What is Reflexology Therapy?
Reflexology at Team Physio is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears. It’s based on a theory that these body parts are connected to certain organs and body systems. People who practice this technique are called reflexologists.
Reflexologists believe that applying pressure to these parts offers a range of health benefits.
Read on to learn more about how reflexology works and whether it’s worth a try.
What Research says?
In a study in 2011 funded by the National Cancer Institute conducted on 240 women, results showed that reflexology helped reduce some of their symptoms, such as shortness of breath and pain. The participants also reported improved quality of life.
Another research has studied 35 women the effects of reflexology on pain in women experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Experts have found out that those who received two months of reflexology treatment reported significantly fewer PMS symptoms than the women who did not.
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 (pronounced “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 the body. Reflexologists use maps of 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.
Other theories
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 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.
What are the potential benefits of reflexology?
Reflexology is linked to many potential benefits, but only a few of them have been evaluated in scientific studies.
So far, there’s limited evidence that reflexology may help to:
improve general well-being
In addition, people have reported that reflexology helped them:
boost their immune system
get over colds and bacterial infections
clear up sinus issues
recover from back problems
correct hormonal imbalances
boost fertility
improve digestion
ease arthritis pain
treat nerve problems and numbness from cancer drugs (peripheral neuropathy)
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.
What next?
If you would like to book an appointment or request further information, please contact your nearest clinic or click here.
Mawsley clinic: 01536697989
Corby clinic: 01604217821
Do not forget that you can also contact us through email.