Reflexology is a form of complementary medicine intended to help your body restore its balance. Reflexology techniques utilize non-invasive forms of massage and pressure on your hands and feet, according to Saint Paul College. This technique's proponents claim it elicits relaxation of your muscles. Reflexology is used for several conditions, both chronic and acute, including symptoms caused by stress.
Pain Relief
Reflexology may help decrease chronic and acute pain. A 2007 study published in "Oncology Nursing Forum" found that cancer patients reported significant pain relief when they received reflexology treatments administered by a spouse or significant other. Prior to administration of the treatments, the spouses or significant others were provided with a brief lesson on reflexology techniques. In addition, a 2008 study published in "Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice" found that individuals with amputated lower limbs reported significant relief of phantom pain and impairment of activities when administered reflexology treatments.
Improved Blood Flow
To restore your body's balance, a reflexologist will use techniques to improve blood flow through your vascular system. A 1999 study published in "Forschende Komplementarmedizin" used doppler sonography to evaluate changes in blood flow during a reflexology session. The subsequent sonograms showed that blood flow in the kidneys increased during the session. In a presentation published in the March 2006 edition of the "ICR Newsletter," Dr. Marc Piquemal explains that his research supports improvement in blood flow in the area receiving reflexology treatment and also in surrounding areas.
Decreased Anxiety
Therapeutic techniques like massage therapy and reflexology can improve your ability to relax and withstand stress' effects. A 2000 study published in "Oncology Nursing Forum" found that individuals with breast and lung cancers reported decreased pain and less anxiety when reflexology treatments were administered. Given the evidence that also supports an increase in blood flow through the vascular system and the decrease in reported pain with reflexology treatments, anxiety caused by pain and restricted blood flow may also be relieved.
Stress Relief
Decreases in pain and anxiety can help relieve stress caused by these conditions, and reflexology may also help to reduce stress itself. A 2006 study published in "Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice" reported that individuals with anxiety found significant relief while receiving reflexology treatment. Measures, however, of the stress hormone cortisol and melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, did not change, suggesting the addition of other approaches to stress relief may enhance the effect.
References
- Reflexology Association of America: Home
- Saint Paul College: Reflexology
- American Cancer Society: Reflexology
- "Oncology Nursing Forum"; Partner-delivered reflexology: Effects on Cancer Pain and Anxiety.; N. L. Stephenson, et al.; 2007
- "ICR Newsletter"; Global Effect of Reflexology on Blood Flow; Dr. Marc Piquemal; 2006
- "Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice"; Reflexology Treatment For Patients With Lower Limb Amputations and Phantom Limb Pain—An Exploratory Pilot Study; Christine Ann Brown, et al.; 2008
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