What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a fascinating blend of art and science. This unique form of bodywork employs different hand and finger pressure techniques which can be applied to the feet, hands, ears, and face. The practice is based on a theory that the reflex areas found just below the surface of the skin are linked through nervous system pathways to all organs, glands, tissues, and body systems. Reflexologists believe that by applying gentle, alternating pressure to these reflex areas can promote a wide variety of health benefits.

In short, modern Reflexology is a science-based, gentle and non-invasive way to access a deeper state of relaxation and support the bodies’ natural healing potential.

How does reflexology work?

There are a few different theories about how reflexology works.

In traditional Chinese medicine Reflexology rests on the ancient Chinese belief in qi (“chee”), or vital energy. According to this belief, qi flows through each person. When a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi. This can cause an imbalance in the body that leads to illness. Reflexology aims to keep qi flowing through the body, keeping it balanced and disease free.

In Chinese medicine, different body parts correspond with different pressure points on a map of meridians the body. Reflexologists also use maps related to these points in the feet, hands, and ears to determine where they should apply pressure. They believe their touch sends energy flowing through a person’s body until it reaches the area in need of healing.

History

In the 1890s, British scientists found that nerves connect the skin and internal organs. They also found that the body’s entire nervous system tends to adjust to outside factors, including touch. A reflexologist’s touch may help to calm the central nervous system, promoting relaxation, circulation, oxygenation, and other benefits just like any form of massage.

Others believe that the brain creates pain as a subjective experience. Sometimes, the brain reacts to physical pain. But in other cases, it may create pain in response to emotional or mental distress.

Some believe that reflexology can reduce pain through calming touch, which may help to improve someone’s mood and reduce stress.

Zone theory is another belief that some use to explain how reflexology works. This theory holds that the body contains 10 vertical zones. Each zone contains different body parts and corresponds to specific fingers and toes.

Practitioners of the zone theory believe that touching these fingers and toes allows them to access every body part in a particular zone.

Through the work and scientific research of Dr. William Fitzgerald, Dr. Joe Riley, and a nurse practitioner named Eunice Ingham, the modern practice of Reflexology began in the United States 1920's and 30's.

Since its inception as a distinct form of bodywork, there have been over three hundred valid scientific studies done on Reflexology. Many of these studies can be found in major medical journals throughout the world.

Fifteen commonly reported benefits of Reflexology

Reflexology supports the bodies' healing process in the following ways:

Lowers stress and anxiety
Improves relaxation and makes it more accessible
Relieves insomnia and promotes better sleep
Reduces inflammation in the feet and lower legs
Reduces overall pain level
Improves mobility and range of motion in feet and hands
Clears the mind
Boosts the immune system
Supports post surgical healing
Clears sinus congestion and prommotes sinus drainage
Promotes normal hormonal levels
Boosts fertility in men and women
Improves digestion, elimination, and detoxification
Lowers nervous system tension so the body can better heal itself
Relieves plantar fasciitis
Promotes better circulation and oxygenation in the feet and lower legs

What does the research say?

Although Reflexology is not used for treatment of specific medical conditions, it has significant value as a complementary therapy to help reduce symptoms and improve someone’s quality of life; much like massage. Since the massaged area is the feet, for some people that will provide even more relief of stress or discomfort.

Here’s a look at what the research says about using reflexology to manage pain and anxiety.

In a 2011 study funded by the National Cancer Institute, experts studied how reflexology treatments affected 240 women with advanced breast cancer. All women were undergoing medical treatment, such as chemotherapy, for their cancer.

The study found that reflexology helped to reduce some of their symptoms, including shortness of breath. The participants also reported an improved quality of life.

Premenstrual Syndrome Study

Researchers have also looked at the effects of reflexology on pain in women experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

In one older study Trusted Source researchers looked at the effects of ear, hand, and foot reflexology on 35 women who previously reported having PMS symptoms.

They found that those who received two months of reflexology treatment reported significantly fewer PMS symptoms than the women who did not. However, keep in mind that this study was very small and done decades ago.

Larger, long-term studies are needed to fully understand whether reflexology helps to reduce pain.

Anxiety

In one study Trusted Source from 2000, researchers looked at the effects of one 30-minute foot reflexology treatment on people being treated for breast or lung cancer. Those who received a reflexology treatment reported lower levels of anxiety than those who received no reflexology treatment.

In a 2014 study that was slightly larger, researchers gave people undergoing heart surgery a 20-minute foot reflexology treatment once a day for four days.

They found that those who received the reflexology treatment reported significantly lower levels of anxiety than those who didn’t.Touch by another human being is a relaxing, caring, anxiety-reducing action for most people.

Is reflexology safe to try?

Generally, reflexology is very safe, even for people living with serious health conditions. It’s noninvasive and comfortable to receive, so it may be worth trying if it’s something you’re interested in. It has also served as a very useful adjunct to other forms of bodywork, rehabilitation, post surgical healing, and hospice care.

*However, you should talk to your doctor first if you have any of the following health issues*:

circulatory problems in the feet
severe edema
blood clots or inflammation of your leg veins
gout
foot ulcers
fungal infections, like athlete’s foot
open wounds or infections on your hands or feet
thyroid problems
epilepsy
just out of a surgical procedure
going through a course of chemotherapy treatment
a low platelet count or other blood problems, which can make you bruise and bleed more easily

*You may still be able to try reflexology if you have any of these issues, but you might need to take a few precautions to avoid any adverse effects.

Warning

If you’re pregnant, make sure to tell your reflexologist before your session, as some pressure points in the hands and feet may induce contractions. If you’re trying to use reflexology to induce labor, only do so with your doctor’s approval. There is a risk of premature delivery, and babies are healthiest if born at 40 weeks of gestation.

Although less common, some people have reported having mild side effects after reflexology treatment, including*:

lightheadedness
tender feet
emotional sensitivity

*These are short-term side effects that tend to go away shortly after treatment.

The Take - Away

Reflexology can be a helpful and effective supportive method for promoting wellness and health. Although there have been many scientific studies demonstrating its efficacy, Reflexology is not considered as a medical treatment for disease. However, there are some studies that suggest it is a helpful complementary treatment; especially for stress and anxiety.. Most people notice results within the first few sessions. Try a session and experience the benefits of physical and mental relaxation.

If you’re interested in reflexology, look for a properly trained reflexologist who has registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, International Institute of Reflexology or IIR, American Reflexology Certification Board or ARCB, and The Reflexology Association of America or RAA, etc...

Talk to your doctor if you have any serious existing conditions before seeking treatment.

Websites for more Information:

ARCB.net

Reflexology-usa.org

Reflexologyresearch.net

Americanacademyofreflexology.com

“If you're feeling out of kilter, don't know why or what about, let your feet reveal the answer,

find the sore spot, work it out.”

Eunice Ingham