Many women experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. While a number of conventional treatments, such as antidepressants and other medications, can offer symptom relief, some research has also demonstrated the benefits of a holistic form of healing known as reflexology for symptoms of PMS.
About Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of holistic healing that focuses on applied pressure and massage to specific parts of your feet, ears and hands. These parts of your body are thought to correspond to certain locations and organs in the rest of your body. Reflexologists apply pressure and massage without the use of massage creams, gels or oils, in order to effectively manipulate the flow of qi, or your natural life force. The premise of reflexology is that a block in your energy flow can result in disease and dysfunction. Practitioners believe reflexology can restore the healthy flow of energy and promote stress relief and relaxation.
Symptoms and Causes
Premenstrual syndrome is a common condition experienced by women of childbearing age. Some of the symptoms include anxiety, depression, tension, frequent crying spells, mood swings, irritability, bloating, water retention and bodily aches and pains. The exact causes of PMS aren't totally understood, but a number of factors are thought to play a contributing role. Mayo Clinic reports that hormonal fluctuations; changes in levels of serotonin, an important brain chemical; nutritional factors; and stress may affect PMS. Reflexology is thought to help symptoms of PMS by promoting a sense of relaxation and stress relief.
Clinical Evidence
A study published in the December 1993 issue of the journal, "Obstetrics and Gynecology" evaluated the effects of a true reflexology treatment versus a placebo reflexology treatment, on 35 women with PMS. Women who received the true reflexology treatment were treated using specific points and reflex zones on the feet that are believed to correspond to symptoms of PMS, while those who received the placebo were treated on areas not thought to be related to PMS. The results of this study found that women who received the true reflexology treatment experienced a significant decrease in symptoms of PMS and reported a greater sense of relaxation than women who received the placebo treatment.
Reflexology Zones and Points for PMS
Certain acupressure points on your body are thought to be associated with symptoms of PMS. In the 1993 study, patients who received a true reflexology treatment were stimulated on a variety of points, including a specific acupressure point located on the ear known as "shen men." Shen men is actually not associated with any specific body part but is thought to have an effect on pain and symptoms of anxiety, according to Drs. Bryan Frank and Nader Soliman in a 1998 article for the journal "Medical Acupuncture."
Additional points that were stimulated included two points located near the back of the ankles, associated with the ovaries and uterus; two points located near the wrist by the base of the pinky finger, also associated with the ovaries and uterus; and several points located near the center of the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet that are associated with the solar plexus, adrenal glands and kidneys.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Causes; December 2009
- "Obstetrics and Gynecology"; Randomized Controlled Study Of Premenstrual Symptoms Treated with Ear, Hand, and Foot Reflexology; Terry Oleson, Ph.D and William S. Flocco; December 1993
- "Medical Acupuncture"; Shen Men: A Critical Assessment Through Advanced Auricular Therapy; Bryan L. Frank, MD and Nader Soliman, MD; 1998
