Shirley Reeson, Contributor
THIS IS the second in our series on reflexology as an alternative to traditional medicine.
Diabetes is caused by a deficiency of insulin production in the pancreas. Reflexology has been known to produce very good results with adult-onset diabetes, especially if the treatment begin shortly after being diagnosed.
However, adults who were juvenile diabetics do not respond as quickly to reflexology because the disease is well established in their bodies. Juvenile diabetics on the other hand are more responsive to treatment at the onset because of their youth.
AILMENTS
Some of the ailments suffered by diabetics are: bad circulation, peripheral neurophathy or damaged nerve, numbness, retinopathy, constipation, rectal dysfunction in males and heart problems.
With regular reflexology treatments, a proper diet, exercise and also nutritional supplements, these discomforts can be greatly minimised and is therefore essential in the effective treatment of diabetes.
Nutritional supplements should be recommended more often as they heal rather than give a false sense of wellness. Some supplements that diabetics should consider are: Calcium and magnesium-1000mg, Chromium Picolinate-400-600mg, from an Indian vine helps the pancreas to produce insulin, controls cravings and increases the metabolism. These dosages should be prescribed by your nutritionist to suit your situation.
Having worked closely with the Diabetes Association, they have endorsed the effectiveness and results gained from reflexology. Many patients have reduced their medication under the supervision of their physician and can cope with every day life with much more ease and enjoy a feeling of well-being. Since reflexology effectively reduces stress, diabetics who have regular reflexology treatments maintain balanced sugar levels.
HOPE
If you are a diabetic, juvenile or adult, there is hope especially if you have just been diagnosed. A reflexologist balances the entire body through the feet which mirrors the body. Working on these reflex points circulation is improved, it regulates your metabolic rate, effectively balances the endocrine system, stimulate nerve impulses to all parts of the body, detoxify blood and improve fat digestion, promote optimum absorption of vitamins and minerals, facilitate rapid excretion of waste as altered blood glucose levels can cause diarrhoea or constipation and encourage balanced elimination of fluids.
Shirley Reeson, MAR (UK), MICR, Reflexologist, Metamorphic Technique Practitioner at La Viva Health Spa, Ultimate Fitness Club, Diabetes Association Building 1 Downer Avenue Kingston 5.
