People experience different sensations in the feet and hands, and the Therapeutic Reflexologist should be aware of a condition called neuropathy. In today’s post, we’ll consider neuropathy from the perspective of the Therapeutic Reflexologist.
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition characterised by dysfunction or damage to the peripheral nerves, which are nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system consists of three main parts, namely:
- Sensory Nerves – Nerves carrying sensory messages from the sensory organs to the spinal cord and brain;
- Somatic (Motor) Nerves – Nerves carrying messages from your brain via the spinal cord to the voluntary and skeletal muscles and to the skin’s sensory receptors; and
- Autonomic Nerves – Nerves connecting the brain via the spinal cord to the body’s involuntary organs.
Signs and Symptoms of Neuropathy
Neuropathy usually affects the feet first, but sometimes the hands too, and may result in various signs and symptoms being experienced, including:
- Pins-and-Needles sensations;
- Numbness;
- Painful tingling sensation;
- Burning sensation and pain;
- It sometimes feels as if tight gloves or socks are worn;
- Loss of sense;
- Loss of a sense of position;
- Muscle weakness; and
- Paralysis.
It may further result in conditions like constipation, diarrhea, digestive problems, extreme sweating, and even sexual dysfunction in men.
Causes of Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy may have various causes ranging from physical trauma or injury to bacterial infection to autoimmune disease, from excessive substances like carbon monoxide, lead, and mercury in the body to certain drugs. Conditions like cancer, diabetes, vascular problems, blood problems, kidney problems, liver problems or infections may cause it, or even hormonal imbalances and poisons. Chemotherapy may cause peripheral neuropathy as well as vitamin imbalances.
Sometimes neuropathy is hereditary and sometimes it is merely idiopathic, or from an unknown origin.
Dealing with Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be devastating, and it is often traumatic for people to experience such signs and symptoms. It is always a good idea to consult with a Medical Practitioner whenever signs and symptoms of neuropathy are present in order to have a thorough check-up and a proper diagnosis as to the cause of the signs and symptoms.
Once a cause for the neuropathy is determined, it is possible to determine the most effective treatment plan to address the signs and symptoms.
Do not be afraid; people sometimes do not want to consult with a Medical Practitioner when signs and symptoms of neuropathy are present due to the fear of what the cause may be. It is better to know what you are dealing with and to commence treatment as soon as possible instead of postponing the consultation that may result in a delayed commencement of treatment.
The use of Therapeutic Reflexology in the treatment of Neuropathy
Therapeutic Reflexology is a very effective complementary therapy to use as part of the treatment regime and it may provide well-deserved relief from signs and symptoms.
Therapeutic Reflexology is a healthcare modality formally regulated by a statutory council in South Africa, but it is not a therapy that treats specific diseases, instead, Therapeutic Reflexology assists the body to heal itself or at least attempt to balance itself by making use of the body’s innate healing ability. As such, Therapeutic Reflexology is effective as a complementary therapy in the neuropathy treatment regime.
Personal dealings with Neuropathy at the Private Practice of Christo Scheepers – Therapeutic Reflexologist
Over the years, Christo Scheepers has worked with numerous patients experiencing neuropathy, especially neuropathy in the feet, and sometimes in the hands. The patients had various reasons for having signs and symptoms of neuropathy, ranging from diabetes to cancer to multiple sclerosis, to patients on chemotherapy, to motor vehicle accident trauma resulting in specific nerve damage or even amputations, to traumatic events like assault causing nerve damage, and there were even patients that experienced neuropathy signs and symptoms due to unknown causes as Medical Doctors were unable to find a cause, yet they experienced it.
Christo Scheepers used Therapeutic Reflexology on the patients and all of them experienced improved quality of life in the midst of the signs and symptoms. Some patients experienced improvements in the signs and symptoms, while other patients experienced a total disappearance of the signs and symptoms.
Every patient reacts differently to Therapeutic Reflexology treatment so it is impossible to predict the outcome, and no competent healthcare provider will make claims as to the results of healthcare treatments.
Therapeutic Reflexology is a complementary healthcare therapy that does no harm and can only benefit a person’s overall wellbeing, but if you feel hesitant, feel free to discuss it with your Medical Practitioner before commencing Therapeutic Reflexology treatment. Christo Scheepers is a registered Therapeutic Reflexologist with a valid practice number that does not only make medical aid reimbursements possible but makes him part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, making referrals between him and other healthcare providers possible. He has worked successfully as part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams because Therapeutic Reflexology does not negatively interfere with any other healthcare treatment, but instead has the potential to enhance other treatments due to the fact that Therapeutic Reflexology assists the body in stimulating its own innate healing ability.
Therapeutic Reflexology for Neuropathy Conclusion
If you are experiencing neuropathy, even if there is no medical reason as to the cause of the signs and symptoms, feel free to consider Therapeutic Reflexology as a healthcare modality for treatment. Therapeutic Reflexology is a therapy that reduces stress while stimulating the body’s innate healing ability and often, patients may experience wonderful results, even when they are under treatment with another healthcare provider. Therapeutic Reflexology is a complementary therapy and not a replacement for medical care. As such, it is not strange to receive referrals or recommendations from Medical Practitioners like Oncologists; Therapeutic Reflexology may be beneficial to patients on ongoing medical treatment like chemotherapy.
You have nothing to lose, except maybe the signs and symptoms of neuropathy! Consider making a Therapeutic Reflexology appointment and see if it may assist in the signs and symptoms of neuropathy you may be experiencing. Give Therapeutic Reflexology a chance, so do not expect a miracle within one session; give Therapeutic Reflexology at least a few sessions before making a conclusion. As each person reacts differently, you may be very fortunate and experience results within the first session, but others may require two, three, five, or even ten sessions. To not give up; Therapeutic Reflexology is a non-invasive therapy that is cost-effective and has the potential to benefit you.
If you are experiencing peripheral neuropathy, consider a Therapeutic Reflexology appointment to personally experience the therapy and see if it may be ideal for you.
Reference List
Beers, M.H., Fletcher, A.J., Jones, T.V., Porter, R., Berkwits, M. and Kaplan, J.L. (Eds.) (2003) The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 2nd Edition. New York, NY: Pocket Books.
Carey, E. (2019) Peripheral Neuropathy. [Online] Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy#_noHeaderPrefixedContent [Accessed 16 February 2021].
Cleveland Clinic. (2021) Neuropathy (Peripheral Neuropathy). [Online] Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-neuropathy [Accessed 16 February 2021].
Mayo Clinic. (2019) Peripheral Neuropathy. [Online] Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061 [Accessed 16 February 2021].
Pietrangelo, A. (2017) Idiopathic Neuropathy. [Online] Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/idiopathic-neuropathy [Accessed 16 February 2021].
Sharma, R. (2002) The Family Encyclopedia of Health. London: Thorsons.
—
Christo A. Scheepers: Therapeutic Reflexologist
Dip.T.R.(Cum Laude) [IARAMT]
AHPCSA: A11945
Pr. No.: 1080000737453
Tel. 072-800 7243