Reflexology to Manage Diabetes

The pancreas is one of three important organs that assist with digestion. The others are the liver and gall bladder.

The pancreas is a dual gland – it is both an exocrine gland that secretes enzymes to help with the digestion of food and it is an endocrine gland.

The endocrine part is that which regulates blood sugar levels in our body. It is made up of cell clusters called Islets of Langerhans. There are two types of cells in the Islets of Langerhans: alpha cells which produce the hormone glucagon and beta cells which produce the hormone insulin. Glucagon raises blood sugar levels and insulin lowers blood sugar levels. Together these two hormones play a mutually supportive role in glucose metabolism and regulation of sugar levels in the blood.

With our current lifestyle of carbohydrate-rich diets and with greater numbers of us working in sedentary occupations, we are more prone to increased levels of sugar in our bloodstream, putting our pancreas and liver into a state of stress and overwork.

When the pancreas stops working optimally, it can be the cause of two main diseases:

• pancreatic cancer; and
• diabetes.

According to Diabetes UK, “more people than ever are at risk of Type 2 diabetes. If nothing changes, more than five million people will have diabetes in the UK by 2025.” The majority (90%) are Type 2 diabetes sufferers, which can be controlled by diet and lifestyle.

To combat and overcome Type 2 diabetes, we recommend the following 2 steps.

1. Change in Diet
   This would include eating more healthy fats found in nuts, olive, fish, flaxseed oils, and avocados. Switching to whole foods and whole grains. Eliminating consumption of processed foods (fast foods/ready meals) and “white” foods (bread, rice, pasta etc) and opting for wholemeal versions instead. Reducing or minimising consumption of red meat, alcohol, sugar, dairy foods.

2. A Programme of Reflexology Treatments
   Reflexology is widely known for its healing powers in easing digestive problems, such as IBS and diabetes. By targeting the relevant digestive reflex points on the foot or face with light to moderate pressure and massage techniques, the reflexologist can rebalance glands and their secretion of enzymes and hormones. In this way, reflexology helps the body to self-heal and establish homeostasis, and in so doing control blood sugar levels. A programme of treatments is recommended due to the cumulative effects of complementary therapies: the more you have, the healthier and better you will feel as a whole.

Link to Reflexology Treatments

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