Reflexology and Raynauds
The International Institute of Reflexology is encouraging those
who suffer
with Raynaud's to try a course of Reflexology treatments, which
have been
known to help with the painful symptoms and aid relaxation.
The cause of Raynaud's is unknown, but for the many patients,
it can be an
unpleasant problem resulting in numbness, tingling and pain in
the hands and
feet and also the ears and nose.
The condition was named after French physician, Maurice Raynaud
who first
identified the problem, where the small arteries become constricted
preventing blood flow to the fingers and toes and occasionally
the nose and
ears. This can cause the skin to appear white and lifeless. When
the
colour does return, it can be very painful.
Reflexology helps the patient to relax and therefore to cope
better with the
symptoms. It also improves their blood circulation which
is very necessary
for those who suffer with Raynaud's. By improving the blood
circulation,
the small arteries are less likely to constrict.
Patients with Raynaud's should try to keep warm, as the cold
winter
temperatures can aggravate the symptoms. Other triggers
include anxiety and
smoking.
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