Supporting Medical Science

7

The Footprint of Reflexology on Medical Practice

Since 2009, Barefoot Dreams Reflexology has been supporting the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) elective for medical residents at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, a cutting edge education, research and patient care facility. Through the Internal Medicine Residency Program, doctors in their 2nd 3rd or 4th year of residency who have selected the CAM elective can opt to come to our office to learn about and experience reflexology. When I questioned residents about their interest in alternative therapies, I have been pleasantly surprised at their openness and willingness to learn about healing outside of the traditional medical model. Some have said, “We realize that we don’t know everything”.

Their specific questions about reflexology tend to truly represent curiosity about what is available outside of the clinical setting. But they also express a need to understand more about alternative practices that their patients are already receiving such as reflexology, massage, acupuncture, etc. So residents’ exposure to alternative therapies in the community setting informs and widens their knowledge of resources which can be readily incorporated in the treatment recommendations to patients along with standard prescribed medical procedures and medications.


Here are some of the responses from residents, in the current academic year, when asked about their experience at Barefoot Dreams Reflexology:

“Very interesting introduction to reflexology from a knowledgeable and friendly teacher. The session was surprisingly relaxing and helped me feel more at ease throughout the day.”

“I certainly learned a lot about reflexology from Cheryl. I also learned that she is an exceptionally compassionate person. I certainly walked away from the experience feeling better than when I started.”

“Cheryl is a wonderful practitioner. She has a natural gift for touch like few others I have ever met.” “Cheryl Foster was enthusiastic to have us. She provided a nice overview of reflexology.” “Very interesting session discussing background and benefits/utility of reflexology and a great demonstration of technique. I really appreciated how we were able to experience the therapy for ourselves. It is very generous of Cheryl to donate her time to teach us.”


I consider it a very fortunate opportunity to be participating in the residency program at the University of Colorado. To be a part of the future of medicine is exciting and affirming for me and perhaps for all practitioners and their clients/patients. The emphasis on preventive and natural healing co-existing with the traditional medical model is generating more power and a greater potential for creating a healthy balance of care for all. This is the time for an evolution in health care and it is happening now. 

Cheryl Foster
(520) 345-4554
[email protected]

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