“My feet felt far less cramped, I felt more relaxed…so slept well that night. The following day I had more energy than I have had since having aggressive chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.”
- Reflexology client feedback
What is Reflexology for Cancer?
I offer a specialised form of reflexology to support people with cancer whatever stage of the journey they are on. It is not intended to be any kind of treatment for the cancer itself but to help improve the issues that come with cancer diagnosis and treatment. These can be the physical side effects of medical treatments and the mental and emotional impact that cancer can have on an individual.
Having cancer can be an all encompassing experience for many people. I understand that the effects are not only on physical, mental and emotional aspects of a person, but can ripple out to affect families and relationships, career and workplace, sense of identity and future planning.
In my 20+ years of supporting people with cancer I have seen how helpful reflexology sessions are for people. Clients have valued having a sensitive caring touch and a private space to talk about their experience, feelings, thoughts and concerns. Or it can be a space of peaceful silence, drifting into blissful relaxation.
How can it help me?
There are many ways that reflexology can help you along your journey with and beyond cancer. In my experience I have seen benefits on physical, mental and emotional levels. Below are common examples but each person has their own unique response:
Improved energy levels - fatigue seems to be the number one issue that most people experience and is a side-effect of most cancer treatments
Better sleep - many people struggle to sleep well, sometimes from medication they are taking and sometimes due to racing thoughts or being unable to switch off
Improved digestion - issues such as appetite, acid reflux, indigestion and constipation can improve with treatment
Reduce experience of pain - pain is a function of our nervous system which if soothed and calmed into a parasympathetic state can reduce the level of pain felt.
Peripheral neuropathy and foot discomfort - many people can experience this as a side effect of chemotherapy. Although it can take time to heal, reflexology can help the feet feel more comfortable, stay mobile and speed up the recovery process
Help lymph function - this is important if any lymph node have been removed or affected. Reflexology may help reduce water retention and maintain lymph flow in the body.
Recovery from surgery - proming deep relaxtion helps the body to heal from surgery. Reflexology can also help reduce excess swelling, manage pain and improve sleep.
Deep relaxation - this is important for all levels of physical, mental and emotional healing. Most clients drop into a deeper level of relaxation than they normally experience, even when asleep.
Reduced stress and tension - we work to calm the adrenal response and release tension on all levels
Help with fear and anxiety - these feelings are almost universal for people with cancer at some point in the process and may come and go at different times. Reflexology can reduce the intensity,
Feel more able to cope - this is something people have reported back to me many times, that although it’s hard to pin down, since having regular sessions they just feel more able to cope with everything.
Reconnect with your body - many people can go through a period of feeling alienated from their body and having reflexology can be a way of reconnecting and experiencing self-compassion
Improved confidence - being able to relax and re-centre can help you let go of fear, find perspective and make decisions from a place of calm.
Is it safe?
Reflexology is one of the safest complementary therapies to receive as it only involves touch on the feet and ankles. It is often used in cancer settings and is listed as a safe treatment by Cancer Research UK. Personally I have had over 20 years experience working with people who have cancer and have additional training in this field.
Generally people find reflexology deeply relaxing and pleasant to receive with no adverse reactions. It does not affect or change how your medications work.
As a precaution, I always recommend checking with your oncology team if there is any reason they would advise against you having reflexology.
Where and when should I have treatment?
Reflexology can be helpful at any point in cancer treatment and beyond. As each person is individual in their needs I do not have a standard treatment programme. Instead I usually have a conversation before the first appointment to get a fuller picture and make personalised recommendations.
I can offer appointments in either of the two clinic spaces I work from and I also offer home visits within much of the north London area. I am also able to offer appointments within medical settings if needed, with the agreement of the medical team.
If you would like to book your first session in one of my clinic rooms you can use my online booking service or contact me direct. For home or hospital visits, please contact me for availability.
Useful Resources:
Maggie’s Royal Free - 0203 981 4840, a beautiful drop-in centre offering emotional and practical support for anyone with cancer and their loved ones. They run a full schedule of free classes and support sessions including the yoga classes I teach on Thursdays. If you are not in north London, there are centres nationally.
Macmillan - A great online resource for information and advice. They also offer a free telephone support line on 0808 239 1557
Cancer Active - A website with information about diet and lifestyle factors to support recovery from cancer.
Shine Cancer Support - A charity to support younger people with cancer in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s to help with specific issues that affect that age group.