Reflexology and Digestion
Source – December Reflexions 2018
Author – Kate Mulliss
Reflexions is the AoR members’ quarterly magazine, providing the latest reflexology insights. It is written by Reflexologists for Reflexologists. Our December 2018 Reflexions focused on Reflexology and Digestion and we are delighted to share one of the articles with you. If you would like to receive our magazine and become part of our reflexology community, click here to Join today
Kate Mulliss looks at digestion and shares some hand reflexology techniques you can try at home.
Digestive Wellness:
The digestive system is comprised of a collection of organs which are responsible for breaking down food into its components for the body to use. The culmination of years of effects from diet, lifestyle, stress, diseases, and medications can lead to digestive complaints such as bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion and heartburn. It is estimated that at any one time at least 40% of people have one or more of the above digestive symptoms.
Bowel Habits – What’s Normal?
Normal bowel habits vary from person to person and depend largely on the diet, the amount of fluids ingested as well as the amount of physical activity undertaken. Age, pregnancy state and the amount of stress an individual is under also have an impact.
Typically, having a bowel movement somewhere between three times a day and three times a week is considered to be healthy. Bowel movements should pass smoothly with no pain and stools should be not too watery or loose
nor too lumpy or hard. When the need to visit the WC arises, there should be no urgency and there should be no straining to pass the stools
It’s important to note that prescribed medications may also cause digestive or gut issues as side effects.
When digestive conditions are a cause
of concern:
Generally any digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas or loose stools, settle down by themselves. However, they may be a signal for a more serious illness. During a consultation with a client it’s important to be aware of Red Flags in this system.
These include:
- Any worsening of heartburn, stomach pain or indigestion symptoms
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Sudden weight loss
- A sudden change in bowel function
- Any bleeding from the bowels
Stress and Digestion
A moderate amount of stress in our daily lives can act in a positive manner, allowing us to be motivated and alert. However, too much pressure from work-life demands can lead to stress, which can affect us physically, emotionally and psychologically. Ultimately, this may lead to illness
In the body, the autonomic nervous system manages our response to stress via the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. These systems are also responsible for routine functions in the body such as blood pressure, heart rate, sugar levels and also the process of digestion. It has been discovered that around 90 to 95 per cent of our serotonin lies in the gut, in addition to a number of other important neurotransmitters
The enteric nervous system (the nervous system of the gut) is constantly in contact with the autonomic nervous system, so when stressful situations arise, the action of the sympathetic nervous system on digestion can cause symptoms in the digestive system that range from a heavy, sinking feeling in the stomach to diarrhoea and constipation.
Other conditions associated with digestive issues:
Conditions such as autism, Parkinson’s and osteoporosis are also thought to be related to poor gut function. Stimulating the vagus nerve (which mimics signals from the gut to the brain) has not only been found to improve memory and learning, but also has been used as a treatment for epilepsy and depression and may well be useful for other conditions from migraine to tinnitus to Alzheimer’s
Reflexology tips for treating the digestive system:
- Always obtain a full history from the client with relation to their digestive issues. Bear in mind that digestive issues may arise from a variety/combination of factors – from stress, diet, lifestyle, etc.
- Always work the digestive system in the direction in which the peristaltic wave moves the contents of the colon.
- In addition to working the digestive tract, ensure that all the accessory organs of digestion are also given attention.
- Include the nerve point for the vagus nerve (on the sesamoid bone of the great toes) to help balance the autonomic nervous system.
- In clients with an autonomic imbalance it would be useful to pay particular attention to the sphincters of the body, particularly the cardiac and pyloric sphincter of the stomach, the ileo-caecal valve (between the small and large intestine) and the anal sphincter.
- Where inflammation is an issue (ie ulcerative colitis), clients should be treated gently ideally once the flare has passed. Other systems that would benefit from gentle techniques include the endocrine and lymphatic system
- With a new client who presents with a chronic digestive issue who has not tried reflexology, it may be prudent to start with a lighter treatment in order to gauge the effect of the reflexology
Regular weekly reflexology treatments (with guidance on specific points for home self-treatment) can be extremely beneficial for a number of digestive issues. Clients may not experience such a marked effect with a monthly treatment.
A reflexology session can help to release emotional tension which in turn can help unblock muscular tension. This is particularly pertinent to the musculature of the alimentary canal.
Quite often clients with the same digestive system diagnoses often complain of (and present with) different symptoms; therefore it’s important to remember that as reflexologists we treat the person in front of us and not the named condition.
Hand Reflexology self help for digestive issues
For both hands: try this for 5 minutes every day
Work one hand at a time, using the other hand to work the reflexes. Then swap hands.
HAND REFLEXOLOGY CHART
- Use your thumb to push across the area with the blue lines (small intestine reflexes).
- Use your thumb or finger to circle in a clockwise direction over the green dot
(ileo-caecal valve reflex). - Use your knuckles to work in a clockwise direction over the thick blue lines
(large intestine reflexes). - Use your thumb or finger to circle in a clockwise direction over the grey circle (rectum/anus).
- Use your thumb to work firmly along the pink line (the spine reflexes) from the thumb to
the base of the hand.
