What Are the Benefits of Reflexology?

Reflexology is an alternative therapy used for bringing healing and balance to the body and the various systems of the body, including the digestive, lymphatic, endocrine, respiratory and immune systems. A practitioner of reflexology applies pressure to a reflex point on the foot, which sends a signal via the nervous system for the body to relax and heal. Reflexology has no side effects and is used to strengthen the body as a whole.

Function

Reflexology works on the principle that by applying pressure to certain reflex areas on the hand or foot, balance can be restored to the body. The way this occurs is by sending messages through the 7,200 nerves that are formed in the reflex zones in the feet. Reflexology seeks to recondition the nerves to send signals to various parts of the body. It aims to persuade the body to correct and heal itself.

Process

A reflexology patient is made to get comfortable while various parts of the feet are pressed. The foot has a map of the body over it, each area relating to a different organ or body part. The reflexologist will touch and massage that areas for a certain amount of time to send signals to the body to relax that organ or body part. This improves the blood, lymphatic and nerve supply to that area, which facilitates healing and health in that part of the body.

Effects

Reflexology creates blood flow through the organs, and this blood supplies nutrition, glucose and oxygen to the body. This alleviates stress on the heart and supplies energy to the body. The lymphatic system cleanses the body, so this aspect helps to clear the body of toxic buildup, helping to keep the body healthy. Through this cleansing and influx of blood and nutrition, all systems of the body are improved.

Benefits

Reflexology supports all systems of the body and, therefore, improves the digestive, reproductive, respiratory, lymphatic, immune and endocrine systems. This helps the body to function at optimum levels and helps prevent illness. Reflexology supports the body's own ability to correct and heal itself. It is a gentle, noninvasive form of healing that works to bring balance to the whole body so that imbalances and illness can be naturally resolved.

Treatment

Reflexology may be used to alleviate discomfort from any number of immediate ailments, including, headaches, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, indigestion, constipation, and chest and sinus congestion, among other things. When treatments are received on a regular basis, they will strengthen and reinforce the whole body, making it useful for treating low immunity, digestive problems, depression, respiratory problems and fatigue.