Benefits of reflexology treatment
There are many reasons why reflexology is good for you. I list some of them here:
Alleviation of symptoms and reduction in pain levels
There have been many case studies looking at the benefits of reflexology and detailed here are a couple of examples where the effect on pain / conditions have been studied:
In China, 36 patients, with sciatica were given 10-20 sessions foot reflexology. Results: 81% were cured and 19% had therapeutic benefits. One patient continued with self-reflexology after discharge. Conclusion: Foot reflexology was found to be effective for providing relief of sciatica(1)
In Denmark, 220 clients (in a government study at the School of Pharmacy) with headaches were given a foot reflexology session. After 3 months, 16% was cured, 65% stated that reflexology was helpful, 18% stated their headaches were unchanged and 19% stopped taking medicine. Conclusion: The study indicates that treatment with reflexology is able to cure or help both tension headaches and migraines.(2)
Encourages the body to heal itself through restoring balance and makes the body work better
For example, improvement with blood flow. Studies measuring blood flow in the brain using fMRI technology found that reflexology applied to a reflex area in the foot increase blood flow in the part of the brain related to that part of the body (e.g. intestine reflex area and intestines). Good blood flow is essential as in order to function each cell of the body needs oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to it and heat and waste products to be removed. If these simple functions do not occur cells die. Reflexology encourages circulation to the extremities and also simulates the parasympathetic nervous system which encourages blood flow to all the organs of the body.
Relaxation
Measurement real-time as reflexology is applied, EEG shows that the brain immediately goes into a more relaxed state as reflexology commences. In this relaxed state it reduces the bodies need for excess and unnecessary sympathetic (fight or flight) and adrenal responses and puts the body in a state where the parasympathetic ( rest and digest) nervous system can function effectively.
Relieves stress
Stress has major physical effects on the body, such as depleting it of essential nutrients, reflexology can positively contribute to a healthier life by helping the body use its nutrients more effectively. Reflexology increases the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing the bodies high energy functions, aiding the body to rest and improving digestion.
Helps the body expel waste products, through increased urination, etc
Stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps the body detoxify, filter metabolic waste, nourish and regenerate tissue and helps keep a healthy immune system.
By stimulating nerve endings in the feet, reflexology aids in nerve stimulation and the opening and clearing of nerve pathways
Citations
(1) Dong, Y., "A Preliminary Approach to Foot Reflexology in Treatment of Sciatica." 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 35-38.
(2) Brendstrup, D., Eriksen, L., and Launso, L., "Reflexology Is An Effective Treatment for Headaches." Zoneterapeuten (Journal of the Danish Reflexologists Association, FDZ), Number 8, 1995
