A foot massage can be an incredibly relaxing way to end the day. You may not realize, though, that the foot has specific points that can not only reduce pain in your feet, but also potentially benefit the rest of your body as well. Reflexology has been practiced since ancient times in Egypt, China and Japan. It can now be found in spas and massage therapy clinics across the U.S. and the rest of the Western world.
Philosophy
Reflexology is the act of putting pressure on the feet and hands on specific points without oil or lotions. According to UMM.edu, certain points on the hands and feet correspond to various parts and organs of the body. Your left hand and foot correspond to the left side of your body; likewise, your right hand and foot correspond to the right side of your body. Practitioners will use their fingers or knuckles in various patterns to elicit beneficial effects, depending on your specific symptoms or conditions.
Sections of the Foot
Reflexology practitioners believe your entire body is tied directly to the palms and soles of the feet. Reflexology-research.com says your spine is represented down the insides of your feet and hands, with the arms and shoulders corresponding with the outsides of your feet and hands. Your toes and fingers represent the head and neck as well as the parts of the body they encase. The ball of your foot mirrors the chest and upper back, as well as your heart and lungs.
The waist area of the body can be found halfway down your foot at the base of the long bones of your foot. Using this line as the midpoint of your body, the area above it will represent the parts of your body that are above the waist. Likewise, below that line would be the parts of your body below the waist.
Reflexology and Blood Flow
Although not many studies have been conducted on the effects of reflexology, some do exist. In September 2005, Dr. M. Piquemal conducted a study that used infra-cooled systems to monitor the effects of reflexology on nine different patients. He was able to show a correlation between five specific reflexology points and corresponding dermatomes, or innervated spots on the skin, of the nervous system. The dermatomes connect with various organs in the body. His study found that reflexology points, potentially through the dermatomes, increased blood flow to specific organs of the body.
Reflexology and Tension
Massage in general is well-known for its stress-relieving benefits. Specific points on the feet and hands, however, can help to relieve specific areas of tension. For instance, the head and neck can be found represented in the toes. Your practitioner may manipulate your toes if you suffer from tension in those areas. Your toes can also be pressed to help relieve tension headaches. UMM.edu says reflexology has been found to alleviate tension headaches. The site also says reflexology may be helpful in cases of migraine headaches.
Post-Operative Benefits
According to an August 2010 article from "Applied Nursing Research," reflexology can help with post-operative pain. Dr. N. Degirmen and colleagues evaluated pain levels in patients who had undergone Caesarean sections. Some were given reflexology treatments while others were given standard care. They discovered that those women who received reflexology had less post-operative pain. These women also had stronger vital signs than the control group.
Reflexology and Cold Intolerance
If you have cold hands and feet or become cold easily, reflexology may be helpful. Cold intolerance can also be accompanied by dizziness and headache. A pilot study published in the "Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies" in March 2010 tested the effects of reflexology on patients who underwent an ice bath and subsequent reflexology therapy of the left foot. Researchers discovered that participants showed increased blood flow and body temperature after reflexology had been performed.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Massage and Physical Therapy
- Reflexology-research.com: Sections of the Foot
- "Global Effect of Reflexology on Blood Flow"; Dr. M. Piquemal; September 2005
- "Applied Nursing Research"; "Effectiveness of foot and hand massage in postcesarean pain control in a group of Turkish pregnant women"; N. Degirmen et al; August 2010
- "Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies"; "A pilot study exploring the effects of reflexology on cold intolerance"; W. Zhang et al; March 2010
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