In addition to medical care reflexology can help stimulate the reflexes in the feet that correspond with the glands directly affected by the flu. Let’s look at how it can help!

The reflexes below are concentrated on when receiving reflexology during influenza.

• Stimulation of the Chest/Lung reflex is done due to congestion!
• The pituitary for Fever reduction. The pituitary is the master gland because it secretes hormones that affect all the other glands. This reflex affects the Antidiuretic Hormone that regulates all the water in the body and Oxytocin a stimulant that is needed.
• All glands—( Pituitary, Hypothalamus, Pineal, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Thymus, Adrenals, Pancreas, to balance body chemistry) It is important to balance body chemistry during this time to help healing.
• The Lymphatic reflex to help clean the body. When this reflex is compressed swelling in the legs can be reduced. During Influenza it helps to clear the body of toxins.
• Ileocecal Valve reflex controls the development of mucus. During Influenza this reflex is concentrated on to help reduce mucus development.
• Diaphragm Reflex relaxes stress and tension. It is an important reflex during any reflexology session and is also concentrated on if a client has influenza.

Reflexology is based on the nervous system and how it is connected to all the glands and organs of the body. It is safer than oral pain modalities and is more relaxing because it affects the whole body. We do the Ingham Method of Reflexology. It is the oldest and most effective method and does not treat medical conditions but helps the body establish homeostasis or natural balance between the systems. Talk to your doctor about putting reflexology into your medical treatment plan.

Written by Julie Ruengert LPN / IRR Reflexologist

There is a direct Reflex to the testes and prostate on the foot. When this reflex is compressed it corresponds anatomically to the area found in the body.

There are eight Endocrine glands:  The Pituitary Gland, Pineal gland, Thyroid gland, Parathyroid glands, Thymus gland, Adrenal glands, Pancreas and Testes

The Pituitary Gland or Master gland located in the Spinal Innervation C1 is a pinpoint reflex that stimulates the Thyroid Gland and Pineal gland.  There is also a direct reflex on each foot that deals with the Adrenal Glands that is worked during the session.

The Thyroid gland controls metabolism and maintains calcium balance, the Adrenal glands control mineral balance, glucose balance and sex hormones. The testes produce testosterone and sperm and the Prostate stores seminal fluid.

In the case of impotence there is a disturbance of homeostasis causing stress and tension in the Endocrine system that consist of these ductless glands that secrete hormones.  All glands are interdependent so when one gland is out of balance, all the glands are affected. In your session with JRPM Health and Reflexology we will concentrate on all glands of the endocrine system.

The Adrenal glands located in spinal innervation T-9 secrete Cortical steroids that stimulate kidneys to regulate water, sodium and potassium balance and Gluco- corticoids to stimulate liver, regulate glycogen storage, sex hormones and testes (direct reflex) to produce testosterone and sperm.

We work the back reflex for nerve supply to all spinal innervations.

Other conditions associated with pressure on spinal innervation T9 are allergies, hives and an inadequate reaction to stress. For Impotence we also work the lumbar sacral area for nerve supply and diaphragm to relax stress and tension. The 3^rd lumbar nerve goes to the reproductive glands, urinary bladder and knee. Pressure on this nerve can cause bladder trouble, involuntary discharge of urine and impotency as well as knee pain so we work this area well.

If you suffer from impotency you may be going to an Endocrinologist, Cardiologist and a Chiropractor so ask your doctor to include Reflexology in your care plan to help reduce stress, unblock nerve impulses, increase circulation and bring homeostasis to all glands and organs of the body. Stress is the cause of 50-60% of conditions and Reflexology addresses this issue by increasing circulation, reducing stress, unblocking nerve impulses and promoting homeostasis.

Written by Julie Ruengert LPN / IRR Reflexologist