Saturday, November 29, 2008

What Is Reflexology Psoriasis?

By Andy Austim

An alternative therapy to consider for treatment of psoriasis is reflexology. Psoriasis has no cure and can be a painful condition with lesions that are red, scaly, and inflamed. Although you should work with your doctor and take the prescribed medications, you might want to add reflexology as a complementary therapy to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.

Reflexology is meant to ease psoriasis symptoms and is not a cure on its own. Even though studies are lacking, anecdotal evidence shows that reflexology can benefit people with psoriasis. Perhaps the greatest benefit is its stress reduction. Many people feel that a reflexology session brings about a relaxing effect, the same way a massage does. Although this may not sound important, reducing stress can help lessen your psoriasis symptoms as your immunity is boosted.

Reflexology, based on ancient principals, was developed by a surgeon named Dr William Fitzgerald in the early 1900s and was refined in the 1930s by Eunice Ingham. With reflexology, pressure is applied to points on the feet and hands to alleviate pain and strengthen the body's natural healing abilities.

Reflexology is safe to use regardless of the prescribed treatment. When you are searching for a reflexoligist, it is important to find someone you feel comfortable with. Reflexology should be a relaxing, not stressful, experience. During your first session, your reflexologist will discuss your health with you and examine your skin before starting a treatment.

Not all psoriasis cases are a good fit with reflexology. If the hands or feet are inflamed and tender, as is often the case in psoriatic arthritis, no session will be held. Open wounds on the hands and feet will also prevent a session.

If you have patches of psoriasis on your hands and feet, reflexology may work for your psoriasis. Either the feet or hands can be worked on if one area is too severe. After your session with the reflexologist, you may learn some techniques that you can do on your hands at home.

For many people who use reflexology, psoriasis symptoms are reduced. Since there is no cure for psoriasis, the relief found with a holistic treatment such as reflexology makes them wish they had discovered it sooner. - 14915

About the Author:

No comments: