By Mark Woollard
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) damages immune cells, weakening your ability to fight everyday infections and diseases.
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the name used to describe potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that are caused by your immune system being severely damaged by the HIV virus.
Alongside regular reflexology sessions, reflexologists encourage patients with HIV/AIDS to:
Take regular exercise
Eat a healthy diet
Stop smoking
Have yearly flu jabs
Reflexology can play a vital role in treatment and optimal health for such clients. The obvious benefits include promoting deep relaxation and reducing stress. Reflexology’s benefits for the lymphatic, endocrine, and immune systems are also key.
In a condition such as HIV or AIDS, every system needs attention, including digestive, respiratory and eliminative channels.
I have a couple of specific aims I like to deal with:
To boost the immune system
To overcome fatigue and to rejuvenate
A thorough consultation, like with every client, is needed. But more so in a client with a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS. You should be working on specific areas, depending on your client’s symptoms and individual needs. Pneumonia, for example, can be particularly common for these clients, so understanding their condition and circumstances is essential.
As it is an immunocompromised disease, I have an immune system workout I like to use. This is designed to stimulate the parts of the body that are most responsible for fighting disease.
THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKOUT
Immunity can be adversely affected when the body’s physical condition is poor.
Stimulate these reflex areas after your initial working of every system. Make sure you visualise the parts you are stimulating. Co-ordinate the pressure with your breathing and that of your clients.
Solar plexus and diaphragm reflexes: Stimulate the solar plexus to strengthen abdominal responses and to set up a good breathing pattern.
Spleen reflex: Stimulates the spleen to perform its specific functions while recycling red blood cells.
Liver reflex: Prompts the liver to filter wastes and produce antibodies. These tasks are vital to the body’s defence system.
Kidney reflexes: Prompt the kidneys to purify the blood by processing toxic wastes.
Intestine reflexes: Promote the intestines to dispose of toxins and wastes from the body.
Lymphatic system reflexes: Promote the lymph nodes to release disease-fighting cells throughout the body. This provides a vital line of defence against infection.
End with a final solar plexus and diaphragm pressure: Trigger the solar plexus to send signals that relax, helping to fight stress that weakens the immune system.
You may also find that fatigue can be a big problem with these clients. My rejuvenation workout is perfect for combating exhaustion and helping the body stay as strong and fighting-fit as it can be.
THE REJUVENATION WORKOUT
This stimulates the body’s primary hormone-producing glands, encouraging them to stay alert and responsive to the body’s needs. Don’t worry if you feel like you are repeating yourself. The body will always thank you for the extra love and attention.
As hormones control the body’s ability to resist infection and disease, I find this vital and key to good health, especially in my clients with HIV/AIDS.
As before, visualise the parts you are stimulating and coordinate your breathing with the pressure.
Solar plexus and diaphragm reflexes: Prompt the solar plexus to send signals that regulate breathing and relax the body.
Pituitary gland reflexes: Stimulate the pituitary to secrete hormones that align the functions of all the other glands in the body.
Thyroid and parathyroid gland reflexes: Stimulate these glands to produce hormones that regulate metabolic rate, enhance muscle tone, and support teeth and bone function.
Liver reflex: Stimulates the liver to process nutrients, remove wastes and produce antibodies to enhance the immune system.
Adrenal gland reflexes: Prompt the adrenals to align the body’s water and mineral balance and to secrete adrenaline for alertness and quick energy.
Ovary and testicle reflexes: Stimulate these gonads to produce hormones that control reproductive cycles and enhance youthful vitality.
End with solar plexus and diaphragm reflexes: Trigger the solar plexus to send signals that soothe anxiety, depression and other effects of stress.
Other reflexes I will concentrate on are all the endocrine glands, but in particular:
Thymus, as it stimulates immune activity, e.g., antibody production and blood cleansing.
Thyroid, as it helps strengthen the immune system in general.
Pituitary, to stimulate all glands and help rebalance hormone levels.
Adrenals to stimulate energy and combat inflammation.
I will also rework the Ileocecal valve. If it is open, it can cause toxicity and flu-like symptoms. It also plays a part in the cleansing process.
It may sound irrelevant, but I will also concentrate on the neck reflex. Stimulating circulation to the neck, throat, and thyroid is important, as there are many lymph glands here.
Finish your treatment with a relaxing foot massage to promote relaxation and combat fatigue. And to give your client that extra love and human touch. The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS may not be as harsh as it once was, but you’ll be surprised at just how many people are still pushed away by loved ones because of a positive diagnosis. Your client will thank you for the care, attention, and devotion a reflexology session can bring.
