Many doctors encourage MS sufferers to try safe, alternative treatments to help alleviate the pain as medications are not always the cure-all. If you have MS, you might benefit from reflexology. It's a massage type of therapy which uses specific pressure to the hands and feet and is part of the tradition of Chinese medicine. There are no massaging of lotions or oils involved. Reflexology is perfectly safe and offers up a relaxing time where hopefully you have a chance to unwind.

Reflexology is grounded in the Chinese hypothesis that your glands, organs and body systems have analogous points on your hands and feet. Through the stimulation of these points, the circulation of blood can increase as well as energy levels. In turn, these reflexology techniques could boost your health and improve overall function of your body.

The Basics of a Reflexology Session

For your first session, you will want to get to your appointment early so that you have time to fill out a variety of health forms such as those that describe the reason why you are there. Your MS should be communicated on these forms as well as your basic symptoms that you have been experiencing.

While you wait, the reflexologist will provide you a bowl of warm water to soak your feet in for several minutes. Sometimes, this bowl has marbles in it and perhaps some essential oils. From there, the reflexologist will dry your feet and then get you situated either on a table or reclined in a comfortable chair.

One foot at a time will be manipulated, using different pressures and stroking on the different parts of your foot that correspond with your particular health problems. Once the reflexologist is done with one foot, they will cover it up and repeat the manipulating process on the other foot. In some instances, they will manipulate the hands too, again, depending on your particular symptoms.

Unless the reflexology appointment is incorporated into a spa package, you will be fully clothed. The sessions typically take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Many people liken the reflexology to a massage. Keep in mind that this alternative treatment should not present any pain although you may feel some discomfort in certain pressure points. Overall, many MS patients have tried reflexology and say that it is a relaxing experience.

Effectiveness of Reflexology

There have been various small blind studies regarding reflexology and the consensus is that it does help alleviate some of the pain symptoms that MS causes. Improvements were shown for various issues like urinary incontinence and sensory symptoms. Reflexology can be counted on as a true MS alternative treatment that complements any current medical approach. For sure, stress is reduced and the sessions promote a deep relaxing calm which is so beneficial to MS sufferers. While times differ, the effects of the sessions linger on for a while.

Reflexology sessions may vary and there are some MS sufferers who should not attempt them. For instance, pregnant women might experience contractions when certain pressure points are hit in the feet and hands. Arthritis, vascular problems and foot problems are all conditions that should preclude you from attempting reflexology. Otherwise, go ahead and give it a try. You have nothing to lose except a hour of time and a few dollars and everything to gain if it works for you.