After four years of education and demonstration the Reflexology Association of America is thrilled to have received the following document from the National Foundation for Women Legislators. The resolution is a much-needed and much-deserved endorsement of the power of reflexology to support women’s health and an important step towards national recognition of the health benefits of this modality. Pleases share or forward this post with everyone you know that would be interested in celebrating with us. This is a BIG deal.
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NFWL National Policy Committee on Health & Empowerment
Resolution: Encouraging the use of Reflexology as one approach for women’s health care and wellness issues, in conjunction with the support the Committee has previously shown for a holistic, comprehensive, and patient-centered approach to care.
(Ratified November 2012)
WHEREAS, Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary discipline involving the use of alternating pressure applied to the reflexes within the reflex maps of the body located on the feet, hands and outer ears; and
WHEREAS, the art and science of Reflexology is based on the work of three 20th century medical doctors: William FitzGerald, M.D. (USA); Joe Shelby Riley, M.D. (USA); and Paul Nogier, M.D. (France); and physio-therapist Eunice Ingham (USA); and
WHEREAS, Reflexology is recognized by many state governments as beingseparate from the profession of massage therapy or any other type of licensed Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) profession; and
WHEREAS, Reflexology distinguishes itself from other disciplines in that training is conducted through separate and unique educational programs; Reflexologists use distinctive Reflexology charts or maps, and clients remain clothed during a session; and
WHEREAS, the efficacy of Reflexology is documented by over 300 global research studies including a 3.1 million dollar grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIH-NCCAM) to study the effects of Reflexology on women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy and is being considered for renewal; and
WHEREAS, the efficacy of Reflexology is documented by over 300 global research studies including a 3.1 million dollar 5 year grant in 2005 from the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute (NIH-NCI) to study the effects of Reflexology on women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, which was renewed for 2.9 million in 2011 for a second 5 year study; and
WHEREAS, anecdotally and with one Israeli study (1997) Reflexology has been shown to have a positive effect on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from military service and other traumatic situation such as spousal abuse or acute and chronic physical conditions; and
WHEREAS, frequently reported benefits by clients include stress reduction, relaxation, pain management, health enhancement, and improved quality of life; and
WHEREAS, many members of the National Foundation for Women Legislators have personally experienced the benefits of Reflexology through participation in NFWL’s Annual Health Fair Day; now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Foundation for Women Legislators’ National Policy Committee on Health & Empowerment joins the state and national organizations in encouraging the use of Reflexology as one approach for women’s health care and wellness issues, in conjunction with the support the Committee has previously shown for a holistic, comprehensive, and patient-centered approach to care.
Article courtesy of the Reflexology Association of America
