Reflexology and Stress

Reflexology is another of the complimentary therapies that many people find has helped them overcome, not just physical ailments, but ailments relating to the suffering of stress and other emotional conditions.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a means by which physical and emotional ailments can be treated without the use of conventional medicines or drugs. It is something that the early Greeks, Egyptians and Chinese practiced and has been in existence for thousands of years.

How does Reflexology Work?

Reflexology works on the principle that areas on the hands and feet correspond to other areas around the body and that treating the foot – or indeed areas of the foot – can have therapeutic qualities, detoxing, and healing effects over the entire body.

There are several kinds of reflexology but the most common are foot reflexology and hand reflexology. As with foot reflexology, the reflexologist will massage different parts of the hand to affect a reduction in pain in other areas of the body.

The reflexologist will use some relaxation techniques to relax you and remove any nervous doubts you may have before applying gentle amounts of pressure to either the foot or hand. Using their fingers and thumbs they will work on one foot – or hand – at a time apply pressure that will be firm but not in any way painful.

It must be said that normally throughout the first treatment you will not feel much happening but most reflexologists and reflexology patients say this is quite normal. It is usual for two or three sessions to be required before the reflexes are – to use the technical term – ‘awakened’.

Using both hands the reflexologist will work on both feet – or hands – during the course of a session but it is advised that if you are under medication from your G.P or suffer from either a serious illness or nerve damage that the reflexes may be impaired and may take longer to respond.

After receiving a treatment you will be advised to drink lots of fresh water (normally 8 glasses in a 24 hour period) and eat light meals whilst avoiding alcohol.

What is it Used For?

Reflexology can be used for any number of ailments from pain, digestive problems, headaches and insomnia but is now becoming more popularly associated with the treatment of stress.

Sufferers of stress have noted that they feel a lot more relaxed and indeed tend to feel less stressed after a session. They have also noted a reduction in their stress levels as a result of the treatment.

It is worth mentioning however that not all reflexology patients feel a reduction in their stress levels; as with all treatments what may work for some might not work for others.

In addition to undertaking reflexology sessions, patients are strongly advised to consider their lifestyle and look at what they eat and drink; how much work they undertake and what factors contribute to their high levels of stress. For the most part –as in the cases of those who do not undertake reflexology as a means of relieving their stress – common denominators include working long hours, stress caused by problems in the home, money worries and a lifestyle which is not conducive with their emotional state.

You may find that, although reflexology does have benefits for you, it is still a good idea to consult your doctor if your stress levels are such that reflexology is simply only taking the edge off the problem and not preventing it completely.