I practice some alternative health care measures and I've been thinking about using hand reflexology for things like pain management and relaxation/stress relief. I figure a nice hand massage couldn't hurt but if anyone else has had good or bad results from this I'd like to hear about your experience.
Not hand reflexology, but our youngest daughter is a massage therapist who gave me a wonderful back and neck massage while they were visiting and I could just feel the tension that I seem to hold in my back and neck, melt away.
She also does reflexology and lymphatic (sp?) drainage.
I'm a clinical reflexologist and use it constantly. For me, because the cancer I have is primarily located in my abdomen, I have to be careful not to overestimate that area. (Learned that the hard way!). If you have a knowledgeable provider, I think reflexology is a fantastic addition to your health and well being.
I used to apply pressure to points on my hands for headaches - it helped. So did giving up my Diet Coke addiction - artificial sweeteners can cause headaches. Live and Learn.
Most pleasant things can contribute to pain mgmt/relaxation/stress relief.
When my Dad was in the hospital I used to give him hand massages with a nice smelling almond oil/lotions/potions, clip and buff his nails. Kind of bizarre - but it was pleasant for both of us - a good way to pass hospital time, smelled good (but not too girly..LOL), and it feels wonderful. Side benefit - we had some great, unexpected conversations due our mini spa time (that's what the nurses called it). You would have to have known my Dad to understand that spa anything was so not his MO - yet it worked.
Im gonna give reflexology a shot. I found a chart on eBay for less than $6. And a tool for just a little over a dollar 💰. I probably don't really need the tool but I like gadgets. 😊