Reflexology and Cancer: How Reflexology can help

Reflexology and Cancer: How Reflexology can help during cancer treatment

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is an ancient technique in which different amounts of pressure are applied to specific points on your feet or hands. Experts explained that these points are linked to other parts/glands/organs of your body. Its main purpose is to lead you to a relaxation state while helping your body heal.

How long has reflexology been used in cancer treatment?

Reflexology has been used as a complementary therapy in cancer patients for several decades. It started in the late 1970s, when holistic and integrative approaches started gaining traction in Western healthcare systems.

How can Reflexology help in cancer treatment?

Reflexology is not a treatment for cancer, but a complementary therapy to reduce symptoms of traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This technique has been proved to help with:

Pain relief
Stress and anxiety reduction
Depression
Insomnia
Emotional distress
Digestive issues
Peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in hands/feet)
Reduce inflammation (due to cortisol reduction)
Nausea and fatigue management
Enhancing quality of life

Is Reflexology only used during cancer treatment?

No, reflexology is not only used during cancer treatment. While it can be beneficial for people undergoing cancer therapy, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and some treatment-related side effects, reflexology is also widely used for general wellness, stress relief, pain management, hormonal balance, and support during pregnancy and labor.

Many people seek reflexology to:

Improve sleep
Reduce tension and fatigue
Support digestion
Aid relaxation and emotional well-being

In fact, reflexology has gained more attention in oncology research and use, with clinical studies examining its effects on symptoms like pain, anxiety, fatigue and nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy; for relaxation and stress management after cancer treatment and in palliative care, too.

Can reflexology be a cure for cancer symptoms?

No, reflexology is not a cure for cancer or its symptoms. However, it can be a complementary therapy used alongside medical treatment to help alleviate some symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment, such as:

Stress and anxiety
Fatigue
Pain
Nausea
Sleep disturbances
Others

Important to clarify:

Reflexology does not treat or cure the disease itself, and it should never be used as a replacement for conventional medical care. Instead, it’s used to support comfort, relaxation, and overall well-being during or after cancer treatment.

Can all types of cancers be treated with reflexology?

No, reflexology cannot treat any type of cancer, and it is not a treatment or cure for cancer itself. However, reflexology can be used as a supportive therapy for people with any type of cancer, to help manage certain symptoms and improve quality of life. It is generally considered safe and beneficial when used alongside conventional medical treatments, regardless of the cancer type.

Oncologist and patients have reported the use of reflexology in the types of cancers listed below, here also appears what symptoms it helps with:

Breast Cancer: Reduce stress/anxiety, improve sleep, reduce pain/fatigue and relieve nausea during chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.
Lung Cancer: Stress management, and support relaxation in advanced stages or during chemotherapy.
Colorectal Cancer: Pain reduction, constipation, and nausea from treatment.
Prostate Cancer: Reduce urinary discomfort, pain, and emotional distress, especially in older men undergoing hormone therapy or surgery.
Ovarian and Cervical Cancer: Relieve pelvic discomfort, reduce swelling, and manage side effects from chemotherapy or radiation.
Liver, Pancreatic, and Stomach Cancers: Help digestion and manage fatigue.
Head and Neck Cancers: Reduce dry mouth sensation, reduce pain and discomfort, and stress and anxiety relief.
Leukemia and Lymphoma: Anxiety management, nausea, and overall well-being during aggressive treatments like bone marrow transplants or chemotherapy.

Contraindications/Considerations: when Reflexology cannot be applied

Reflexology is safe for most cancer patients, but there are specific situations where it should not be applied or must be used with caution or medical permission.

When Reflexology should NOT be applied

Fever
Severely Reduced Platelet Count (<50,000/uL). It increases the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Infections
Acute nausea or vomiting
Recent Surgery or Major Injury in foot or hand (within 3-6 months)

Use reflexology, but Avoid the area if:

Recent Radiated Tissue
Gout
Leg Ulcers
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT
Wounds
Bruises
Infections
Lymphedema
Varicose Veins

Cases that require medical permission or tailored treatment

Heart Conditions (e.g., angina, arrhythmia, hypertension)
Blood Disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
First Trimester of Pregnancy. Cancer survivors who are pregnant, should continue with reflexology after three months and with their obstetrician permission.

To keep in mind

Your comfort and preference are pivotal for treatment success; tell your therapist what pressure is best for you.

A final word

In short, all types of cancers and at any stage of the treatment can incorporate reflexology as a complementary therapy to reduce symptoms. It can also be used after treatment or during palliative care to improve the general wellbeing of patients. It is safe when performed by a professional therapist, a non-invasive and accessible treatment option. However, you should ask your oncologist or GP before booking your appointment, and always seek for the therapist who treats you better.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!