Reflexology, I'm curious as to.....

[blackcat]

Basically I'm curious as to how many of us have pain when the reflexology spot for the bladder is touched. I'm not a reflexologist or anything, but I'm interested in alternative therapies. I sometimes try and give myself a do it ya self reflexology session hoping that maybe one day it will fix me up lol.
The theories behind reflexology is that when a part of the body is not working correctly it can be identified in the feet. Pain, discomfort, or the feeling of a crystal under the skin is what they use to sort of detect the problem area. Well I've certainly noticed that according to reflexology charts the bladder area of my feet is extremely tender, even painful to press on, where as the rest of my feet don't hurt to press on at all. I have sometimes found lightly pressing and massaging my bladder area on my foot during a flare can sometimes help calm it down. So I'm just really curious as to if others have this same tender area on their feet! Here's a diagram of the reflexology points if anyone wants to give it a go http://www.reflexologyinstitute.com/images_reflexology/Reflexchart_big.jpg

[Katrina]

I do...and I also notice the areas hurting less when I feeling better....I have also had others tell me they have found results with the reflexology. I find it to be an inexspensive self treating method.....I have posted some pics on reflexology treatment...some for pain...some for the bladder.

[sasi]

My husband gives me reflexology massages and although you should never use it as a diagnostic tool, it has been usually accurate in my case (actually, according to reflexology map, my problem area should be my female organs and kidneys more than the bladder, although bladder points hurt, too- I don't know what to make of that). When I got sick, the urinary tract areas on my feet hurt extremely much. If you can, have someone else do it to you. Self-massage does not work nearly as well. And before starting, put on some lotion and massage the foot to relax it first. Then start the reflexology massage. Focus on the parts that hurt until they are relieved. DUring a flare your urinary tract points may hurt so badly that even a touch can make you jump (as was the case with me), but if you can stand the pain, it helps. It may not always work and left and right feet respond differently, but it's free and it cannot harm you, plus you feel great and relaxed afterwards. Even if it doesn't help your pladder pain, it's a great distraction.