| REFLEXOLOGY And so much more… |
Oran Aviv
The First International Symposium on Reflexology and Cancer was held between
Oct. 29th – 31st, 2008 at Kibbutz Shefyim in Israel. Details of the Symposium
Without going into full details about the speakers and all the topics, I would like to
summarize what I learned from this important conference:
I found the conference absolutely awe inspiring. This was the first time I had the
privilege of attending an International Reflexology Conference (as was true for most of the
Israeli participants.) Meeting participants from as far away as Australia and North
America as well as from all over Europe was exciting as well as educational. We
compared the different ways we all practice Reflexology.
A little over a year ago, I still believed, as taught by my Reflexology teachers, that treating
someone with Cancer was a contraindication. Well, if there was even a sliver of doubt
left in me or any other Reflexologist, it was gone after this conference.
Reflexology can only help patients undergoing medical treatments for cancer.
Speaker after speaker, told of their years of research and experience working with cancer
patients. It was amazing to see research from all over the world consistently showing the
same results:
- Reflexology helps Cancer Patients reduce symptoms from medical treatments
such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery by reducing pain, nausea, fatigue
and constipation - Reflexology reduces anxiety and depression
- Reflexology promotes relaxation and induces good sleep.
- And finally, in Palliative Care, when the medical community has nothing more to
offer, Reflexologists do.
common sense:
- Light pressure so as to not cause additional pain
- Not work when a patient who has a low platelet count so as to not cause
bruising. This condition is seen as small brown spots on the body. - Not work on open wounds, areas of severe edema or weeping tissue (but you
can always work hands and/or ears instead) - Susan Berenson also recommended not working on someone with psychosis.
In addition, several of the speakers told about the importance of adapting their treatments
which included working on a patient in whatever position was comfortable (i.e. lying on
side supported by pillows) and through the elastic stockings he/she was wearing.
Also - treatments were given before, immediately before, during and after chemotherapy.
None of the speakers felt that a certain time was more effective. It seemed that most
important was to give a treatment when it was comfortable for the patient.
Everyone should be extremely proud to be a Reflexologist. There are so many people we
can help.
Special thanks Moshe Kruchik, President of the Israeli Forum of Reflexology, for
organizing this truly historic conference.
Oran Aviv
http://www.reflexandmore.com/index.html
Oran@reflexandmore.com
Oran Aviv, a senior Reflexologist since 1995, has been helping adults and children stay
healthy for over 15 years. Oran teaches basic Hand Reflexology workshops all across
the country, showing people how to literally, put their health in their own hands. To
have Oran teach your group or to arrange a Reflexology and consultation session
email her at Oran@reflexandmore.com
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