In the quest for an improved physique, many people turn to alternative therapies and activities. This may be as the result of a fitness or weight-loss plateau, or simply out of boredom with their regular fitness regimen. Some reflexology proponents claim that regular sessions can do everything from relieve stress to increase muscle growth and even make you taller. Skeptics, on the other hand, regard the lack of legal recognition and necessary training as a sign of quackery.
Identification
Reflexology originated in ancient China and Egypt, but didn't become well known until Dr. William Fitzgerald mapped the foot in the early 20th century. He divided the foot into zones that correspond to different areas of the body, believing that pressure and manipulation of a particular zone would result in a healing of the corresponding body part.
A typical session lasts 30 minutes to an hour, during which the practitioner examines the feet and applies pressure to different areas. According to the American Cancer Society, you may feel tender areas or a tingly sensation in different parts of your body as the therapy proceeds. Some reflexologists manipulate the hands in a similar manner, and many teach their clients how to perform the therapy themselves at home.
Reflexology Benefits
The only reflexology benefits that have been proven in a controlled environment are related to stress relief. The American Cancer Society mentions several studies in which patients experienced relief, all from conditions where stress reduction may prove beneficial. A Danish study from the early 1990s showed that reflexology helped the majority of participants suffering from migraine or tension headaches, and some were able to discontinue medication. A 2002 study found improvement in the premenstrual symptoms of women undergoing reflexology, but the results were similar to a separate group of women that received a simple foot massage. A 2003 study showed that reflexology provided short-term pain relief to cancer patients, and a 2007 study suggested that regular reflexology therapy reduced pain and anxiety in patients with metastatic cancer.
MIsconceptions
There is no credible research to suggest that reflexology can stimulate bone growth or cure or prevent any disease. It has not been proven to initiate muscle growth either, although the research on the topic is scarce. Most reflexologists say that their practice relieves stress and balances energy, but stop short of making quantifiable claims.
Muscle Growth
According to a paper published by Utah State University, muscle growth occurs in three ways: by increasing the number of muscle cells, by increasing the girth of the muscle fibers or by lengthening the muscle fibers. Humans stop growing new muscle cells shortly after birth, so nothing will make you add muscle that way. You can increase the girth of your muscle fibers with a regular regimen of heavy weight lifting, and you can lengthen muscle fibers by stretching. The University of Texas Department of Surgery notes that for muscle growth to occur in either case, you must consume more protein than your muscles require for repair.
The Bottom Line
While research has shown reflexology to have positive effects on stress and pain levels, it cannot trigger muscle growth because muscles simply do not work that way. The benefits of reflexology come from natural hormones that are released through massage, but testosterone, which does play a role in muscle growth, is not one of the hormones released. The only way to increase muscle mass is through a strict training regimen and adequate protein intake.
Member Comments