Where What When

Shoeless But Not Clueless

The sky was a magnificent blue, with a perfect temperature and a pleasant breeze. I had a million things to do, but my friend insisted that we go to the beach. I agreed on the condition that it be close by, so we wouldn't have to spend a long time traveling. Sandy Point State Park is just outside of Annapolis, less than an hour away. We packed a lunch and began our last outing of the summer.

There were a few people fishing along the shore. We took off our shoes and started walking along the beach. It wasn't exactly a pristine sandy area. There were many small pebbles that became a little uncomfortable to walk on after a while. It got me thinking about the therapeutic effects of stimulating the the soles of the feet, otherwise known as reflexology.

Reflexology is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet but can also be used on the hands and ears. According to reflexology, the feet contain reflex areas that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. When pressure is applied to these reflex zones, a response is set in motion that relieves stress and tension and improves circulation to the corresponding parts of the body. This in turn helps the body heal. In my practice, I stimulate reflex points on patients' feet, hands, and ears as part of my therapeutic routine to help balance the body and release tension emotionally and physically.

The concept of reflexes, or zone therapy, was first introduced by Dr. William Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, in 1915. Some 20 years later, the zone theory was further developed by Eunice Ingram, a physiotherapist. One scientific explanation on how reflexology works is that the pressure on the reflexes sends signals through the nervous system and chemicals such as endorphins are released, reducing pain and stress. A reflexology treatment typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes and begins with a consultation and health assessment. This therapy can be used for post-operative care. A study in the American Cancer Society Journal found that a third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.

I talked to several reflexologists who live in our community, to find out more about their field.

Tova Spiro first heard about reflexology when her daughter-in-law became one. Mrs. Spiro also was impressed by her sister's story of how she had recovered from hepatitis quickly when she received reflexology treatments. After that, Mrs. Spiro decided to take the training so she could help people feel better. She told me that she has done the therapy on people from two to 89 years old. Some of her clients have had health complaints like asthma, insomnia, neuropathy of the feet (problems with the nerves), recovery from surgery, excruciating pain from a tumor, arthritis, and tension. She told me about a two-year-old child she treated that was having an asthma attack and none of the medical treatments were helping. She worked on the child, who turned out to be fine the next day. Another typical client for Mrs. Spiro was someone who had slept only two or three hours a night for weeks. The day after her treatment, this person slept seven hours. She also described clients who had such painful feet that they had trouble walking. After her therapy, they were able to put on shoes and walk to shul for the first time in weeks. Although she doesn't claim to treat medical conditions, she feels gratified to be able to contribute to the well-being of her clients.

Another reflexologist, who wished to remain anonymous, has been in the field for 30 years. She became interested in the therapy when she saw how it helped her diabetic husband. She uses this treatment in conjunction with other therapies, such as dietary changes, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and acupressure. She has seen how working the reflex points on the feet helps various clients with emotional issues, backaches, headaches, and insomnia, especially with children. She related a story about a chasidic man who came for treatment but was unaware that she would be using reflexology. When she began working on him, he commented to her that he learned in Kabbala that problems of the body end up on the bottom of the feet. In general, she feels that reflexology promotes good blood circulation, balances the body's systems, and relieves stress.

So, the next time you find yourself on a beach, take your shoes off and let the sand and pebbles help you unwind, relax, and feel good. It will be the best thing for your soles and your soul.

Dr. Feldman is a chiropractor in private practice in the Upper Park Heights neighborhood. She treats patients in the areas of emotional stress, clinical nutrition, and musculoskeletal disorders. She can be contacted at 410-764-1964. © 2009 Dr. Chana Feldman

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Article List - November 2009