Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on your feet, hands, and ears in order to stimulate specific parts of the body. Reflexologists believe these pressure points correspond with certain parts of the human anatomy. Reflexology, like acupuncture and massage therapy, is considered complementary medicine. Researchers still are uncertain as to its mechanism, yet studies indicate its benefits in relieving stress and anxiety. Improves Blood Circulation Reflexology helps enhance the functioning of various organ and muscle tissues within your body, by increasing blood circulation. This allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach these tissues, thus improving their functionality while improving waste removal processes in your body. After participating in a reflexology session, many find they feel more energetic! Numerous theories exist as to how reflexology works, with some proposing that reflexologists touch sends a calming signal from peripheral nerves in the extremities to the central nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety levels. Another theory holds that reflexology may reduce pain through its soothing effects of touch therapy as well as through endorphin release – natural painkillers. Furthermore, zone theory – based on belief that body contains 10 vertical zones which correspond with specific fingers and toes – also helps explain how reflexology might work. Reflexology’s primary purpose is thought to be maintaining an appropriate balance of vital energy pulsing through body systems to facilitate healing. If energy levels drop too low, health can deteriorate; stress has an adverse impact on this energy flow and reflexology seeks to alleviate it so as to promote better overall wellbeing and overall health benefits. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of reflexology as an adjunct treatment to ease discomfort, enhance relaxation and sleep quality, and enhance quality-of-life for certain conditions. For instance, reflexology could be useful as an effective varicose vein treatment and can alleviate pain during palliative care in cancer patients while decreasing need for medication. Reflexology is generally safe; however, if you have any health conditions it is wise to consult your physician first before beginning any reflexology treatments. Reflexology treatments should not be performed if pregnant or have blood clots; additionally some people have reported short-term side effects like tender feet or emotional responses that cause more frequent need to pass urine after receiving reflexology sessions, however these side effects usually subside quickly following therapy session. READ The Healing Power of Art TherapyReduces Stress Reflexology’s soothing, relaxing effect can help alleviate chronic or overwhelming stressors in both body and mind, making this therapy particularly helpful if dealing with long-term pressure in work or home environments. As anxiety and tension disappear under its soothing pressure, you’re free to focus on health and well-being rather than feeling pressured at work or home – offering an opportunity for mindfulness meditations to better manage future stressors more efficiently. According to reflexology theory, reflexology works to maintain the flow of vital energy that runs through your feet. Stress can disrupt this flow and cause physical discomfort or illness. Reflexology helps restore balance to your energy and can remove toxins that contribute to poor health. Reflexology involves applying gentle pressure to specific areas of the foot. This pressure typically ranges between 0-20 pounds depending on your comfort levels and reflexology techniques being used, and your reflexologist will consult a foot chart in order to locate those points which correspond with organs and other body parts – the map depicting this on foot may differ slightly between individuals as it represents how the body is laid out in each person’s unique situation. Reflexology sessions will bring positive and calming thoughts into focus as the soothing touch of foot massage relaxes and comforts you, relieving tension in your mind. Over time, your feelings of calm can transition to stimulating ones which can give a lift to your spirits and help strengthen your mental wellbeing. Reflexology can be beneficial to almost anyone, including those living with serious medical conditions such as cancer. Before visiting a reflexologist for treatments, be sure to inform him or her of your medical conditions, including cancer. Also drink plenty of water after your session to flush toxins out of your system more effectively and it’s advisable that pregnant women don’t participate since some pressure points on feet could induce contractions. READ Unveiling the Truth About HomeopathyPromotes Relaxation Reflexologists believe that reflex points on your feet, hands and ears send messages to the central nervous system to adjust tension levels and promote relaxation. The end result of this relaxation is improved internal organ functioning as well as increased circulation (bringing more oxygen to cells), waste removal and quicker healing times; giving an overall improvement to wellbeing and easing everyday stresses. Reflexology differs significantly from regular massage in terms of its gentle yet precise touch, stimulating nerve pathways and reinforcing over 7,000 nerve endings in your hands, feet and ears. Reflexology opens these extremities up in order to boost circulation and reoxygenate essential organs in a targeted manner. Reflexology treatments can help improve sleep and decrease stress. Modern lifestyles often compromise our circulation, leading many people to seek natural ways of relieving their symptoms – like reflexology – in order to combat stress and enhance quality of life. Reflexology’s energetic boost and anxiety-lowering properties can also offer some health-related advantages to those experiencing certain illnesses, according to studies. Reflexology can reduce anxiety for varicose vein surgery patients; increase pain tolerance among breast cancer survivors; and even reduce pain in children suffering from ADHD. Many clients report seeing a noticeable change after just one or two sessions, while some may experience temporary feelings such as lethargicness or nausea – both typically dissipate quickly after receiving therapy. After receiving reflexology treatments, it is advisable to avoid alcohol and smoking immediately post-session as these substances can interfere with its effectiveness and counteract some of its benefits. You should plan to relax for the remainder of the day and get plenty of restful sleep afterwards in order to maximize its positive effects and receive maximum benefit from each session. To achieve the best possible results from reflexology sessions, we advise getting regular treatments. Relieves Pain Reflexology can provide relief for many medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and backaches. Furthermore, pregnancy-specific reflexology sessions may be effective at supporting women through labor. Furthermore, its psychological benefits such as relieving anxiety and stress as well as improving sleep have proven invaluable for many women in pregnancy or postpartum situations. Reflexology may also help alleviate the symptoms associated with cancer or other diseases by relieving pain caused by those conditions. READ The Healing Powers of Music TherapyReflexology works on the theory that certain areas on feet, hands, and ears correspond with organs and body parts. By applying pressure to these extremities with reflexology techniques, a reflexologist sends signals to the central nervous system telling it that tension needs to be eased off to allow relaxation in order to ease effects of stress, improve mood and alleviate pain. This approach helps alleviate symptoms associated with stress while improving mood and relieving discomfort. Reflexology sessions involve relaxing environments with soft music and low lights. Your reflexologist will ask questions about your health and lifestyle to understand how they may benefit from reflexology treatment, then begin working on your feet, hands or ears; all while staying fully clothed. A massage table or chair may be provided as additional support during treatment. One of the more widely held theories regarding reflexology is known as zone theory. According to this theory, each vertical zone on your body corresponds to one color on a foot chart. When performing reflexology on your feet, a therapist will touch each of these colors carefully while moving slowly around your feet paying special attention to any pressure points present on them. Although reflexology doesn’t have much scientific backing behind it, many individuals claim that it can help their health. If you are interested in giving it a try, speak to your physician first if this interests you; never use reflexology as an alternative treatment or replacement; rather use it alongside traditional treatments to maximize results. 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