Reflexology is a type of treatment that involves applying pressure to certain areas of the body, which is believed to help alleviate stress and encourage healing. People have reported that reflexology has helped with:
- Improving immune system health
- Clearing up colds, sinus issues, and infections
- Easing arthritis pain
- Recovering from back pain
- Reducing hormonal imbalances
- Improving digestion
- Boosting fertility
- Treating nerve issues and numbness from cancer drugs (peripheral neuropathy)
However, since many of the purported benefits of reflexology require more research to back up the claims, it should be considered complementary to traditional medical care and not an alternative to it.
How does reflexology work?
Reflexology is based on the theory that specific areas of the feet, hands, and ears correspond to various parts of the body through the nervous system. When pressure is applied to these points, it is believed to stimulate energy along the nerve channels and help reestablish balance and harmony in the body.
For example, there are around 7,000 pressure points in the human foot that corresponds to a body part. Reflexologists use special techniques to stimulate these reflex points, and they know precisely which part of the foot relates to which body part.
6 potential benefits of reflexology
1. Stress relief
Reflexology is known to open neural pathways and improve the nervous system by promoting neuron action, which relaxes the body. Because this can promote calm throughout the body and mind, reflexology is often used to address stress, tension, and sleep problems.
2. Blood circulation
Because reflexology aims to improve blood flow throughout the body, blood is oxygenated and delivered to organs more efficiently. Improved blood circulation and oxygenation aids in both digestion and cell repair.
3. Detoxification
By encouraging blood flow, reflexology improves bladder functions and helps the body flush out toxins. This can decrease the risk of developing urinary tract issues and other health problems.
4. Metabolism
Reflexology is believed to promote the efficiency and function of various body organs, thus helping with calorie burn and energy production.
5. Nerve functions
As our bodies age, some nerve endings become less and less sensitive. Reflexology is believed to help promote the adaptability of nerves and cells in different organs in the body.
6. Brain health
By stimulating the nerves, reflexology can help information flow from peripheral areas of the body to the brain more quickly. This can help speed up psychological and physical responses and improve memory.
QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerMcCullough JE, Liddle SD, Sinclair M, Close C, Hughes CM. The Physiological and Biochemical Outcomes Associated With a Reflexology Treatment: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014. Published May 5, 2014. doi: 10.1155/2014/502123
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