Nicely put on the benefit of Reflexology relaxation

From facebook
Hi Kevin,
Valerie Hartman commented on your post.
Valerie wrote: "I see relaxation as a shift into parasympathetic nervous system response, the body then is not functioning under the influence of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.. In my business, hospice and palliative care, relaxation (parasympathetic NS) vs. a stressed state (sympathetic NS / fight or flight), is the feeling of peace vs. lack of it. The sympathetic nervous system response is a key state of suffering that is to be the foundation for the reason why we bring holistic modalities into end of life care, why we bring them into healthcare practices. In advanced illness, stress responses are high and sustained, the body less able to absorb the response, or to act to change the circumstances of the fear.. I view relaxation as symptom relief.. decreased dyspnea, decreased nausea, decreased anxiety, improving sleep , improving digestion, relief. ..and the list goes on for the benefits of relaxation (too soft a term)..for our health and well being. ..specifically in healthcare paradigm, goal driven care. Reflexology is my bodywork therapy of choice for managing the stress component of a symptom in hospice care. Light pressure, avoid or hold tender points.. goal is comfort, relaxation, hands and feet are safe areas to touch and work.. distal, face to face contact in sessions often opens up meaningful dialogue as well." 

Valerie Hartman RN, CHPN, CTRN Complementary Therapy Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse / Coordinator Holy Redeemer Hospice Complementary Therapy Program Phila., Pa / NHPCO / NCHPP Allied Therapy Section Leader 2008 - 2013