Reflexology is a type of holistic approach to healing. The practice involves applying manual pressure to specific points on the feet. Reflexology is based on the theory that particular regions of the feet are connected to other parts of the body. Applying pressure to a certain part of your feet will help heal a corresponding body part, according to the theory. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of reflexology.
Improved Circulation
Reflexology may help relieve chronic foot pain. Long-term use of improper footwear may result in persistent muscular strain. Reflexology may help relieve the pain associated with this type of chronic foot trauma by helping to improve blood circulation. The pressure applied to your feet during reflexology treatments may help increase blood flow to the affected area. Increased blood circulation may help promote recovery from muscular strain because the additional supply of oxygen helps promote tissue repair.
Prevention of Foot Ulcers and Sores
Foot numbness due to chronic illness, along with the complications associated with poor circulation of the feet, may be improved with reflexology. For example, reflexology may prove beneficial to people suffering from diabetes who are prone to foot ulcers as a result of poor circulation. People who suffer from poor circulation of the feet are more prone to foot infection. The pressure applied to your feet during reflexology sessions may help stimulate blood circulation, which may help prevent foot ulcers and infection of the feet.
Safety Issues
Reflexology may exacerbate some foot conditions. For example, reflexology may not be suitable for people suffering from persistent foot trauma such as osteoarthritis. Similarly, it is not recommended that you undergo reflexology treatments if you currently suffer from unhealed foot wounds.
Lack of Scientific Evidence
Deemed a mind and body intervention, reflexology is considered an alternative treatment to traditional Western medicine. A drawback of reflexology is that its methods are not fully understood by modern biological science. For this reason, there is a lack of evidence as to whether the practice of reflexology can in fact help treat foot ailments or other problems. Consult with your primary care physician before seeking alternative treatment. Together, you and your doctor can discuss whether you are a good candidate for complimentary alternative care.
References
- University of New Hampshire Health Services: Reflexology
- Unlock the Body’s Natural Healing Abilities: Foot Pain and Reflexology
- What is Reflexology?: Reflexology -- Health at Your Fingertips
- American Diabetes Association: Foot Complications
- University of Minnesota: What Does Research Say About Reflexology?
- University of Minnesota: Are There Times When I Shouldn’t Have Reflexology?
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Strategic Objective One -- Advance Research on Mind and Body Interventions, Practices, and Disciplines
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