Reflexologists work under the premise that specific zones on the body's extremities correspond to certain organs. Practitioners apply pressure to the hands, feet and ears to reduce stress and cause physical changes in the body. The Reflexology Association of America says treatment aids in both internal and external relaxation, improving the function of the organs, glands and all bodily systems. Reflexology is not used to diagnose or treat illness or disease. If you are sick, contact your physician, and follow his advice. Reflexology might be a complementary treatment to ease your symptoms or discomfort.
Reflexology Methods
Reflexology practitioners use maps of reflex points on the ears, hands and feet to affect their corresponding organs. The University of Minnesota advises that reflexology helps the organs to function optimally by increasing circulation, which oxygenates the cells and aids in waste removal. In the study ""Clinical Observation on Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease with Foot Reflexotherapy" performed by researchers Li Zhongzheng and Liu Yuchun on 58 coronary disease patients, results showed a marked improvement in symptoms of angina and lowered blood pressure. The university also notes that reflexology positively affects not only the circulatory system, but the respiratory, endocrine, immune and neuropeptide systems as well.
Pain Management
The US National Library of Medicine's website, PubMed, notes that more than two thirds of Americans are now managing their chronic pain with alternative therapies that include, but are not limited to, reflexology. However, studies that have tested reflexology's effect on pain management have been minimal, and further research is needed. Regardless, The Mayo Clinic lists reflexology as a nontraditional option for managing the pain of childbirth, and while it won't completely eradicate the pain of contractions, it might help you feel more relaxed and better equipped to handle labor pains.
Stress and Circulation
In 2008, the Department of Nursing at Songwon College in Korea conducted a study on the effects of self-foot reflexology. Fifty-nine women participated in the study in which self-administered reflexology was performed three times a week for six weeks at 40 minutes per session. According to the research, the experiment proved effective, and the department concluded that reflexology showed promise as an effective intervention for stress, fatigue and poor circulation.
Immunity
The University of Minnesota offers that studies in Denmark showed reflexology as effective in reducing the frequency of sick-leave absenteeism among workers as well. As the 2008 Korean study noted, reflexology may prove effective for reducing stress, which the Mayo Clinic lists as a method to reduce the risk of illness. Long-term stress results in overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones that disrupt the body's processes, with excessive stress leading to increased risk of heart disease, sleep deficiencies, digestive problems, depression, obesity, memory impairment and worsened skin conditions such as eczema, according to the hospital's website.
References
- University of Minnesota: Reflexology
- Pub Med; Result of Self-Foot Reflexology on Stress, Fatigue and Blood Circulation in Premenopausal, Middle-Aged Women ; Jang SH; Kim KH.; 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Labor Pain -- Weigh Your Options for Relief
- Reflexology Association of America: Differences Between Reflexology and Massage
- University of Minnesota: How Does Reflexology Work?
- Reflexology Research Project: Coronary Heart Disease
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