Reflexology is an ancient discipline that involves applying pressure to the ears, hands, and feet to stimulate the nervous system. How does it work, and what are the benefits? The following explains the effect reflexology has on health.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a massage technique that utilizes pressure points to manage certain health problems. It is based on the theory that each pressure point is connected to a specific area of the body, and the stimulation of these points improves energy flow and helps to restore balance.
Reflexology Benefits
While the medical world does not widely accept reflexology, several studies have indicated that it is a beneficial supplementary treatment to numerous ailments.
• Nerve function. As the body grows older, nerve endings become less sensitive. Reflexology opens and cleans neural pathways to increase function and flexibility. A single session can stimulate up to 7,000 nerve endings.
• Circulation. Reflexology improves the circulation of blood and oxygen in the body, optimizing organ function and increasing metabolism. This speeds up the healing process and allows for faster regrowth of cells.
• Removal of toxins. The nerve stimulation of reflexology results in improved bladder function, which aids the body in the more efficient removal of toxins. This provides protection against disease that occurs due to poor urinary function.
• Migraine management. Migraine headaches are often a result of stress and tension in the body, especially the muscles. Reflexology allows for this tension to be released, alleviating the severe pain and debilitation of these headaches.
• Pregnancy. Reflexology helps pregnant women have shorter, less painful labor and delivery times. It also improves metabolism in the weeks after the birth, allowing the woman's body to heal more quickly and avoid post-partum depression.
• Cancer. While reflexology will not cure cancer, it can relieve nausea often experienced by those receiving chemotherapy. It can also help cancer patients sleep better while slowing the spread of the disease and increasing antioxidant production.
• Relaxation. A major benefit of opening and clearing neural pathways is the relaxation it brings to the body. This relaxed state can help a person overcome insomnia and return to a normal circadian rhythm. It also allows for calm thought patterns, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting better mood and productivity.
• Energy levels. A person who feels sluggish or is struggling to lose weight due to a slowed metabolism can benefit from a reflexology session. Increased energy improves the quality of life on many levels, especially exercise and sex. The person will also think more clearly and feel more positive about life in general.
Although the research done on reflexology has been questioned by the medical community over the years, thousands of years of practice and many reports of success support its effectiveness. It should be noted that reflexology cannot cure any disease and should be used in combination with standard treatment.