Foot Reflexology

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY

What is reflexology?

Foot reflexology is a treatment that’s been practised for centuries. It is an ancient medicine — it’s been around forever, it can be traced as far back as 2330 B.C.

It involves applying pressure to different points on the bottom of the foot.

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), these points correspond to different areas of the body. They are believed to have multiple benefits, including reducing stress, aiding digestion, improving circulation and promoting sound sleep.

Reflexology is commonly known as a holistic practice performed on the feet. The concept is that there are meridian points on the feet that correspond with various organs in the body. Reflexology can improve quality of life in several ways. This involves reducing stress and bringing balance to the body, energy, and mind.

Foot reflexology benefits

Foot reflexology may help with:

- stress and relaxation
- pain management
- digestion
- eye strain
- improved sleep
- Ideal preventive therapy

Stress and relaxation

One of the key benefits associated with reflexology is relaxation and stress management. This is achieved by applying pressure to certain points on the feet.

Relaxation is probably the biggest benefit of foot reflexology. Reflexology helps by increasing blood flow through the body, which helps to decrease stress and anxiety and lower blood pressure. When you feel less stress and less anxious, it’s easy to feel relaxed.

A 2019 systematic review of reflexology in palliative care for advanced cancer found that reflexology, alongside other complementary therapies of aromatherapy and massage, enhanced well-being and offered people respite and escapism from their condition.

If you try reflexology for stress management or relaxation, consider having multiple sessions as recommended for optimal benefit.

Pain management

Perhaps related to its effects on stress and relaxation, foot reflexology may also help with managing both acute and chronic pain.

Foot reflexology may help reduce pain after an operation. Many studies found that foot reflexology significantly reduced pain after kidney transplantation surgery, compared with a control group. Also significantly reduced pain after abdominal hysterectomy surgery, compared with a control group. There is also evidence to support the effectiveness of foot reflexology in reducing chronic pain. Foot reflexology significantly reduced pain and anxiety among children with chronic pain.

Digestion

Reflexology may help with digestion.

One of the reflex points found on your feet is connected to your stomach — when this particular point is stimulated, it will increase blood flow to your stomach, helping to improve digestion.

Eye-strain

Reflexology can help reverse some of the stress we put on our eyes just from our daily activities. These pressure points help relax the tight muscles caused by looking at our screens all day.

Improved sleep

Considering reflexology may be beneficial in helping you relax and reduce stress, it’s no surprise that some say it may help promote a more restful night’s sleep.

Because reflexology is moving energy and improving overall circulation, it’s easy to have a restful night’s sleep after a treatment.

Does reflexology work?

Reflexology may be beneficial as a treatment that occurs alongside other treatments for a condition, often referred to as a complementary treatment.

Reflexology side effects and contraindications

After a reflexology session, most people experience a sense of well-being and relaxation. However, side effects can occur. These include:

- lethargy
- nausea
- crying or feeling tearful
- light-headedness
- strong emotions

This is usually transitory, and it is part of the healing process.

Reflexology is not for everyone, though. For people with certain health conditions, it may cause more harm than good. Contraindications for reflexology include:

- circulatory issues
- gout
- history of blood clots
- certain foot injuries such as sprains, strains, or stress fractures
- painful skin conditions such as blisters or severe eczema or psoriasis
- contagious skin conditions such as scabies, chicken pox, or athlete’s foot
- certain symptoms of diabetes, including non-healing wounds or peripheral neuropathy
- pregnancy

What to expect at your first foot reflexology appointment

Some people experience immediate relief, especially when it comes to pain and anxiety. Each case is individual and there is no universal timeline for improvement.

You can expect to be a little sore, but in a good way.

How long before you start seeing benefits?

The majority of patients notice benefits after their first reflexology session However everybody is unique and heals in their own timing.

While you may be able to feel the effects of reflexology after just one treatment, it’s advised to continue using reflexology treatments for best results.

WELL-IM Natural Therapy Services