Facing a breast biopsy or breast surgery can be physically and emotionally difficult. Even when the outcome is positive, such as receiving benign results or successful removal of a lump, the experience can be overwhelming. It can also leave lingering effects such as soreness, fatigue, and anxiety.
For women healing from breast-related procedures, reflexology can be a gentle, holistic way to support recovery and emotional balance
Reflexology is a mind, body, and spirit modality. It is a complementary, holistic therapy based on the principle that all systems of the entire body are mapped out in reflex points on the feet. The gentle manipulation of reflexes on the feet can help restore harmony and balance within the body. Working the various reflex points can help in many ways, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, alleviating digestive issues, promoting better sleep, relieving chronic pain, and more. After regular sessions, sometimes almost immediately, clients begin to see improvement, and they often leave feeling relaxed and balanced.
While reflexology has gained popularity in the United States in recent years, its history can be traced back many thousands of years to Egypt, India, and China. A wall painting found in an Egyptian tomb shows people working on each other’s hands and feet.
Modern day reflexology was developed by Dr. William Fitzgerald in the 1900s. As he worked with his patients, he discovered that applying pressure on certain points relieved pain and, in some cases, also relieved the underlying cause of the pain. He called this “Zone Therapy.” He worked with Dr. Joesph Shelby Riley, who developed Zone Therapy even further.
Eunice Ingham, known as “The Mother of Reflexology”, worked alongside Dr. Riley and began mapping out the reflex points that correspond to the systems of the body in the early 1930’s. She spent many years teaching reflexology and continued spreading the word until age 80.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that supports your body's natural healing process. For women healing from breast-related procedures, reflexology can help the body and the mind work together in recovery.
Your reflexologist will tailor sessions to your comfort level, focusing on relaxation, balance, and emotional well-being. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning new treatments after a procedure.
A 63-year-old woman came in for reflexology one week after her breast surgery, which affected both her left and right breasts. She was experiencing pain, discomfort and some anxiety. While working on her right foot's lung/chest/breast reflex point, she mentioned it was incredibly tender. I explained to her the connection between the reflex point on the foot and the corresponding area in her body. She indicated that the right side had more work done than the left, and she was experiencing significantly higher pain on that side. After the session, she felt relaxed and reported some improvement in her pain.
For women healing from breast-related procedures, reflexology can be a gentle, holistic way to support recovery and emotional balance came in for reflexology after undergoing a breast biopsy. Before the session, she was experiencing anxiety, sleep issues, and some soreness at the biopsy site. After the session, she reported sleeping better that night, feeling less anxious, and noticing that the soreness had decreased compared to before the reflexology treatment.
“My first experience with reflexology was incredibly beneficial; I felt relaxed, had decreased anxiety and mental clarity for days after. That being said, I did not come into that appointment with any swelling or pain. This time when I came into my appointment, I had abdominal and breast surgery eight days prior. I was very sore and in a lot of pain. The most painful spot was my left breast. I would rotate my arm and hear crepitus within the area (which the surgical team stated would be normal as it was a difficult insertion on the left side). During my session for lymphatic drainage, as Sharon was working on my left lateral foot, I could feel some/hear crepitus and release of tightness, which I had never felt before without movement. I came into the appointment knowing I would “feel better” for days to come, but I did not understand the incredible impact of reflexology when you come in with pain and swelling. When I sat up after the session, I felt the most relief I had since the procedure without pain medications. This was an incredible experience for pain relief.”
Not only is there physical healing involved after a breast biopsy or surgery, there is also emotional healing. Reflexology helps your body and your mind regain calm and balance, reminding your nervous system that it is safe to rest and recover.
Sharon Tower is an American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) certified licensed reflexologist at the NH Health & Wellness Center. She has completed advanced reflexology training in lymphatic drainage and emotional release techniques, equipping her with specialized skills to address physical and emotional needs.
Her mission is to help her clients achieve more balance and peace, reduce pain and stress levels, and support the body’s natural healing ability with personalized reflexology sessions. You can book with Sharon online, or reach her by calling or texting 603-234-5980.
