Can Reflexology Fix a Cold?

When people ask me, "Can reflexology help myopening "Cold Reduction Clinics"?
cold?" I believe in my heart that it can. But thatLet's go back to the Pros and the Cons.
doesn't mean it'll happen the way I want it to.Pros:
Here are some factors to consider to help youAs I mentioned above, I believe that reflexology
and your clients decide what's best for them.tocan reduce either the symptoms or the length of
function better.)a cold or both.This is a function of helping the
The Pros or "Benefits:"body "detoxify", thereby accelerating the healing
Here's what we can claim about reflexology:process which in turn may relieve symptoms.
1. Reflexology is stress relieving. (It's probably THEWe're in effect helping the body to help itself.
most relaxing method, bar none.)Cons:
2. Reflexology helps support the body's ownWith a cold, if you work too intensely or too early
healing efforts toward balance or homeostasis.- the detoxification effect can help elevate some
(This makes sense because when we're moreof the symptoms but it might just make some
relaxed, everything tendsof them seem worse (healing crisis) before they
3. Reflexology may influence circulation. (It's aget better. Kind of like being hit by a truck!
byproduct of our techniques - a bonus!)And, even though there's a good chance that the
Think about it... there's a whole world of support incold will likely break sooner, you'll need to weigh
just these 3 processes.the pros against the cons.
We know that stress is a factor in at least 85%Remember, if you work on people with a cold
of all pathologies, either directly or indirectly.1. they might feel worse before they feel better
We all know that reflexology can pack quite a(but the length of the cold may shorten).
wallop. Even though (in America) we don't2. find out if a fluctuation of their symptoms is
diagnose, treat or prescribe, we've all seen or hadokay with them. Some people will choose one
our own personal experiences with the effects ofover the other.
"the extreme sense of relaxation" that oftenSo, I let them know the possibilities and give
occurs.If stress can make you sick indirectly thenthem the choice. I let them decide.
it could be said that stress relief can make youAnd, Always Remember, When in Doubt.... Go
better indirectly.Slow. See how they tolerate the work and how
The Cons or "Timing of the Benefits:"their body responds. You don't have to do it all at
Detoxification is natural process for the body but,once.
in some cases this elimination process canJust like when you're working for the first time on
reproduce symptoms that are similar to thosea client of advanced age, or immune system
that occur when stress is winding inwards whilecompromised or very ill, go slowly the first
creating constrictions and blockages.The return ofsession, with a shorter duration. Work for support
symptoms as a result of the unwinding of stressand balance rather than maximum detoxification.
is referred to as a "healing crisis".Be careful in the acute stages of any issue, and
Now, a true healing crisis is a positive sign - that aprepare your client for what to expect.
balancing process is under way. And, it happensBottom Line...
naturally in every holistic modality; Massage, Reiki,People who receive reflexology report an
Polarity, Acupressure, Reflexology - you name it -impressive amount of stress relief. Our bodies are
there's potential in all for a "healing crisis" to occur.balancing and healing themselves all the time. But
The healing crisis can occur during, immediatelysometimes they're overwhelmed or diverted
afterwards or days later and is usually over withinfrom their natural rhythms. However, when the
24 hours. But because of its potential to occur atbody is no longer spinning deeper into its stress,
all, there's good reason to proceed gently,or when a stress is interrupted, there is a greater
especially when a body is weak or already dealingpossibility for healing.Sometimes the unwinding is in
with eliminating elements.such contrast to the "tightness of stress" that
Which Brings us to Colds:there's a huge surge in the body's ability to be
I received an email from a former studentmore efficient in its detoxification.
recently, and in it she expressed concern aboutAs a reflexologist, I know that one of the most
the results of giving a reflexology session to aimportant things I can do is support my client's
friend with a bad cold. She reported that a fewown healing processes and that I'm NOT doing
hours after the session - her friend was in thethe healing for them. When a body feels
emergency room with bronchitis!supported shift happens. And, yes sometimes
Has this happened to you too?"miracles" happen too.
Now, reflexology can't put something into a bodyFor colds, I work the reflexes to; the immune
that isn't already there. But, does it sometimessystem (thymus, spleen, upper and lower lymph
seem like reflexology works so powerfully thatreflexes), the respiratory system (lungs, chest,
we might actually make someone feel worse withbronchial, and sinus reflexes), the respiratory
its sheer balancing force?It doesn't happen often,diaphragm, the endocrine system, and yes, the
but it can.large intestine and the ileocecal valve reflexes
When to Work and When to Wait(almost always indicated with respiratory issues).
My mother, Irene, always said: if you treat a coldIn addition, there may be other reflexes that
it's gone in 7 days, and if you don't - it'll last arefer to symptoms like headache.
week.And, remember to check with a medical doctor
I believe that reflexology can reduce either thewhen in doubt or before embarking on any
symptoms or the length of a cold. Reflexologytechnique when a serious, acute or advanced
can help the body detoxify, which is powerful helppathology is involved.
when the timing is right. So why aren't we all©Wendy I.