Case Studies and Resources
Case Study 1: Migraines
Female patient presented experiencing severe migraines lasting several days each month and requiring strong pain medication. Migraines came leading up to menstruation. Patient also experienced constipation.
Treatment
Treatment consisted of a full reflexology treatment once a week, focusing on the head, neck and cervical spine reflexes. The digestive tract and lumbar spine were given extra attention and the treatment combined calm, relaxing techniques to help rebalance the endocrine system.
Results
After several treatments, results showed that the migraines were less intense and lasted fewer days each month. Medication was not always needed and the patient had more frequent bowel movements.
Case Study 2: Insomnia and anxiety
Female Patient was experiencing intense bouts of anxiety and insomnia. The episodes were worse during times of stress. The patient had not slept through the night in several years and was suffering signs of exhaustion.
Treatment
Treatment consisted of several weekly sessions where a full reflexology treatment was given. The head, including glands in the head, the solar plexus and adrenal gland were all stimulated using various techniques to bring a sense of calm and relaxation to the patient. We also discussed incorporating a calming bedtime routine and using meditation apps before bed.
Results
After the first treatment the patient slept through the night and after several more the patient was sleeping through the night consistently. The patient observed less intense bouts of anxiety and through adopting some lifestyle changes found beneficial ways of coping with the anxiety.
Case Study 3: Hot flushes and sleep disturbance
Patient experiencing menopausal symptoms of hot flushes and sleepless nights, low mood and energy levels.
Treatment
Treatment consisted of fortnightly sessions where treatment focused on rebalancing the endocrine system by stimulating the gland reflexes throughout the body using various relaxation techniques throughout the treatment.
Results
Results after three sessions found that the patient was experiencing less hot flushes and was able to sleep for longer stretches of time throughout the night.
Case Study 4: Back and knee pain
Young male presented with lower back pain and bursitis in his knee. The former was affecting his sleep and he was unable to do any dynamic exercise due to the pain in his knee.
Treatment
Treatment focused on the spinal reflexes, predominantly the lumbar spine and hip reflexes, the adrenal glands to reduce inflammation levels and the knee reflex.
Results
After four weekly treatments he found the pain in his knee and the inflammation surrounding the area had decreased somewhat and he was not waking as regularly with back pain at night. Lifestyle changes were discussed and alongside the physiotherapy he was already receiving, the patient started doing castor oil wraps on his knee and taking epsom salt baths twice weekly.
Resources
Take a look through further resources on the topics of reflexology and maternity reflexology.
Studies on the effects of reflexology:
Further reading on the benefits of reflexology:
Debunking myths about reflexology
Benefits of Reflexology during pregnancy
AoR videos on the use of reflexology during your maternity journey:
