Reflexology: Practicing Three Reflexology Techniques
For the past week I tried to perform three of the nine techniques and these are the following: first is the technique used on the respiratory system; second is the technique used on the urinary system; third and final is the technique used for psychosomatic ailments.
For the respiratory system, my subject was my cousin who has experienced asthma attacks since childhood. For me, the experience did a lot in my understanding about the application of reflexology on ailments, although I cannot say that the ailment totally diminished, especially since we did the technique only thrice for three days. However, the subject has expressed his perception that the technique has partially relieved him, causing relief in his breathing, allowing his lungs to draw more oxygen after the second performance.
For the urinary system, my subject was my grandmother, who has had difficulty in extracting waste products for about a decade or so. The experience was quite painful for the subject, and I had a hard time trying to perform the technique in a quick and painless manner. However, the second time we did was less painful, and it helped her in extracting the wastes more painlessly and successfully. The experience helped me a lot in becoming more precise while performing the technique. There were some sections in the feet that became painful during the performance. It was a bit distressing to see the subject in pain.
For the psychosomatic ailments, my subject was my friend, who has experienced being depressed for many months. We did the technique thrice for three days, and every time we completed the performance, my friend says that she can breathe more effectively and that she was more relaxed, especially after the third performance. However, the first time we did it was not really that successful, since my friend told me that she discovered no effect and no difference before and after the performance, and that how she felt after the performance was the same as how she felt before it—there was still the presence of stress and depression. The relief came after the third performance though, and I was happy to give her some help.
Reference
Gillanders, A. (1995). Chapter 7: Treating specific ailments. The joy of reflexology: healing techniques for the hands and feet to reduce stress and reclaim life. London: Gaia Books Ltd.