to enter a deeply relaxed state.
- Soothing tired feet – The average person walks around 7500 steps per day, its no wonder our feet can get sore and tired. The techniques used in reflexology can help to ease tension and pain in the feet.
- Reducing pain – Research suggests that the therapy is an effective pain reliever.
- Improving circulation – Reflexology helps break down deposits in the blood stream which can affect circulation.
- Enhancing overall well-being – Reflexology is an enjoyable treatment ( at least for those of us that enjoy our feet being touched) Many people use the therapy on a regular basis to support a healthy mind and body.
Many people also find reflexology helpful in reducing stress-related ailments, including:
- Tension headaches – The application of strokes over certain points on the foot by the big toe are thought to help ease tension headaches.
- Arthritis – Reflexologists may work on specific points on the hands and feet to help with arthritis pain.
- Digestive disorders – Reflex points for the digestive system are located on the plantar surface of the feet. Reflexologists will focus on these areas to relieve digestive discomfort and ease stress.
- Insomnia – Reflexology can be soothing. The thumb and finger movements over certain reflexes help to target hormonal imbalances that can disrupt sleep.
- Menstrual problems – Many women find the therapy useful for addressing common menstrual problems. These include severe pain, irregular cycles and general discomfort.
- Back pain – Pressure on certain reflex points is thought to alleviate nerve problems in the back which can cause pain.
- Sports injuries – Reflexology boosts the body’s healing ability. It stimulates blood and nerve flow to an injured muscle or tissue.
The treatment should not be painful although occasionally some areas may feel more tender, this will depend on what area of the body they correspond to. The therapist should adjust the pressure and you should find the treatment relaxing rather than painful. Following treatment, drink plenty of water, have a simple diet and try if you can to have a relaxing day. Following treatment you can experience what is know as ‘the healing crisis’ symptoms can include, post nasal drip, headache, frequency in urinating, sometimes even feeling a bit nauseous, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to know they will usually pass within 24 hours and it is actually a good thing as the body is ridding itself of toxins.
For advice or to book a treatment please give us a call.