Reflexology in Galway..

Been doing a search on reflexology in Galway here and saw this post. I have a sinus problem which I have been seeing a specialist in University College Hospital for about 2 years now. I have undergone all kinds of allergy and blood tests and my medications, nasal sprays changed as well but I am very sceptical as to the effectiveness of these treatements. Someone recommended reflexology. Can anyone shine any light on whether this might be an effective treatement for me?

biko

Galway->Health Science

lighthouse wrote: »

Been doing a search on reflexology in Galway here and saw this post. I have a sinus problem which I have been seeing a specialist in University College Hospital for about 2 years now. I have undergone all kinds of allergy and blood tests and my medications, nasal sprays changed as well but I am very sceptical as to the effectiveness of these treatements. Someone recommended reflexology. Can anyone shine any light on whether this might be an effective treatement for me?

Here is an article from Quackwatch, including references:

http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reflex.html

And a Skeptoid article/podcast, also with references:

http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4024

I highly recommend you read them, and draw your own conclusions.

dapto1 wrote: »

Here is an article from Quackwatch, including references:

http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reflex.html

And a Skeptoid article/podcast, also with references:

http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4024

I highly recommend you read them, and draw your own conclusions.

Thanks a million. I'll have a read and come back to you.

locum-motion

This thread doesn't belong in Health Sciences.
Punted back to Galway.

Hi,
I read the articles and it's not really possible to draw my own conclusions because both articles are biased against reflexology and the conclusions are already drawn. I would be interested if anyone else has positive experiences of reflexology. I was visiting a friend recently and her friend was a reflexologist. I told her of my sinus problem and within a few seconds of her massaging my foot I could feel tingling in my sinuses. The following day the drip I have at the back of my throat was worse as well my cough so something was definitely happening.

Dutchess

www.massagetherapygalway.com is website for Dawn Castle. I only have experience with the deep tissue massage and Indian Head massage but both are awesome.

lighthouse wrote: »

Hi,
I read the articles and it's not really possible to draw my own conclusions because both articles are biased against reflexology and the conclusions are already drawn.

Quackwatch is highly respected in the journalistic and scientific communities.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quackwatch

And the Skeptoid article references a number of reputable sources, such as The American Journal of Medicine.

lighthouse wrote: »

I would be interested if anyone else has positive experiences of reflexology.

If you want to base decisions about your health on anecdotal evidence rather than actual scientific literature, then fire away.

lighthouse wrote: »

I was visiting a friend recently and her friend was a reflexologist. I told her of my sinus problem and within a few seconds of her massaging my foot I could feel tingling in my sinuses. The following day the drip I have at the back of my throat was worse as well my cough so something was definitely happening.

So going on that "evidence", you could just as easily say reflexology made your cough and throat worse?

I hate to see people manipulated and cheated out of money they work hard for. If reflexology worked, all doctors would do it.

"If reflexology worked, all doctors would do it."
I'm afraid I would have to disagree with you on this. It's not in a doctor's interest to promote alternative medicine. That's a bit like saying all psychiatrists should practice psychotherapy.
Regarding my symptoms getting worse is thast not a common outcome at the start of new treatement.
I would just prefer some unbiased opinions on the subject.

lighthouse wrote: »

" It's not in a doctor's interest to promote alternative medicine.

No, it's in a doctor's best interest to treat the patient. If reflexology worked, doctors would do it.

lighthouse wrote: »

Regarding my symptoms getting worse is thast not a common outcome at the start of new treatement.

So is getting better. So is nothing happening. So this is not proof of anything.

lighthouse wrote: »

I would just prefer some unbiased opinions on the subject.

You would rather get anecdotal evidence from anonymous strangers on boards than articles from respected sites that use actually citations to both reputable primary literature and directly from reflexology publications?

This is your health, man. And your money. I know it's frustrating when you have a medical problem. But that's what reflexologists, homeopaths, psychics and all other manner of snake oil salesmen prey upon- frustration and desperation.

You are obviously against reflexology so I won't discuss your points as we could be back and forth all day. I'll keep an eye on this thread and see what other people's opinions are.

Yes, I'm against pseudoscience and charlatanism in all its forms.

Best of luck, I hope your condition improves and that you don't get taken advantage of.

Galwayps

I have gone for reflexology and head massage with this lady. I can only say it worked for me
www.galwayrelaxtion.com

gaeilgegrinds1

Worked for me. And my God was I cynical!

gaeilgegrinds1 wrote: »

Worked for me. And my God was I cynical!

Do you mind me asking me what was the problem?

gaeilgegrinds1

Migraines and constipation. Tummy cramps too. Practitioner was also a nurse. Found it amazing, great advice too.

Mrs OBumble

dapto1 wrote: »

No, it's in a doctor's best interest to treat the patient. If reflexology worked, doctors would do it.

Do you believe that physiotherapy works? I had a GP back home who didn't believe in it:- getting a referral from him to a (equivalent of chartered) physio was a bit of a mission. Does that mean he wasn't a doctor (and a very helpful one in certain ways, including being open to see patient at 8am) - not a bit.

IMHO It's a bit like vitamin C: I've read the evidence synthesis that came to the conclusion that Vit C doesn't protect against colds or help recover from them faster. I believe this evidence - on a population basis. But for myself, I believe that taking large doses of Vit C in the first few days of a cold massively speeds my recovery. I don't know why, and I don't know why it doesn't work for (all) other people. I don't know what the biological mechanism it uses is. But I'm convinced that it works for me.

In the same way, given that it does no harm, I see no reason why the OP shouldn't try reflexology. Yes it can be dangerous if someone sticks to it and avoids other diagnostic professionals. But there's nothing in reflexology that says "don't go to the doctor".

OP - there's a national register - see http://www.nationalreflexology.ie/

JustMary wrote: »

Do you believe that physiotherapy works? I had a GP back home who didn't believe in it:- getting a referral from him to a (equivalent of chartered) physio was a bit of a mission. Does that mean he wasn't a doctor (and a very helpful one in certain ways, including being open to see patient at 8am) - not a bit.

Yes, I believe physiotherapy works. I don't really understand what point the rest of the paragraph is trying to make...

JustMary wrote: »

IMHO It's a bit like vitamin C: I've read the evidence synthesis that came to the conclusion that Vit C doesn't protect against colds or help recover from them faster. I believe this evidence - on a population basis. But for myself, I believe that taking large doses of Vit C in the first few days of a cold massively speeds my recovery. I don't know why, and I don't know why it doesn't work for (all) other people. I don't know what the biological mechanism it uses is. But I'm convinced that it works for me.

Placebo effect, possibly?

JustMary wrote: »

In the same way, given that it does no harm, I see no reason why the OP shouldn't try reflexology. Yes it can be dangerous if someone sticks to it and avoids other diagnostic professionals. But there's nothing in reflexology that says "don't go to the doctor".

Yes, but don't you find it morally repugnant that people are exploiting others' suffering and desperation with quackery?

Here's an idea: Find out the price of a few sessions with a reflexologist. Then, give that money to a charity you feel strongly about. There's no harm in that, either. In fact, it will do some good. And you will feel better as well.

dapto1 wrote: »

Yes, I believe physiotherapy works. I don't really understand what point the rest of the paragraph is trying to make...

Placebo effect, possibly?

Yes, but don't you find it morally repugnant that people are exploiting others' suffering and desperation with quackery?

Here's an idea: Find out the price of a few sessions with a reflexologist. Then, give that money to a charity you feel strongly about. There's no harm in that, either. In fact, it will do some good. And you will feel better as well.

You probably feel the same way about fortune tellers, drinks companies etc People make their own choices to go to these people, drink, smoke etc. You don't seem to be aware of the concept of people making their own choices.

If someone decides to go to a quack and no one else, that's not the quacks fault. It's the person thats stupid and thats their own personal responsibility and they will have to live with the consequences of their decision.

What works for one person may not work for the next be it western or alternative medicine. You owe it to yourself if you have something wrong to try whatever you want until you find out what works for you

Head The Wall wrote: »

You probably feel the same way about fortune tellers, drinks companies etc People make their own choices to go to these people, drink, smoke etc. You don't seem to be aware of the concept of people making their own choices.

I'm not trying to force anyone to do anything, I'm just suggesting they research it thoroughly and think critically before handing over their money to people who claims magical pathways run from their feet to the rest of the body.

Head The Wall wrote: »

If someone decides to go to a quack and no one else, that's not the quacks fault. It's the person thats stupid and thats their own personal responsibility and they will have to live with the consequences of their decision.

That's a fine idea in theory, but it's not exactly practical. Their friends/family also have to live with their decision. And as I said, people can understandably get desperate when they or a loved one are suffering. That's what these people prey on, others desperation.

Head The Wall wrote: »

What works for one person may not work for the next be it western or alternative medicine. You owe it to yourself if you have something wrong to try whatever you want until you find out what works for you

But as has been shown time and time again, reflexology doesn't work. It's just a foot massage. If you want a foot massage, get one. They're lovely. But reflexologists charging people through the nose (foot?) with bogus claims of being able to fix other ailments is pure exploitation, and they should be ashamed of themselves.

I understand your skepticism, I am a major cynic myself but people are stupid and will make bad decisions all through their life. Be it this decision to smoke, staying with a partner that beats them up etc

The only way you can judge these situations is if you yourself have had a long term pain/injury. If you were in constant pain are you telling me you wouldn't do whatever you could to find a resolution to it, I would and I'm a cynic.

You say time and time again reflexology has been shown not to work. Well it either does something for people (relieves pain) or they just like going and paying for it (pampering)

What about the govt charging us through the nose for services, thats exploitation too. It happens

Head The Wall wrote: »

The only way you can judge these situations is if you yourself have had a long term pain/injury. If you were in constant pain are you telling me you wouldn't do whatever you could to find a resolution to it, I would and I'm a cynic

No, it's not the only way to judge it. How about properly conducted, controlled, blinded medical trials? That's how medical science works. It's not perfect, but it's better than hocus pocus.

Or even having an actual physically possible mechanism by which reflexology is supposed to work? There is none.

Head The Wall wrote: »

You say time and time again reflexology has been shown not to work. Well it either does something for people (relieves pain) or they just like going and paying for it (pampering)

So it works because people do it? And people do it because it works? Circular reasoning, come on.

Head The Wall wrote: »

What about the govt charging us through the nose for services, thats exploitation too. It happens

Yes, of course that's exploitation too. That doesn't mean we should just take it though, does it?

I appreciate all the comments. While I haven't my mind made up yet I am veering to trying reflexology. I have had a sinus problem for years. I am seeing a specialist in University College Hospital Galway. My medication and nasal sprays have been changed. Earlier in the year I was referred to another specialist in the hospital who was talking to me about having an operation on my nose which would involve a general anasthetic, with all the accompanying risks. I have experience of psychiatrists diagnosing me with an illness and telling me I would have to take medication for the rest of my life. I have been off psychiatric medication for 17 years and got to the root of my problems through psychotherapy and holotropic breathwork. So I am open to alternative forms of practice.

Best of luck with it man. Whatever decision you come to, I hope it works out for you.

dapto1 wrote: »

No, it's not the only way to judge it. How about properly conducted, controlled, blinded medical trials? That's how medical science works. It's not perfect, but it's better than hocus pocus.

Or even having an actual physically possible mechanism by which reflexology is supposed to work? There is none.

So it works because people do it? And people do it because it works? Circular reasoning, come on.

Yes, of course that's exploitation too. That doesn't mean we should just take it though, does it?

Look I'll dumb it down if someone tries it and it helps them thats what I call a success.

You can do all the medical trials you want it still has absolutely no relevance to the guy that has benefited from it.

You didn't answer what you would do if you were suffering yourself!!!

Head The Wall wrote: »

Look I'll dumb it down if someone tries it and it helps them thats what I call a success.

Even if that "success" is just a misinterpretation of regression to the mean? http://www.badscience.net/2008/11/whinge-moan/

Head The Wall wrote: »

You didn't answer what you would do if you were suffering yourself!!!

No, I wouldn't. Because it doesn't work.

dapto1 wrote: »

Even if that "success" is just a misinterpretation of regression to the mean? http://www.badscience.net/2008/11/whinge-moan/

I'm sure even you can differentiate between pain and no pain

dapto1 wrote: »

No, I wouldn't. Because it doesn't work.

That must be a great Crystal ball you have that can see into the future and tell you what does and doesn't work.

You are just making yourself look really stupid here with your "My way or the highway" attitude.

Unless your science articles conclusively that 100% of people gain no benefits from alternative therapies then they mean absolutely nothing

cooperguy

Placebos are crazy things! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1Q3jZw4FGs