About one in every six adults in the United States has high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also reports that having high cholesterol doubles your risk of contracting heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. People of all ages and backgrounds are vulnerable. A myriad of drugs are prescribed to control cholesterol levels, though none is without side effects. Accordingly, many people seek alternative remedies. Reflexology has emerged as one possible therapy to help people with high cholesterol.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol circulates in human blood. It has two major sources: what you eat and what your liver produces. Production of cholesterol by the liver is regulated by several glands, including the thyroid. The public perception of cholesterol is generally negative; however, cholesterol is critical to normal cellular function, to building and maintaining cell membranes, for bile production and for synthesis of steroidal hormones. Excessive cholesterol, however, contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, in which plaque forms in your arteries. Plaque narrows arteries and reduces blood flow throughout your body. Plaque also may rupture, releasing a blood clot or plug of material that could travel through your body and completely block blood flow to a specific area – as occurs in certain strokes and heart attacks.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that stimulating reflex points on the hands, feet or ears benefits other parts of your body. The origins of reflexology reach to ancient Egypt. Its purported benefits include reduction of stress in various parts of the body. A skilled practitioner can discern physiological imbalances through examination of the reflex points and use those reflex points to restore balance and promote well-being. Reflexology is not a replacement for traditional medical care, but can be used to complement and enhance the benefits of medical treatment.
Reflexology and Cholesterol
The thyroid reflex point is between the bases of the pads below the first three toes. Manipulation of this reflex point through acupressure is thought to restore thyroid health and vitality. Because cholesterol levels are in part regulated by the thyroid, high cholesterol levels may be a function of thyroid problems. Accordingly, acupressure treatment of the thyroid also may help reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Efficacy
The efficacy of reflexology is in debate. The practice has been used in China and India for centuries, despite being relatively new to the United States. As of August 2011, no studies provide clear scientific evidence of the benefits of reflexology for cholesterol reduction. Additionally, it is not recommended as a means of cholesterol control by the American Heart Association, which also does not recommend against its use. Many clinical trials are under way, indicating that the medical establishment is seriously considering the possibility of reflexology's therapeutic benefits.
Precautions
People with fractures or unhealed wounds on the hand or foot should avoid reflexology. Those with circulatory problems or gout should consult a medical professional prior to reflexology. Caution is advised for pregnant women, since rigorous stimulation of the feet could cause uterine contractions.
