If you suffer from stress, your adrenals are working overtime and reflexology may help you relax. Part of your adrenal gland, the adrenal medulla, releases stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline which trigger the “fight or flight” response. Your heart races as your body prepares for action, and you may struggle to calm down after prolonged periods of stress. Reflexology may reduce symptoms of stress, though it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor before trying reflexology.
Anxiety and Pain
In one study published in Oncology Nursing Forum in 2000, reflexology helped breast and lung cancer patients deal with the anxiety associated with their illness. After 30 minutes of reflexology from a certified therapist, patients felt less anxious and breast cancer patients reported a reduction in pain. Reflexology may counterbalance the effects of adrenal stress hormones related to anxiety and pain, though more research is necessary to determine its specific effects on physiology.
Stress and PMS
Women experienced deep relaxation and reduction in premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, symptoms after receiving reflexology according to a 1993 study published in "Obstetrics and Gynecology." Thirty-five women received 30 minute reflexology sessions, and some relaxed so deeply that they feel asleep during their treatment. After receiving reflexology, the women experienced a reduction in both physical and emotional symptoms associated with PMS, possibly due to the relaxation and stress relief accompanied by reflexology.
Location
Reflexologists believe that the soles of your feet correlate to a map of the human body, with your head corresponding to the toes of your feet, and your pelvis corresponding to your heel. Following this map, the reflexology point for adrenal glands lies approximately a finger width under the ball of your foot, near the inner edge of your arch. As you have two adrenal glands in your body, one above each kidney, you also have two adrenal reflexology points -- one in the same location on either foot. A thorough reflexology session involves your adrenal point as well as other reflexology points specific to your condition.
Technique
To self-administer reflexology, massage the adrenal reflexology point by itself, if you prefer, though manipulating both feet provides greater relaxation. Start slowly, massaging your feet to warm them before applying deeper pressure. Hold the heel of your foot in one hand, while using a thumb to apply steady, static pressure to the adrenal point. Hold for five seconds, then release. Apply pressure upon inhalation, and release the pressure when exhaling. Alternatively, apply pressure with your thumb while rotating your hand to make small circles on the adrenal point.
References
- University of New Hampshire Health Services: Reflexology
- "Obstetrics and Gynecology"; Randomized Controlled Study of Premenstrual Symptoms Treated with Ear, Hand and Foot Reflexology; Terry Oleson, Ph.D. and William Flocco; December 1993
- "Hands on Feet"; Michelle K. Ebbin; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; The Adrenal Glands; August 2010
- "Oncology Nursing Forum"; The Effects of Foot Reflexology and Anxiety and Pain in Patients with Breast and Lung Cancer; Nancy L.N. Stephenson, Ph.D., R.N., C.S., et al.; January/February 2000
Member Comments