Our Objectives
CPD Programme
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease, named after Alois Alzheimer a German Neuropathologist in 1906. It is an age related memory loss condition which may and hopefully may not affect some of us. It is caused by degeneration of the brain cells and impairs the cognitive skills of the individual and in time has an undesirable effect on the emotions sense of security of the client. Naturally this causes personality changes. This deterioration has a devastating effect on family and carers. It is difficult to know or understand what changes actually occur for the sufferer. Lack of ability to communicate with the patient, or the patient to communicate is frustrating and devastating. As a consequence it is difficult for family and carers to adapt to the condition. There is also a total dependence of the client on others for their daily personal needs.
Jane Kirby, London states that in the next 20 years the number of people with dementia is expected to increase by 40% in Europe. Marc Wortmann executive director of ADI (Alzheimer's Disease International) said "The Crisis of dementia and Alzheimer's can no longer be ignored." It is suggested that anyone who feels they may be suffering from this condition should get an immediate diagnosis.
Research into this disease is on-going worldwide. The Neuroscience faculty in Trinity College Dublin are also conducting their research. I volunteered to help in their research early this year. The research was not about me, but about the outcome of my cognitive skills and responses in my age group. I have agreed to be a volunteer in ongoing research.
There are many suggestions as to the cause of Alzheimer's disease. Diet/nutrition > Delayed Shock > Lack of the hormone Acetylcholine > Protein plaque> and Genetic. Despite the research, there does not seem to be any specific conclusion. This in itself is extremely worrying for all of us, and for the future generations.
I am giving Reflexology treatments to two Alzheimer clients in Limerick's carer support day care facility in Garryowen. I don't know what difference if any, my treatments are making. Only that the clients seem to be happy and more relaxed after the treatments.
If there is a centre in your area, or someone you know with Alzheimer's would you be willing to give Reflexology treatments to them? If the treatments did prove to bring some benefit, perhaps it could be anecdotal evidence into advancing research. This evidence could be submitted to our research panel.
Aileen O'Connor, MNRRI, MIRI
REFLEXOLOGY AND COLOUR THERAPY
Reflexology and colour therapy have their roots in the distant past. As individual therapies, they have tremendous therapeutic value. When used in conjunction with each other, they have shown their ability to both complement each other and accentuate the healing process.
Colour wheel depicting colour, with its complementary colour
The origin of reflexology, or zone therapy as it was called, still remains a mystery. One theory, mentioned by Dr. Fitzgerald, in his book Zone Therapy, is that it originated from China some 5,000 years ago as a form of pressure point treatment. Dr. Fitzgerald was an ear, nose and throat specialist, and must be credited for his part in reviving reflexology.
Another conjecture is that it began in Egypt. Evidence for this stems from an Egyptian tomb drawing dating back to 230BC. This drawing depicts four people. One person is being treated with foot massage and a second person with hand massage. Others credit its birth to the Incas. These were people of very ancient Peruvian civilisation, possibly reaching back to 1200BC. It is speculated that they passed their knowledge of zone therapy down to the North American Indians who, up to this present time, are still using this form of treatment.
REFLEXOLOGY AND BABIES
By Lorraine Hughes, MNRRI
I am still a relatively young Reflexologist, having qualified in September 2005, so it's no surprise that the areas that I am most drawn to in my infancy as a practitioner are babies and children. For this article, I am going to focus on babies and reflexology.
I've recently started working on babies here in Ennis and I am so struck by the prevalence of asthma and ezcema, usually combined. Babies are having such difficulty sleeping because there is so much stuff going on in their heads literally! It's all chest infections and sinuses that I am coming across with other issues cropping up from time to time.
Some of the research I'm unearthing is so excited and vociferous about Reflexology and Babies that it seems like it could be the next revolution in alternative healthcare. Reflexology is very beneficial for babies. They generally respond to treatment very quickly as they don't have the same build up of stresses and strains within their bodies as adults do.
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Conventional medicine is medicine practiced by medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy and allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term given to approaches to health care that are outside the realm of conventional medicine.
Complementary medicine is treatment used in addition to the conventional therapies your doctor may prescribe. For example, you might use tai chi or massage in addition to prescription medicine for anxiety or aromatherapy could be used to help lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery.
Alternative medicine refers to practices used instead of conventional methods. For instance, this might mean seeing a homeopath or naturopath instead of your regular doctor. What is considered alternative medicine constantly changes, as more and more treatments undergo rigorous study and are either proven to not be effective, or proven effective, and adopted into conventional health care.
VERTICAL REFLEX THERAPY (VRT) - The Booth Method
With Thanks to Lynne Booth who discovered this amazing advanced technique, Reflexology can yield quicker results in the more powerful upright position. She carried out a monitored medical trial in St. Monica's Nursing Home, Bristol on elderly patients with very successful results.
VRT through the inspiration of Lynne BOOTH was the legacy this wonderful elderly home gave to Reflexology, as if it weren't for them, VRT would not have been discovered. Britta learnt this technique from Lynne and with lots of positive feedback from her clients and decided to invite Lynne to teach in Ireland in 1999. Britta continues to study VRT to further levels of ‘'VRT Hand and Nail working'' under Lynne Booth and in 2001 was appointed VRT Tutor for throughout Ireland. She has been teaching it to Reflexologists ever since.
REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENTS ON CHILDREN (Case Studies)
Foreword
I was under the impression that children might respond well to reflexology because they have not yet learned our deep cultural dislike of being touched. They are still at home in their bodies and therefore they might actually have no objections to a soothing touch that might help as well. I suppose I wasn't far wrong when I began 6 treatments each on Shane and Siobhan (names changed) in Ennis, Co. Clare, June 2007.
I'm also a firm believer in trying to encourage alternative approaches for children's health because anything that can reduce GP visits has to be a welcome development, especially for parents with children who have recurring health issues or minor complaints that could be treated with reflexology.
PROFESSIONALISM
It has always been the aim of the Professional Bodies of Reflexology to encourage and maintain the highest standards of work practices. This is evident in the Training and Code of Ethics. Now might be a good time to revise the Code of Ethics as outlined by the National Register of Reflexologists (Ireland). These standards need to be constantly revisited according to the needs of our time.
It is in this context that a draft syllabus for a Higher Certificate in Reflexology has been submitted by the NRRI at an educational Level 6 to HETAC (Higher Education and Training Awards Council).
FACIAL REFLEXOLOGY
Devised by Lone Sorensen Lopez, Face Reflexology is a unique combination that unites traditional healing methods from the Orient and South America with the modern science of neurology. Your face is richly supplied with nerves and blood vessels. Its close proximity to the brain - the control centre of the body - ensures that stimulus to your face has the shortest route to this important organ of your body, in order to effect a re-balancing of your health issues.
REFLEXOLOGY AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Reflexology treatment reported to have relieved symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological condition of young adults, affecting approximately 6,000 people in Ireland. Anyone may develop MS, but it occurs twice as often in women as in men - (MS is not connected to pregnancy). The most common age of diagnosis is between the late twenties and mid-thirties, and its onset is rare after the age of fifty.
MS is a chronic condition of the central nervous system. Despite considerable research the causes remain unknown, but they are thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The symptoms are unpredictable and can vary considerably. Pain, fatigue, visual loss, headaches, depression, slurred speech, tremors, stiffness, difficulty in walking and loss of balance, in severe cases there can be partial or complete paralysis.
THE AGEING OF THE FOOT
by Health Promotion Unit Department of Health and Children
The Foot
Each foot is a complex structure. It consists of 26 bones, with ligaments and tendons, blood vessels and nerves. Healthy
feet are essential to help us stay active and mobile. Good foot care is
essential for healthy feet. Try to have routine of caring for your
feet.
As we get older, foot problems, are often related to our
general health. Arthritis, circulatory and neurological diseases and
diabetes often affect the feet. But many problems can be avoided by a
little regular care and attention.
ABOUT REFLEXOLOGY
How can Reflexology help you?
Reflexology has been known to mankind for thousands of years, going back to the ancient cultures of China and Egypt, as depicted in stone carvings dating back to 2330 B.C.
In modern times an increasing number of people are availing of this safe and natural therapy as a way of relaxing, balancing and harmonising the body. There are many factors in life, such as illness, stress, injury, that can create a state of imbalance, a state of disease - but the body has a natural ability to heal itself.
Reflexology can restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium.
This gentle, non-invasive therapy, encourages the body to heal itself at its own pace, sometimes counteracting many years of misuse. Drugs or medication are never used in reflexology, but diet is very important and your therapist will advise you accordingly.
