Research has shown that the human body heals faster when circulation to tissues and organs and improved. The improved circulation helps to remove toxins that may be trapped in the tissues, reducing stress and helping in balancing the hormone production levels. Regular massages can speed up healing and recovery from trauma and help bring the body back to homoeostasis.
Reflexology is a complementary massage therapy offered by LANA that applies gentle pressure to the feet or hands in order to stimulate energy pathways present within the body. It also helps bring about a state of relaxation, which has a positive effect on the body’s healing process.
- Reflexology works on energy pathways in a manner similar to acupuncture
- Pressing certain points on the feet is thought to help release energy blockages and restore balance within the body
- Reflexologists believe that certain points on the feet correspond to organs in the body
Reflexology works in a similar way to acupressure and acupuncture. It is believed that there are certain points on the hands and feet that correspond to various organs and glands across the body. Therefore, by pressing and massaging these points on the hands and feet, it can stimulate energy pathways within the body. If any energy pathways are blocked, reflexology aims to unblock them, allowing the energy to flow freely again which helps restore balance to the body.
If your reflexologist feels tender or painful sensations on certain parts of the feet or hands, they say it can indicate that an area of your body is out of balance. By pressing the points and working them gently, reflexologists believe that it helps kick-start your body’s natural healing powers.
How Reflexology can help survivors
Reflexology is one of the most popular types of complementary therapy among people with cancer.
There is some evidence that reflexology can help cancer survivors with the following:
- relax and cope with stress and anxiety
- relieve pain
- lift your mood and give a feeling of well being
What to Expect
On your first visit, our Oncology-certified massage therapists will ask you some general questions about your health, lifestyle and medical history. They might ask to speak to your GP if they are concerned that reflexology could interfere with any other treatment or drugs that you are receiving.
A reflexology session usually lasts between 45 to 60 minutes.
Most people say having reflexology feels relaxing and soothing. However, pressure on some areas may be uncomfortable or slightly painful. Our therapists might tell you that this discomfort relates to blockages in energy flow in a particular part of your body.
Our therapists may suggest a course of treatments instead of just one session in case they feel that several sessions are required to clear the energy pathways across your body.
LANA guarantees the most luxurious and comfortable atmosphere possible in its spa. The air In our spa is always fume-free because of our advanced air circulatory system. Our specially designed operating system and spa rooms reduce waiting time and enhances comfort during the treatments. Our massage therapists are extremely compassionate, taking as much care of clients as possible, especially during active cancer treatments. LANA uses Customized Spa equipment by LEMI Italy, that is specially designed for oncology clients. If you are a breast cancer patient, we even provide specially designed breast pillows for the ultimate comfort.
Research into reflexology for people with cancer
There is no scientific evidence to prove that reflexology can cure or prevent any type of disease, including cancer.
Reflexology is an extremely popular form of complementary therapy for people with cancer. Some studies have suggested that it can be used to help with symptoms such as pain, sickness and anxiety.
It is difficult to see if reflexology has any definitive effect, because:
- there are mixed results
- most studies have been small
- some trials have not been well designed
- it could be the attention of the therapist that helps people to feel relaxed, not the therapy itself
We ensure that our therapists take a compassionate approach towards a survivor and try their utmost to understand them and empathize with their pain. We believe that only if we are truly compassionate, will be able to guide them through the pain. At LANA, our philosophy is to provide the best possible treat, showering our clients with love and happiness. That happiness is what makes our guests feel that any time spent getting a massage is never wasted.