Reflexology
Reflexology for Mental Health Mark Woollard
M
ental health conditions are varied, and many with a broad spectrum of disorders to consider. It’s important to remember that as Reflexologists we are not Doctors or Psychologists. Therefore, when treating a client who presents themselves with a mental health concern, I will concentrate on what I call the Spirit, Emotion, Mind and Stress reflexes. When presented with a client with mental health issues, I find this list of questions invaluable in ascertaining their wants, needs and hopes. As I’ve said previously, these questions are by no means exhaustive:
• Have you seen a doctor? • What is their diagnosis? • Have you been prescribed medication? • How are your sleep patterns? • On a scale of 1-10, what would you say are your stress levels? • Do you practice any relaxation techniques? 40
Issue 108 2020
• Are you anxious or prone to panic attacks? • Do you suffer from headaches or mood swings? • How are your bowel movements? (I often find a client with mental health concerns will have a reactive bowel, be it diarrhoea or constipation.)
As always, I will double thumb walk the specific areas I like to concentrate on. By double thumb walk, I mean six times instead of the usual three. The digestive system as a whole is my first port of call when re-working. This system of the body is sensitive to emotion, including anger, anxiety and sadness. Stress, depression and other psychological factors can put the brain-gut connection out of sync. Re-working the head reflex may seem obvious, but don’t underestimate its importance. Many clients complain of headaches so to soothe the head is a vital contribution in improving your client’s mental health. Panic attacks, anxiety and breathing troubles are common complaints in mental health so paying attention to and reworking the lungs, diaphragm and solar plexus is
