Reflexology is a holistic treatment that focuses on your feet and other specific points of your body, such as your ears, in order to promote health. A reflexology treatment involves pressure and massage of specific points of your feet, based on the belief that this will bring about physical and mental healing. Reflexology is thought to help promote a sense of relaxation and calmness. In England, reflexology has been used in pilot programs in certain schools to help improve the behavior of unruly and disruptive children, according to a 2008 article in "The Guardian." However, not everyone believes in its effectiveness.
About Reflexology
Reflexology is an ancient healing art form dating back to ancient Egyptian times. The International Institute of Reflexology reports that although different methods of working on the feet have existed throughout history, reflexology has existed in its modern form only for the past century or so. Reflexology is based on Zone Theory, which posits that the body is broken up into different "zones" corresponding with certain ailments and physical or mental conditions. A trained reflexologist will ask about your child's complaints or behavior and make an effort to treat the parts of the body that correspond to behavioral problems and attempt to induce feelings of relaxation.
Problems Reflexology May Help
Although there's no real scientific evidence to back up claims that it works, reflexology practitioners, such as REBORN Foot Reflexology & Tui Na Massage, claim that reflexology can help children suffering from a variety of physical and mental conditions, including aggression, attention deficit disorder, emotional disturbances, disruptive behavior and stress. Although it's not completely clear how reflexology may help these conditions, reflexologist Louise Keet states in her book "The Reflexology Bible" that reflexology may help children by stimulating relaxation, promoting the flow of energy and assisting the body's natural healing processes.
Reflexology Zones and Behavior
Reflexologists use a foot map to identify specific points on your feet and ears that are associated with certain behaviors and physical or mental ailments. Some reflexology points and zones are believed to be associated with behavior. For example, a reflexology point in your ear, located on the upper third of your earlobe, is believed to be associated with aggressive and irritable behavior, says Madeleine Turgeon in her book "Right-Brain Left-Brain Reflexology." Another reflexology point that is thought to induce feelings of stress relief, relaxation and calmness is located on your solar plexus, found in the center of your foot between the ball of your foot and your little toe.
Considerations
Although reflexology may be a helpful adjunctive treatment that can provide certain benefits for relaxation and improved behavior, you should not rely on reflexology alone to manage your child's behavior. Some disruptive and unruly behavior can be a sign of underlying mental or physical problems. Consult your pediatrician to discuss possible causes and treatments, such as counseling or social interventions, for behavior management.
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