New Delhi, February 6 (IANS). During the Rajya Sabha proceedings on Friday, nominated MP Sudha Murthy drew the attention of the House to an important but often neglected issue related to health. Describing foot reflexology (treatment through sensitive points of the feet) as an effective, non-invasive and natural healing method, he recommended its inclusion in the AYUSH system of India.
Speaking in the House, Sudha Murthy said that foot is a part of the human body which is generally ignored, however, proper stimulation of the sensitive points present in it can reduce pain, reduce stress and provide deep relief to the body.
He informed that this method is widely adopted in many countries of South-East Asia such as Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam etc. Not only here but in these countries it is considered as an effective treatment. Giving the example of Indian traditional massage methods, he said that just as Indian traditional massage is famous all over the world and foreign citizens come to India to adopt it, similarly people in South-East Asia go for foot reflexology. This treatment is non-invasive, safe and extremely beneficial especially for the elderly.
Sudha Murthy drew the attention of the Government that the Government of India, especially the Ministry of AYUSH, is already known for its adoption of herbal, natural and time-tested traditional medicine practices. In such a situation, foot reflexology is also a traditional treatment method, which should be included in AYUSH hospitals with scientific training, safety standards and proper knowledge.
He laid special emphasis on the problem of diabetes and said that it has become a major health challenge in India. The feet of diabetic patients are more sensitive and if timely care is not taken, serious problems can arise. In such a situation, every hospital should have a separate department for foot reflexology and foot care, so that pain can be reduced through non-invasive methods and problems can be identified at the initial stage.
Sudha Murthy said that such a system will enable early intervention related to diabetes relief, help in understanding the causes of the disease and patients will be able to get appropriate treatment on time. Describing it as a neglected part of the body but a very important topic, he urged the government to adopt this new concept and provide treatment to the people in the right direction. At the end of his statement he said that the need of the hour is to make foot care and treatment a part of the health policy.
–IANS
GCB/AS
