Friday’s Rajya Sabha proceedings featured a groundbreaking intervention by Sudha Murty, who championed foot reflexology’s potential within AYUSH to combat modern health woes, particularly diabetes. As a non-invasive therapy leveraging foot reflex zones, it promises relief without side effects.
Murty painted a vivid picture: feet as the body’s neglected control center, where targeted stimulation unlocks pain reduction and stress relief. ‘This isn’t folklore; it’s practiced extensively in Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond as frontline therapy,’ she informed the house.
She bridged cultural gaps, likening it to India’s massage heritage that lures wellness seekers worldwide. For the elderly and vulnerable, its gentle efficacy stands out, urging swift policy adoption.
AYUSH, renowned for herbal legacies, should pioneer reflexology integration via certified programs in public facilities, Murty suggested. This aligns with governmental pushes for evidence-based traditional medicine.
Zeroing in on diabetes—affecting millions in India—she stressed foot vulnerability in patients, prone to neuropathy and ulcers. Dedicated reflexology departments in hospitals could preempt disasters, offering pain management and proactive screening.
Murty’s vision extends to holistic benefits: decoding disease triggers, empowering self-care, and ensuring accessible treatments. By prioritizing feet in health policy, India can lead global natural therapy advancements, she concluded emphatically.