Reflexology is an ancient healing art dating back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Indians and Chinese would use this practice to heal and promote physical and mental wellness. Today, reflexology is used as a holistic form of healing for stress, relaxation and well-being. Among its many other benefits, reflexology may promote a faster metabolism. When stimulated, certain reflexology points may help to speed up your metabolism, although there are no scientific studies to support this claim.
How Reflexology Works
Reflexology is based on the concept of "zone therapy," which says that certain areas on your hands and feet correspond to specific organs and parts of your body. A reflexologist will treat your feet with his hands, applying pressure to points that correspond to ailments you are suffering from. A trained reflexologist will discern subtle changes or imbalances in your body through examination of your feet. Reflexology is about restoring balance and promoting well-being, both physically and mentally, through attention to the zones on your feet. If you have a metabolic issue or slow metabolism, for example, your reflexologist may pay particular attention to the thyroid reflex on your feet.
Reflexology Point for Metabolism
The thyroid reflex is associated with your metabolism and other functions of the thyroid. You can locate this reflex by taking your right foot in your hand and pressing the center of your foot with your thumb. Move your thumb toward your toes. The thyroid reflex is located between the base of the pad of your big toe and continues along the base and pads of the adjacent two toes. According to Luck's Yard Clinic, this part of your feet may be covered in calluses or appear and feel hard and dry if you suffer from a metabolic issue or slow metabolism. A reflexologist will treat this area through acupressure and foot massage to help restore health and vitality to your thyroid, promoting a healthier metabolism.
Fever
Reflexology also assists with healing processes within your body that cause an increased metabolism, such as fever. Fever indicates that something is out of balance in your body. Your metabolism speeds up when you have a fever. For example, when you become sick or have an infection, your body develops a fever to fight the bacteria or virus. Reflexology may speed up the healing process and help your body fight infection by focusing on certain reflex points in the feet, particularly those corresponding to circulation and the heart. In reflexology, fever is also controlled through applying pressure to points on the toes, according to Oma's Reflexology Center.
Warning
Do not use reflexology or any other holistic form of healing against your doctor's advice or as a substitute for ongoing conventional medical treatments, especially if you have a health condition or are taking medication for any reason. Always inform your reflexologist of the medications you take and any health conditions you have or are being treated for.
References
- Association of Reflexologists: What is Reflexology?
- Luck's Yard Clinic: Reflexology and Infertility
- ""The Everything Reflexology Books: Manipulate Zones in the Hands and Feet to Relieve Stress, Improve Circulation, and Promote Good Health"; Valerie Voner, CRT; 2003
- Oma's Reflexology Center: What is this Oma Method?
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