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Treating the Elderly with Reflexology

Americans spend more than one billion dollars every year on nonprescription medicines, and a vast majority of them are the elderly. And not only are they expensive, the medications provide only temporary relief and in no way address the root of the problem. What can you do about arthritis, constipation, fatigue, loss of muscle control, and other common complaints by the elderly sector of society? There are some easy and effective holistic treatments that do alleviate symptoms. One of them is reflexology.

Reflexology is one complimentary treatment that is beneficial for everyone and especially for people suffering from muscle, joint and circulation problems. Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure in a strategic manner to areas of the feet and hands, and even the face and ears. Reflexologists see the hands and feet as an open door to the bodies systems. Each section of the feet and hands correlate to a specific organ. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, you can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. And because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. It helps reduce body tension and definitely brings a sense of relaxation.

Independent studies have shown that using reflexology in the areas related to the adrenal glands, one could reduce the need of cortisone, a common treatment for arthritis. The body also produces its own natural painkillers during reflexology treatments, known as endorphins, which inhibits the transmission of pain through the spinal cord. There are many areas that a trained reflexologist may pay special attention to including the kidney's, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands and solar plexus.

In a society that relies on chemically laden prescription drugs to cure the sick, especially in the elderly sector of society, reflexology is providing success stories worth examining. Did you know that elderly patients that routinely get reflexology treatment could reduce cholesterol, lower and maintain blood pressure and treat painful digestion better than drugs? Not only that but elderly patients that have reflexology mats in their homes experience less pain and a greater sense of control when walking.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Studies have shown that patients that received reflexology treatment after surgery experienced far less pain than the patients that received painkillers alone. Moreover, reflexology was shown to be more effective than catheterization in patients with retention of urine after surgery.

Reflexology also appears to have a positive affect on patients with arthritis according to many case studies. However, it is good to note that the affects on mobility in particular, only last a short time. It is most beneficial to have treatments on a regular basis. On a good note, reflexology definitely was beneficial to problems relating to swelling and oedema, because of an improvement in circulation reflexology brings. Elderly patients have many health complaints that can be successfully helped with reflexology treatment.