Alternative therapies associated with reduction in cancer-related pain and anxiety, Allina researchers find

Προσθήκη λεζάντας

For reducing pain, therapeutic body massage, reflexology, acupressure and acupuncture were most effective. For reducing anxiety, no significant difference was found among the therapies.

The data also revealed that women and younger patients were most likely to receive the therapies, and that body massage was the one most commonly chosen.

“These findings are really important as we start moving into a patient-centered realm of how medical care is provided,” said Dusek. “We’re trying to do the best for patients clinically with all the best that Western medicine can provide, but the psychosocial and emotional parts of the patients are also important.”

“We’re thrilled that these are low-toxic, low-risk and relatively low-cost solutions to managing pain and anxiety in an acute care setting, which is very challenging,” he added.

The alternative therapies used in the study included bodywork (head massage, body massage and reflexology), mind-body and energy therapies (meditation and guided imagery) and traditional Chinese medicine (acupressure, acupuncture and Korean hand therapy). These services were offered at no charge to the patients, as they are to all hospitalized cancer patients at Abbott, said Dusek.

http://www.minnpost.com/second-opinion/2014/11/alternative-therapies-associated-reduction-cancer-related-pain-and-anxiety-al

Targeting Cortical representations in the treatment of chronic pain, ..with Reflexology? An hypothesis.

from facebook.

BEWARE OF THE LONG INTRODUCTION!

 

RiEN Board.

1st - The topic for our 2014 conference is ‘From the top of your head to the tip of your toe’
This can include, amongst other things, proposals having to do with pain.
It is interesting that ...research into Reflexology has shown it “positive” in the management of pain and stress.
Take into consideration that the previous statement is also verified by a just recently prepared paper “Reflexology Research to date” that was, and will be used, by the RiEN representative at EFCAM. This paper was prepared by one of RiEN’s research group members, Tracey Smith FMAR BSc (Hons) Association of Reflexologists UK. (Thank you Tracey – Good work!) This paper too will be accessible shortly in our members area on our webpage. www.reflexeurope.org

2nd – Initially inspired by this week (22-28 July)
being National Pain Week In Australia…. (We have connections everywhere.) http://www.nationalpainweek.org.au/

3rd - ...and reading this interesting paper, “Targeting Cortical Representations in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Review” http://cdn.bodyinmind.org/wp-content/uploads/Moseley-Flor-2012-Neurorehab-Neural-Rep-targeting-the-brain-in-rehab-review.pdf

4th – It has come to our attention that “strategies” are needed to affect cortical plasticity that is clearly important in chronic pain states in order for the patients to gain rehabilitation.
Simply put: Chronic low back pain is represented in the homunculus much larger than its representation should have been.
Reflexology wise what can we do/try?

5th – We then remembered an article from Arve Fahlvik - Norway, and former RiEN board member. He very correctly reminds us of something only natural to Reflexologists, the representation of the cortical homunculus created by Wilder Penfield.
Arve states: If you can use a projection to release tension in the shoulder, it should be possible to also use a projection to release the (shoulder) tension in the brain. If you are only familiar with the projections on the feet or hands, you can find it (homunculus) directly under the nail. This is a good projection of it.
Read the whole article here:
http://fahlvik.latestdot.nu/article4/Article4.html
5th – Arve is the representative of our Norway RiEN member Norske Naturterapeuters Hovedorganisasjon – NNH. You can read up on them from our members page here:
http://www.reflexeurope.org/tiki-index.php?page=Organisations

6th - ..just kidding!

Isn’t networking fun.
RiEN Board