Research estimates one in 45 people are sick for at least 12 weeks* with long Covid.
Currently, long COVID is without a prognosis; the medical profession has no idea how long it will continue to affect people. And although rehabilitation programme planning is underway, with the number of people suffering from long COVID, it’s likely the rehabilitation services will have long waitlists and may even struggle to meet the demands of our community. Creating your own rehabilitation plan could speed up your long COVID recovery and put you back in control of your well-being.
How reflexology can help you with your long COVID symptoms.
Reflexology is a holistic therapy, each person is treated as a whole, taking into account mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. By massaging points on the feet, hands and face (referred to as reflex points) corresponding structures, tissues, organs, glands and systems of the body are targeted. During the treatment, the reflexologist is able to perceive areas of imbalance within the body and effectively treat them by releasing a build-up of toxins, allowing the energy to flow freely and your body to restore balance, beginning the healing process and restoring well-being.
What is long COVID?
Long COVID - also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome - is a condition whereby a person who is infected with COVID-19, experiences symptoms for more than 12 weeks. Long COVID symptoms vary but can include chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, cognitive dysfunction aka brain fog, depression, anxiety, joint pain, muscle aches, headache, extreme fatigue and a continued loss of smell and taste.
Areas to focus on for long COVID symptoms.
Within my reflexology practice at Heal Therapies, Harrogate each reflexology treatment starts with hot towels and essential oils to cleanse the feet, followed by a gentle foot massage for the ultimate relaxation. After wrapping the feet in towels I start the reflexology treatment, slowly working across the feet identifying any problem areas.
If you’re suffering the debilitating symptoms of long COVID I will be focussing on kidneys, liver and lymphatic system to cleanse your system of toxins; large intestine, colon and bladder to flush your system; spleen to give your immune system a boost; adrenals to release cortisol the anti-inflammatory hormone and the pituitary gland to release endorphins to help reduce feelings of pain and boost energy levels. I’ll focus on the respiratory system; diaphragm, lungs, bronchial and trachea to help deepen breathing and to stimulate cardiovascular flow.
To address feelings of depression and stress I will work on the direct reflex for the head, neck and brain, the associated reflex points for the face, sinuses, cervical spine, stomach, thyroid, thymus and solar plexus to calm and relax. For anxiety, I’ll concentrate on the cranial nerves, the brain to encourage optimal functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system and the spinal nerves to balance out the autonomic nervous system.
All the while you’ll be relaxed, drifting in and out of your happy place not wanting the treatment to end!
To be transparent I always like to remind my clients that reflexology is not a substitute for medicine, it's a complementary therapy that can significantly improve your quality of life when undertaken on a regular basis.
*Research conducted by King's College London.