Reflexology is a massage technique using pressure on specific points on the hands and feet to stimulate health in corresponding organs and tissues throughout the body. Limited scientific research exists regarding the use of reflexology as a complementary medicine for health conditions, including anxiety.
According to the American Reflexology Certification Board, reflexology applies pressure to specific areas on the feet and hands to create a response in the nervous system and promote relaxation. These responses may result in reduced anxiety. Reflexology may work by stimulating the release of the body's natural pain relievers and anti-depressant hormones, resulting in relaxation, though scientific evidence has not confirmed or disproved this.
Anxiety Symptoms
The body prepares to respond to threats by triggering the fight-or-flight response. Neurotransmitters flood the system to increase alertness and the ability to think and respond. Anxiety is an emotional symptom in response to stress coming on suddenly or over a period of time and being experienced briefly or lasting for years. The extent of anxiety can be mild or lead to panic. Anxiety that continues after a maximum point interferes with response. Mood fluctuates back and forth in relation to anxiety from sleep, to alert, to anxiety and to fear. Reactions vary along with the ability to tolerate anxiety.
Treating Anxiety
Anxiety is a symptom from responding to stressful situations. When anxiety interferes with normal living, a physician performs a complete physical and mental health profile. Treatment for anxiety depends on the cause of anxiety. Some illnesses cause anxiety, including brain injury or infection, heart failure or rhythm disturbances, and overactive thyroid or adrenal glands. The use or withdrawal from caffeine, alcohol and stimulant drugs may cause anxiety as well. Sedative medications treat anxiety with no apparent medical cause. A physician diagnoses and treats the underlying cause, and the anxiety may go away. For severe anxiety that interferes with normal activities with no underlying medical cause, sedative medications can be prescribed to relax muscles and treat sleeplessness and tension to improve function.
Reflexology
The American Reflexology Certification Board credits the use of modern reflexology to observations and practices of Dr. William Fitzgerald and Dr. Joe Shelby Riley. Reflexology is a massage technique developed from tenets of traditional Chinese Medicine designed to restore overall health by maintaining energy flow throughout the body. Reflexology focuses on reflex points on the feet and hands corresponding to organs and tissues. Rubbing, pressing, then releasing these points is believed to stimulate the energy pathways to the organs and tissues. Charts of the feet and hands show what areas of the feet correspond with certain areas of the body. In general, the toes correspond to the head, the arch corresponds to the middle of the body and the heel is the legs and feet.
Who Practices Reflexology?
Massage therapists are trained professionals and licensed by many states, which may include a combination of education and passing exams to show proficiency. Simple massage can be performed by a partner or self-delivered. Books on reflexology provide information on techniques and charts of reflexology points on the feet and hands. Pay attention to the pressure and overall feeling and stop if the massage causes excess discomfort or stress. Relax and focus on the moment and how it feels. This may be enough of a distraction to relieve the feeling of anxiety.
Effectiveness
Limited scientific studies address using reflexology to treat anxiety. In a research study reported in the journal Complementary Therapies, researchers studied reflexology for temporary anxiety vs. general long-term anxiety. The study showed improvement for temporary anxiety in both stress and decreased blood pressure, indicating relaxation. Reflexology for long-term anxiety showed no advantage to reflexology treatment. Research results reported in Oncology Nursing Forum studied the effect of reflexology administered by a partner to cancer patients compared with being read to as another relaxation technique. Patients receiving reflexology showed a 62 percent improvement in anxiety. Additional research on the effectiveness of reflexology for treating anxiety is needed, along with studies to determine how reflexology acts within the body to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Side Effects
Few side effects occur from using reflexology and may include discomfort or pain during massage, a ticklish sensation, bruising, swelling or sensitivity to massage oil, including itching, rash or for severe allergic reactions, swelling of the mouth or throat. Severe allergic reactions require emergency medical treatment. Reflexology should be used for relaxation and not in place of treatment for medical conditions. Discuss with your physician if massage would be appropriate for specific diseases and health.
References
- American Reflexology Certification Board: Anatomy and Physiology
- "Merck Manual of Medical Information, Home Edition"; Robert Berkow, editor in chief; 1997
- Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice: Evaluation of anxiety: Following reflexology
- Oncology Nursing Forum: Partner-delivered reflexology
