Susan Mix, Certified Ingham Method Reflexologist

100 N. Winchester Blvd. Suite 102 Santa Clara, CA 95050 phone: (408) 248-8700
Sunday, November 01, 2009

In the past several years, 13 studies in 7 different countries (US, UK, Italy, Japan, Switzerland,China, and Korea) have documented the benefits of reflexology for cancer patients. Some of these studies were conducted while the patients were receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In general findings reported from these studies showed that reflexology helped:

  • Provide relief from feelings of anxiety and tension, 
  • Instill feelings of comfort and improved well-being, 
  • Provide positive and immediate effect in pain reduction, 
  • Significantly reduce nausea, 
  • Reduce fatigue. 
  • In a pilot study published in 2005 conducted by the Michigan State University College of Nursing three different complementary therapies (reminiscence therapy, guided imagery and foot reflexology) were given to women in late stages of breast cancer who were receiving chemotherapy.  Foot reflexology proved to be the most effective of the three therapies studied, with reported decreases in depression and anxiety and improvements in spirituality and emotional quality of life. Based on this pilot study a further study is now in progress, funded by the National Institutes of Health, on the benefits of reflexology in breast cancer patients. 

    In addition, studies conducted at several other nursing schools in the eastern US also confirmed reflexology resulted in an immediate decrease in pain intensity and anxiety. It has proven so effective that MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas acknowledges reflexology may help relieve symptoms of nausea, insomnia and stress related to cancer treatment and offers reflexology courses to its patients and caregivers.

    If someone you know is dealing with the effects of cancer therapy or is in palliative care, consider telling them about reflexology to help manage their symptoms. We offer reflexology outcall visits to hospitals, care centers and homes for those unable to come into the office. Susan is always willing to instruct clients in self-help techniques to use interim to sessions with her.

    ©2009 Restoring Health and Wellness Center

    Sunday, September 27, 2009

    Comparing Reflexology Methods - The Ingham Method® Difference

    Many folks have asked about reflexology offered at spas and storefront mall reflexology locations compared with Ingham Method® which we practice. Having experienced all types, here are the differences as we see them:

     Certified Ingham Method
    Reflexology

    Spa
    Reflexology

     Mall
    Reflexology

    Require an intake questionnaire. This helps us understand your health conditions, medications and concerns before treatment and enables us to determine particular reflexology protocols to address your issues.

    May ask what you'd like to focus on but typically will not ask for information regarding medical conditions or medications.

    Typically do not ask anything.

    Keep session records, known as SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan) to document treatment findings, what you tell us about your reactions, as well as to record progress and areas for future focus.  

    Typically do not keep session records.

    Typically do not keep session records.

    Work reflexes in multiple directions to detect stress cues and optimally clear congestion and restore circulation to the glands and organs. Will work entire foot including shafts of toes, top and bottom of foot and all critical pinpoint reflexes.

    Typically only work some areas in a single direction. May work great toe and nominally address lesser toes. Typically does not fully address all pinpoint reflexes.  

    Typically only work some areas of the foot in a single direction. Typically does not fully work shafts of toes, except great toe. Typically does not fully address all pinpoint reflexes.

    Use relaxation, pressure, stretching, joint movement, thumb- and finger-walking techniques. Discomfort, which fades as congested area is worked, may occur depending on your condition, but pressure is adjusted to your level of tolerance. You are relaxed during and at end of session. Technique clears congestion in nerve endings and improves circulation. Use defined protocols on certain reflexes to address specific conditions.

    Typically use techniques similar to massage rubbing, kneading or probing motions, sometimes may use stretching and joint movement. Generally do not use thumb- or finger-walking technique. Generally adjust pressure so it isn't painful. Relaxation typically during and at end of session. Technique generally will improve circulation but may not address congestion in nerve endings.  Typically no use of protocols.

    Typically use extremely heavy pressure, often digging in with knuckles or hitting reflexes with a fisted hand. May be uncomfortable and even painful. Generally do not use thumb- or finger-walking technique. Technique may clear congestion in some reflexes, however, too much pressure can also create severe soreness or lead to injury. Discomfort from heavy pressure throughout session may prevent relaxation and its healing effects.

    Use no tools, oils or lotions. May assist you to clean your feet if necessary. 

    Typically uses massage oil or lotion. May provide footbath or paraffin dip prior to session.

    Typically uses strong disinfectant or herbal footbath prior to session.

    Only fingers and thumbs are used to provide appropriate pressure and addressing of the reflexes.

    Generally uses fingers and hands, but may also use elbows.

    Generally uses fingers, knuckles, fists, and may use elbows or tools. May use karate-chop motion with edge of hand.

    May instruct you in self-help homework between sessions to help continue clearing nerve congestion and maintain increased circulation. This decreases time to achieve your improvement goals.

    May suggest stretches or other movements to assist you in working on problem areas.

    Usually don't provide self-help suggestions.

    Trained and certified by the International Institute of Reflexology, the world's leading authority, and also an American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) accredited school.

    Typically trained in reflexology as a sub-specialty at a massage school that is not ARCB accredited.

    Typically trained in reflexology at a massage or a reflexology school in another country that is not ARCB accredited.


    As you can see, there really is a difference between the methods. Selecting an Ingham Method® practitioner insures you are receiving Reflexology from someone truly trained in the modality who takes a clinical approach to helping you. 

    © 2009, Susan Mix, Restoring Health & Wellness Center

    Sunday, August 16, 2009
    In a study conducted by several Australian hospitals reflexology was found to be effective for helping pregnant women to reduce foot edema, as well as to help cope with levels of stress, tension, anxiety, pain, tiredness, irritability and discomfort associated with pregnancy. 


    Several studies conducted in Denmark have shown reflexology can play a beneficial role in the relief of primary inertia during labor.  The Danish studies have found it is useful in assisting deliveries, reducing the use of drugs to stimulate uterine contractions, and reducing the frequency of analgesics.

    Yes, reflexology is safe for pregnant women throughout the entire term! 

    Reflexology may help with sleeplessness, mood swings, bloating and cravings that come with PMS. PMS affects approximately 85% of women and 5-10% suffer severe PMS. In a 1993 study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, participants that received reflexology reported a 46% decrease in symptoms.  (Ask us about the US Dept of Health and Human Services pdf form to help you track PMS symptoms.)

     

    A study in China on women with frequent urination problems showed Reflexology was effective in reducing frequency.  (Many men with prostate problems also report Reflexology provides relief from frequent urination issues. 

    Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects one in ten American women of childbearing age. PCOS can cause infertility, weight gain and acne.  Women who have it may be higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. In a study completed by the Danish Association of Reflexologists and an ongoing study at Derriford Hospital in the UK, reflexology has been showing promise in alleviating the problem.  

    If you or someone you know has any of these conditions, we’d recommend trying reflexology!   

    This blog article reprinted from Restoring Health and Wellness Center News.  To view our entire newsletter or for permission to reprint, visit www.susanmix.com. 

    ©2009 Susan Mix, Restoring Health and Wellness Center  

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