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online reflexology for nurses course at Canyon College

Module II

Reflexology definition and history



Course Title:
Department:
Instructor: 		NUR470 - Reflexology for Nurses
Nursing
Heather Johnstone, Ph.D., R.N., A.P.N., C.S.,N.P. Email | Vita


Reflexology definition

Reflexology is a type of massage. In reflexology the person uses firm, direct, fingertip pressure to deeply stimulate points on the body to decrease or prevent symptoms in the body. The points are specific points that control specific parts of the body. The areas of the body that work to control energy in the entire body include the feet, the hands, the ears, and the scalp (Carter,1982;Kunz & Kunz,1982;Gach,1990). Please see the link at www.angelfire.com/biz2/metaphysician/reflexology.html for reflexology maps of the hands,feet,ears, and scalp.The theories of the physiology often differ. For example, zone theory divides the body energy flow into ten longitudinal zones (Kunz & Kunz,1982). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) divides the body energy flow into energy channels or meridians(Gach,1990). Some types of yogic pranic healing have overall circular energy flow with open areas of energy balancing(Ramacharaka, 1937). A shared concept of the majority of reflexology physiology theory bases is that the stimulating a specific point in one area will work to balance the energy flow and improve symptomatology in the general area overall (Carter,1981;Kunz & Kunz, 1982).

Since reflexology, as a type of point pressure massage, adjusts the body's energy, it can be used to treat any type of health or wellness issue (Bean,1975;Carter,1981;Gach,1990;Kunz & Kunz,1982). So its uses are unlimited. Common conditions aided by reflexology include: arthritis; headaches;temporo-mandibular joint disorder(TMJ);fibromyalgia;reproductive disorders(Carter,1981;Kunz & Kunz,1982).Perhaps less common uses of reflexology include: increasing immune system function for the management of diabetes and other auto-immune diseases; improvement of liver function; asthma; thyroid disorders;hiccoughs; anemia; addiction disorders; intestinal disorders; hemorrhiods;hair loss;dental health;allergies;deafness; aiding labor and delivery; insomnia; mental health issues(Carter; 1981). The side effects are the same as with any type of bodywork and include temporary worsening of symptoms; temporary dizziness; temporary nausea; temporary soreness of the areas stimulated (Carter,1981;Kunz & Kunz,1982;Gach,1990).

Reflexology historical overview

The relationships between the points and body parts have been described in the literature for thousands of years (Bean,1975;Carter,1981). Reflexology was re-discovered and described in the early 1900's by Dr. William Fitzgerald(Carter,1981;Kunz & Kunz,1982). Dr. Bowers continued the work of Dr. Fitzgerald with much success in highlighting the therapy to other physicians. Other prominent practitioners who worked with reflexology include Dr. George Starr White and Joseph Selbey Riley. In the 1930's Eunice Ingham ,one of Riley's co-workers, designed the maps for foot reflexology(Kunz & Kunz,1982). The subsequent development of reflexology in the United States has been controversial in nature. The practice of reflexology was thought to be within the scope of medical practice as late as the 1970's. A legal battle over the publication of Mildred Carter's book, Helping Yourself with Foot Reflexology, gave legal permission for non-physicians to practice and describe the modality of reflexology(Kunz & Kunz,1995). With that legal decision, reflexology once again became a field in which nurses could provide client and patient education and direct service.

Reflexology and its relationship to the practice of nursing

As stated in module one, historically massage therapy has been a component of nursing practice(Donahue, 1985; Henderson & Nite,1978 ). Nurses have in the past used massage therapy to help clients and patients improve their level of comfort, improve their circulation, and maintain proper skin integrity(Henderson & Nite, 1978). In present day nursing, massage continues to be within the scope of practice of nursing. Since massage therapy is a component of nursing(Donahue, 1985 ; Henderson & Nite, 1978 )and since reflexology is a type of massage(Bean,1975; Carter,1981; Kunz & Kunz, 1982), clearly reflexology falls within the scope of nursing practice. So reflexology is a modality that nurses of all levels may utilize to help clients and patients feel better. As a nurse, you are within your scope of practice to provide reflexology and to teach clients and patients to do reflexology for themselves as a wellness modality. Both hospital nurses and community nurses may incorporate reflexology into their nursing care as reflexology need not be as time consuming as standard body massage.

References Online Bookstore

Bean,R.(1975) Helping your health with pointed pressure therapy. West Nyack,N.Y.: Parker Publishing Company, Inc.ISBN #: 0133864669
Carter, M. (1981). Hand reflexology:key to perfect health. West Nyack, N.Y.: Parker Publishing Company,Inc. ISBN #: 0133836045
Donahue, M.(1985). Nursing the finest art an illustrated history. St. Louis,Missouri: The C.V. Mosby Company. ISBN #: 0801614244
Gach, M.(1990). Acupressure's potent points a guide to self-care for common ailments. New York:Bantam Books. ISBN #: 0553349708
Henderson, V. & Nite, G. (1978).(6th ed.). Principles and practice of nursing. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co. Inc. ISBN #: 0023535806
Kunz,K. & Kunz,B. (1982). The complete guide to foot reflexology. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc. ISBN #: 0131605984
Kunz,K. & Kunz,B.(1995). Understanding the science and art of reflexology, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, April/May, 1995, p.183-186.
Ramacharaka.(1937). The science of psychic healing. Chicago: The Yogi Publication Society. ISBN #: 0911662073



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