How Does Foot Reflexology Work

How does foot reflexology work?

Many of us suffer from stress resulting from the hustle of everyday life, work, traffic, etc. Few of us take any active steps to address this stress; foot reflexology is one of the best ways to reduce stress and help you relax. But many are under the assumption that foot reflexology is just a massage, so in this blog, let’s look into what foot reflexology is and how it works.

What is foot reflexology?

Foot reflexology is a therapy that involves applying pressure to specific reflex points on the feet. This practice is based on the belief that certain ‘points’ or areas on the foot and the organs in the body are linked, and stimulating these points promotes good health and optimum functioning of these organs.

It is a complementary therapy used along with other medical treatments and is seldom used to treat illness on its own.

Benefits of Reflexology

Reduces Stress

One of the biggest benefits of reflexology is that it reduces stress and enables people to relax.

Reflexology improves blood circulation, which in turn reduces stress and helps the body relax.

Stimulating the pressure points on your feet also helps activate the parasympathetic response, which further relaxes your body.

If you are considering reflexology for stress management and relaxation, it is advised to have multiple sessions for the best results.

Relieves Pain

Foot reflexology is also known to help in managing pain. A 2020 study found that foot reflexology significantly reduced pain in patients after kidney transplant surgery compared to the control group.

Research has also found that foot reflexology helps in releasing endorphins, which is a hormone that helps in reducing pain.

Improved sleep

Since reflexology helps in relaxing and reducing stress, it’s no surprise that it also helps in promoting a more restful night’s sleep.

Dustin Martinez, a Los Angeles-based chiropractic physician, says that because reflexology involves moving energy and improving overall circulation, it’s easy to have a restful night’s sleep after a treatment.

In the 2020 study previously mentioned, the group that received foot reflexology had a significant improvement in their sleep quality.

Anxiety and depression

A study found that foot reflexology improved depression, anxiety, and sleep in patients. One study in 2000 found that patients going through breast or lung cancer treatment receiving foot reflexology reported lower levels of anxiety compared to patients who didn’t receive foot reflexology.

How does it work?

There are many theories that try to explain how foot reflexology works. Some of the most popular theories are:

Chinese medicine theory

One theory says that foot reflexology is based on the ancient Chinese healing practice of qi, or vital energy. According to this practice, qi, or vital energy, flows through every person, and when they are stressed, their body blocks the flow of qi.

This can cause illness and imbalances in the body. Foot reflexology ensures qi continues flowing through the body, maintaining balance and keeping it disease-free. Different body parts correspond with different pressure points on the feet, and they believe that touching and stimulating these pressure points sends energy flowing through a person’s body until it reaches the area in need of healing.

Central Nervous System Theory

This theory is based on the research done by Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington in the 1890s. This research shows that a neurological relationship exists between the skin and the internal organs, and the whole nervous system adjusts to stimulus.

This theory says that the application of pressure to feet, hands, or ears sends a message from the peripheral nerves to the central nervous system, which in turn signals the body to adjust the tension level. This results in overall relaxation, brings internal organs and their systems into a state of optimum functioning, and increases blood supply. It positively affects the circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, immune, and neuropeptide systems in the body.

Conclusion

Foot reflexology helps the body heal itself and helps it reach optimum functioning. It has numerous benefits and can be used as a complementary treatment, especially to reduce pain and anxiety and improve sleep.

If you are considering reflexology, it is advised to only trust experienced and qualified clinics with trained staff.