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Reflexology is more than just a massage. There are many ways that this wonderful treatment can benefit the mind, body and soul. It is non-invasive; perfect as a stand-alone treatment and also to have alongside other conventional treatments.

It is safe for adults and children and can be carried out on the hands, feet, ears or face. See contraindications.

THE BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY

Depression and Anxiety

Most of us feel stressed at some point or another. Illness, financial worries, feelings of isolation, and anxiety about the future can all have a negative impact on our body and mind.

Reflexology has long been used as a relaxing therapy and it can have a positive effect on our mood.

The hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal and adrenals are all involved in our emotional and mental health. Regular reflexology treatments have been shown to have a positive impact on our minds; reducing cortisol levels and having a balancing effect on our body. Reflexology works on the parasympathetic nervous system, halting the body’s flight or fight response, which allows the body’s natural healing process or homeostasis to kick in.

A study published in the European Journal of General Practice states that receiving reflexology ‘can boost your metabolic rate and help your body’s energy-creation processes’. This can lead to more alertness, resilience and motivation.

The added potential of ‘switch off’ for an hour from the stresses of everyday life and enjoying some much needed ‘self-care’ is not to be underestimated. The feet, for example have over 7,000 nerve endings and human touch has been known to release the feel-good hormone, oxytocin, which in turn, can reduce anxiety.

Pain

Reflexology can be helpful in lowering chronic pain. Its effectiveness for treating different types of pain, including: headaches, migraine neck and back pain is gaining momentum – One study by the University of Portsmouth found that, in certain circumstances, ‘it may be as effective as painkillers’.

Dr Carol Samuel said “it is likely that reflexology works in a similar manner to acupuncture by causing the brain to release chemicals that lessen pain signals”.

https://www.nursingtimes.net/clinical-archive/pain-management/reflexology-effective-pain-relief-uk-study-suggests-10-04-2013/#:~:text=Reflexology%20may%20be%20as%20effective,a%20method%20of%20pain%20relief.

Fertility

For any couple, going through infertility can be an emotional and physical rollercoaster.

Around 1 in 7 couples in the UK experience infertility, sub-infertility and delayed conception*.

Reflexology helps by encouraging the body to work more effectively and reach natural homeostasis. Both men and women are encouraged to have treatments for best results. By working on areas of the body relating to the reproductive and nervous systems, treatments can:

• Balance hormones

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Improve blood flow and circulation

• Settle the nervous system

• Promote restful sleep

• Work with infertility-related conditions such as PCOS, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Endometriosis.

Essentially, having regular reflexology treatments throughout their fertility journey can empower a couple to take control of their own health, resulting in less stress and frustration.

Having regular reflexology treatments is also considered safe when undergoing assisted conception including IVF, IUI etc.

*https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/#:~:text=Infertility%20is%20when%20a%20couple,every%202%20or%203%20days).

PMS/Menopausal symptoms

Around nine out of 10 women in the UK suffer with PMS symptoms*. These include bloating, headaches, fatigue, and mood-swings.

Similarly, menopausal symptoms can have a devastating effect on women in the years leading up to and after menopause. Regular reflexology treatments can have a beneficial effect on symptoms including depression, hot flashes and insomnia.

One small study concluded that foot reflexology can be effective for reducing a woman’s depression during menopause.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31780002/?from_term=foot+reflexology&from_pos=8

* https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/pre-menstrual-syndrome

Overall health & Immunity

Toxic build-up is an inevitable result of living in a polluted world. Adding in our use of prescription drugs, consumption of processed foods and suffering with chronic, untreated stress, these can all have a lasting impact on our body and overall health.

Reflexology can aid in the removal of toxins and promote healthy digestion. By strengthening the immune system, our body will be in a better position to fight viruses and also recover from illness.

Conclusion

The benefits are numerous. Whether it is for a one-off treatment or a course of treatments, some much-needed ‘me-time’ or for preventative health, there are many more ways in which this wonderful therapy can be so good for us at any stage of our lives.

Contact the Association of Reflexologists’ for a Therapist near you.

https://members.aor.org.uk/search/

We all experience stress at some point in our lives. Some days can be challenging with issues relating to work, relationships, money, housing or family. The body has not adapted to the rapid changes in modern society – It responds, as it has for centuries, by preparing for urgent physical action.

Whilst today we are unlikely to be faced with wild animals on a daily basis as our ancestors would have been, our body is designed to cope with dangerous threats quickly. The ‘flight or flight’ response kicks in when faced with a stressful situation through a series of biological changes.

These changes include:

• Muscles tense up ready for action;

• Heart-rate speeds up to circulate more blood to the muscles, brain and lungs;

• Blood pressure rises;

• Spleen pours more red blood cells into the bloodstream;

• The airways dilate to increase oxygen intake from the lungs to the bloodstream;

• Breathing becomes deeper and more rapid;

• The hormone noradrenaline increases the rate at which blood clots in case of injury;

• Stored glucose from the liver and fats stored in tissues are generated to supply extra fuel for the body;

• The steroid hormone cortisol is released to reduce inflammation and to heal wounds. It suppresses allergic reactions;

• Mental alertness and senses are sharpened.

• Pupils dilate to improve vision and hearing becomes more acute.

These are all crucial when facing danger or challenges, but it is not a healthy state to be in over a long period of time.

It has been estimated that 75% of all disease is stress-related. Some stress, of course is good for us – after all, it is what helps get us out of bed in the morning and motivated to start the day. However, when we have continued exposure to stress, it can suppress our immune system; lowering our body’s defences. Everyone’s body is different of course and where one person could function perfectly well in long-term stressful conditions, the subtle changes in our hormonal and defence processes allows disease or viruses to appear.

How Reflexology can help

A reflexologist will treat the whole body, but some areas worked on will be of great benefit to those suffering with excess stress. In particular; the solar plexus and diaphragm to aid normal breathing, the pituitary gland to balance the hormones and the central nervous system to calm the whole body. During a reflexology session, we treat the body to bring out a balance (the body’s homeostasis), level the hormones and increase blood and lymph flow. This all helps towards reduced cortisol levels, which allows the body to return to its normal function.

We are more able to cope with any difficulties when we are mentally and physically relaxed. The human touch also activates the parasympathetic nervous system to counteract the sympathetic nervous system (which the fight or flight response is activated by).

Reflexology encourages relaxation and promotes homeostasis of all the body’s systems thus reducing stres

Stress management

Reflexology is a great overall treatment, however, ongoing stress management is vital to maintain the body’s healthy level of stress hormones. We recommend a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, eliminating processed foods and reducing saturated and trans fats. As 75% of our immune system activity is found in our digestive system, it is a good idea to take a good Probiotic and Omega 3 supplement.

Meditation and exercise reduces cortisol levels, increases endorphins (the body’s ‘feel-good’ hormone) and maintains a healthy weight. Any form of exercise is beneficial, but yoga is particularly good for de-stressing.