An alternative therapy to consider for treatment of psoriasis is reflexology. Psoriasis has no cure and can be a painful condition with lesions that are red, scaly, and inflamed. Although you should work with your doctor and take the prescribed medications, you might want to add reflexology as a complementary therapy to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.
At this time, there isn't research which shows if and how reflexology can benefit people with psoriasis, but many psoriasis sufferers claim they find some relief through their reflexology sessions. One thing that almost everyone agrees with is that reflexology can be relaxing. Since stress can play a big part in the severity of your psoriasis and your overall health, this is not a benefit to overlook. It can make you feel as relaxed as a massage, but only your hands and feet are touched.
Although it may have its roots in some ancient principals, reflexology wasn't developed until the early 1900s by Dr. William Fitzgerald. It was refined by Eunice Ingham a few decades later. The basis of reflexology states that there are specific points in the hands and feet. When pressure is applied to these points, pain is lessened while natural healing abilities are strengthened.
Reflexology is safe to use regardless of the prescribed treatment. When you are searching for a reflexoligist, it is important to find someone you feel comfortable with. Reflexology should be a relaxing, not stressful, experience. During your first session, your reflexologist will discuss your health with you and examine your skin before starting a treatment.
Some cases of psoriasis may be too severe for a reflexology session. With psoriatic arthritis, the hands and feet may be too tender or inflamed to be worked on. Any open abrasions or cuts are also avoided by a reflexologist.
If you have patches of psoriasis on your hands and feet, reflexology may work for your psoriasis. Either the feet or hands can be worked on if one area is too severe. After your session with the reflexologist, you may learn some techniques that you can do on your hands at home.
Reflexology for psoriasis isn't for everyone, but it is a safe treatment that may provide some relief. Psoriasis sufferers who have had reflexology psoriasis treatments feel they are of great benefit in relieving some of the discomfort.
