Reflexology is a noninvasive complementary medicine based on the theory that manipulation and massage of reflex zones in your feet and hands can help improve function in corresponding body parts. Although reflexology isn't effective in treating specific conditions, it can stimulate the release of calming brain chemicals. Your hypothalamus controls the release of hormones from your pituitary gland; a reflexologist may focus on a specific part of your foot to promote healthy hypothalamus function, balance hormones and reduce stress. Reflexology is intended to be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment, not as a replacement for it.
Hypothalamus Functions
Your hypothalamus, a collection of specialized cells located in the lower central part of your brain, is the link between the endocrine and nervous systems. It controls your autonomic nervous system and works with the limbic system to control and regulate body temperature, behavior and emotion. The hypothalamus also controls the pituitary gland's release of hormones, including endorphins, dopamine, sex hormones and growth hormone releasing hormone, or GHRH.
Reflexology Features
Reflexology, an ancient healing system originating in China, Japan and Egypt, views the body as being divided into ten zones that correspond to the fingers and toes. Reflexologists, like practitioners of acupuncture or acupressure, attempt to maintain the flow of electromagnetic energy, or chi, which follows various pathways or meridians through the body. Unlike massage, which is applied to the whole body, reflexology employs small movements of the fingers and thumbs to stimulate soft tissue on the feet, hands and ears. According to the Reflexology Association of America, the goal is stimulation of circulation and relaxation of the body via balancing of the body systems. A reflexologist working on your hypothalamus will likely focus on the inner part of your big toe, the location of the hypothalamus reflex point.
Effect on Hypothalamus
Reflexology has measurable effects on the hypothalamus. The nonprofit website Cerebra.org, which provides information for children with neurological disorders, reports that MRIs show that reflexology causes increased activity in the pituitary and hypothalamus areas of the brain, stimulating the release of painkilling endorphins and of dopamine, a natural opiate. Cerebra.org adds that reflexology lowers blood pressure, pulse, and levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. The University of Maryland Medical Center concurs that reflexology stimulates the release of natural painkillers and mood elevators, while inhibiting stress hormones. UMMC adds that reflexology can help to heal damaged muscle tissue, enhance the immune system, and reduce pain and tension.
Research
Although some research seems to support the tension-reducing effects of reflexology, studies showing reflexology's ability to treat specific conditions are lacking. In a clinical study published in 2006 in the "Journal of Nursing Management," researchers found that reflexology helped to reduce anxiety in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The team concluded reflexology could be used as a support treatment to lessen stress and help patients cope with their disease. In a review published in 2008 in the "Journal of Advanced Nursing," the authors evaluated controlled clinical studies from a variety of databases, including the Cochrane library, the PubMed website, and Chinese medical journals. They determined that reflexology showed no effectiveness to treat or cure any medical condition, with the exception of urinary symptoms linked to multiple sclerosis, and concluded that it shouldn't be routinely recommended.
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