-->

Sunday 19 April 2009

Bunions from a Reflexology Point of View

According to the TheFreeDictionary's Medical dictionary, “a bunion is an abnormal enlargement of the joint (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTPJ) at the base of the great or big toe (hallux). It is caused by inflammation and usually results from chronic irritation and pressure from poorly fitting footwear.”

Bunions also run in the family but it is important to note that it is not the bunion which is hereditary but the foot type. People who are flat footed are more likely to develop a bunion than those with high arches. I think this is why I developed one on my right foot at the age of 16 despite always wearing well fitted shoes – I have flat (ish) feet and my grandmother has bunions too. Other causes include leg length discrepancies, trauma to the joint, and bone displacement (hallux valgus). There is also more chance of developing a bunion as you get older.

From a Reflexology point of view, Bunions are an indication of congestion along the spleen/pancreas meridian which starts on the outer edge of both big toes. From the big toe, it runs up the leg, up through the pelvis and abdomen, and ends at the shoulder. Congestion in this meridian can also cause fungus, stiffness, and ingrowing toenails especially on the big toe; shinbone, knee, and thigh pain; varicose veins, psoriasis and eczema particularly on the legs along the meridian; groin pain and hernias; menstrual problems and other gynaecological problems such as infections, fibroids, and cysts; abdominal pain; problems in the underarm area such as eczema and lymph node swelling; and breast problems such as tenderness and lumps.

The reflex points at which a bunion occurs are the thyroid and thoracic spine. The internal branch of the spleen/pancreas meridian runs through the throat and thyroid reinforcing the bunions connection to the thyroid gland.

One of the reflexology books I own (The complete illustrated guide to reflexology by Inge Dougans) says "Most people with bunions also have problems along the spleen/pancreas meridian or pancreatic disorders, such as problems related to sugar metabolism such as a sweet tooth; cravings for stimulants such as tea, coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol; and constant hunger."

There is no specific reflex for the big toe to help relieve bunions, but massage on and around the affected area can help to relieve any pain or discomfort felt and to help reduce any inflammation in the joint. I would work on the sacral and lumbar areas of the spine reflex as these areas of the spine supply nerves to the big toe (from the lumbar and sacral nerve plexuses) and the kidney reflexes to ensure that the kidneys are functioning properly ridding the body of uric acid (this can build up in the joints especially the big toe causing gout which is a form of arthritis. Arthritis can contribute to or result from bunions). I’m sure working the leg/knee/hip reflexes would also help the condition. To help balance the spleen/pancreas meridian, I would work on the pancreas and spleen reflexes.

An interesting article on the relationship between bunions, sugar, and the spleen can be found on the Acupuncture Today website. Another interesting site about bunions is The Bunion Experiment - One woman's search for bunion cures.

15 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing the information. Bunions are one of the most painful forefoot deformities, caused when the joint of the big toe grows outside. Consulting Foot Orthotics Brooklyn, NY for treatment. Visit here http://cw11.empowereddoctor.com/doctor_index_7493.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. How do we help balane the spleen meridian?? What do we do exactly?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would recommend finding an experienced acupuncturist. The main principle of acupuncture is balancing the meridians throughout our body. A massage therapist knowledgeable in Shiatsu would be helpful as well. Hope this helps. ~ Kadirah

      Delete

  3. You have shared a great information about Knee Pain Treatment and Memory Loss Treatment. Which are very informative for

    us.Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  4. You have shared a great information about Kidney Stones Treatment and Heart Treatment. Which are very

    informative for us.Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is an intresting blog that you have posted, you shares a lot of things about Back Pain Relief, Knee Osteoarthritis

    Treatment and Sciatica Natural

    Treatment
    . Which are very informative for us.Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Itec diet and nutrition are typically within the same are all of which is able to get massaged as a part of the treatment routine. Throughout the treatment we discover very little crystalline deposits, referred to as ‘imbalances’. http://www.soha.edu.sg

    ReplyDelete
  8. good idea for flat footed guys.........

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm so glad sharing this testimony. I was also a victim, having uterine fibroid for many years. Trying to conceive was so hard. My difficulty was not only getting pregnant, but keeping the pregnancy. I occasionally had reoccurring bouts with dysfunctional uterine bleeding due to fibroid tumors. I even came close to having a hysterectomy because of the pains(Heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual periods lasting more than a week, pelvic pressure,frequent urination) it caused me, but due to future/possible complications, I refused. I learned about some herbs mixture prepared by Dr.Blaine Walter and that was my breakthrough to a long standing problem. I already gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, very healthy, happy, and bright and i named him after my doctor. I forgot to mention that my non-existent sex drive returned within just a few weeks of starting the herbs, this was a pleasant surprise. If interested write to Dr. Blaine Walter ..... official email address: drblainewalter@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have been trying to get pregnant for over 5 years now. My husband and I
    have been seeing a fertility specialist. We have done our best but no luck.
    My husband has a sperm count which goes up and down,the doctor has
    recommended him taking the Proceed supplement which he is doing over 3
    years with no change in the situation .. I was so confused until i
    contacted this powerful spell caster Dr. Ebhota online who I saw a number
    of testimonies of how he has help so many of people so I sent Dr. Ebhota a
    mail and I told him all my sorrows and pain he replied me and ask me not to
    cry any more that he will help, he sent me some instructions and caution,
    Dr. Ebhota cast the spell and I bought some items to complete the spell
    casting and he told me to meet with my husband.. Within 3weeks of doing
    this I felt some changes and I went to my doctor and it was confirm that I
    was pregnant,i promises Dr Ebhota to share his testimony for three years,it has been over a year and four months now,i have been testifying this great testimonies for my life and my husband,for any one how need his help herb potion should contact him,on his Email [ drebhota123456@gmail.com ] or call him on [ +2349035324155 ]

    ReplyDelete
  11. First You got a great blog .I will be interested in more similar topics. i see you got really very useful topics, i will be always checking your blog thanks. https://www.footpoint.se/?fbclid=IwAR0fsHqXeWHNcnD_4MM1YQ1VV8lVcrRtoD8Kl12j02F2egAVTo7KCzbSx5E

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hey Gina, I saw your comment about Dr. Onokun medication concerning Fibroid sometime ago and you were right, I tried it and it worked like magic for me. It was like hell living with FIBROID all this years until now, no more pains, bleeding and no miscarriage and I would've come with my testimony before now but I have to wait for a couple of months to see if it will regrow again but there's still no sign of fibroid, I also went to the hospital for test and still i was tested negative. All thanks to Dr. onokun  and to you too Gina. And for anyone out there who wish to try can reach the doctor through  Email: Dronokunherbalcure@gmail.com or WhatsApp +2349064844957  

    ReplyDelete
  13. An amazing testimony on how i conceive and also get cure from my fibroid permanently with his natural herbs , i wonder why people still don't believe that roots and herbs are very essential and fruitful in different aspect, especially when you can't conceive and bear children. I am a living witness because I tried all I could to be pregnant but all to no avail, on this faithful day, i decided to check the net for updates on healthy living and i came across testimonies of lot of women who Dr Onokun has helped with his native herbs to conceive. i decided to put a try because this has been my greatest problem in life so I emailed Dr Onokun, and he told me what to do which i did, after which he sent me some roots and herbs syrup and gave me step by step guild lines on how and when to have sex with my man. I missed my menstrual flow within a short period of taking it, and the doctor confirmed that I am pregnant. I am very glad to tell the world that I just put to bed a bouncing baby boy last week. Contact Dr Onokun for your own testimony on: Dronokunherbalcure@gmail.com Or WhatsApp: +2349064844957  

    ReplyDelete