How does reflexology massage work?

There are a few theories about how reflexology massage works.

Traditional Chinese medicine

Reflexology rests on the ancient Chinese belief in Qi「氣」, or vital energy. According to this belief, qi flows through each person’s body and can be blocked when someone feels stressed or traumatised.

The premise of reflexology is to help keep qi -or life force- flowing through the body, resulting good health in the body. Reflexologists use maps of these points on the feet, hands, and ears to determine where they should apply pressure.

Reflexologists believe that their touch sends a person's energy flowing through the body, when it reaches the area in need of healing.

What other theories about reflexology are there?

While drawing connections between skin and internal organs, British scientists also found that the body’s entire nervous system tends to adjust to outside factors. In particular, they discovered that nerves connect the skin with the interior of our vital organs.

Reflexology may help reduce tension in the body by providing a calming touch like any other massage therapy.

Some people think that the brain is just a complicated machine. They believe it may be creating pain as an experience. In some cases, the brain reacts to physical pain but in other cases, it creates pain in response to emotional or mental distress.

Reflexology is a form of alternative medicine that functions as an art of touching the feet, hands, or ears to stimulate areas on the feet and palms. It usually does this through long deep strokes with thumb or fingers in supposed specific zones giving flexibility according to certain needs.

Reflexology is a holistic and natural healing process that uses fingertip pressure. Reflexologists believe that there are 360,000 reflex points in the foot with specific zones for fingers, toes, glands and organs.

Zone-theory practitioners believe that touching these fingers and toes does the work of accessing every body part.

What are the benefits of reflexology?

Reflexology may have the potential to become a helpful treatment for patients who suffer from asthma, depression, headaches, or migraines. The evidence so far is that it might help with stress and anxiety symptoms. However, more research needs to be done before reflexology can be proved as an effective medical treatment.

A few of the benefits people have experienced include:

• boosting your immune system
• fighting cancer
• getting over colds and bacterial infections
• recovering from back problems
• correcting hormonal imbalances
• improving digestion
• reducing arthritis pain.

How can reflexology help you?

There is not much information available on reflexology. There's a wash of low-quality studies that don`t seem to support the idea that reflexology can be effective for any condition. A review in 2014 concluded that there is no evidence to support the effectiveness of reflexology.

Reflexology may prove valuable as a complementary therapy to reduce symptoms and improve someone’s quality of life.

Here’s a roundup of research results on reflexology and the benefits it may have for managing pain and anxiety.

Pain

In 2011, 240 women with advanced breast cancer were studied to see how reflexology treatments affected them. All the women in the study had undergone conventional treatment for their cancer, such as chemotherapy.

The study found that reflexology helped to reduce some of their symptoms, including shortness of breath. The participants also reported an improved quality of life. Reflexology had no effect on pain, however.

Experts have looked at the effects of reflexology on women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome. In one report, experts studied 35 women and found that ear, hand, and foot reflexology led to a decrease in symptoms.

Those who received two months of reflexology reported significantly fewer PMS symptoms than the women in the control group. Bear in mind that this study was very small-scale and was carried out decades ago.



Larger, more comprehensive studies are needed to understand if reflexology can be an effective treatment for chronic pain.

Anxiety

In a small study from 2000, individuals with cancer who had 30-minutes of foot reflexology were found to experience lower levels of anxiety.

In a 2014 study, researchers assessed the effects of foot reflexology on patients undergoing heart surgery. Patients received a 20-minute reflexology treatment once per day for four days following their surgical procedure.

They found that those who received reflexology treatments reported lower levels of anxiety than those who didn’t. Humans are inherently touchy-feely animals, and many people find the presence of a caring individual to be calming and anxiety-reducing.

Is reflexology safe?

Generally, reflexology is safe for everyone, even those who live with serious health conditions. It’s a risk-free and comfortable treatment that may be worth trying if you're curious about it.

You should consult with your doctor first if you have any of the following health issues:

• feet's circulatory problems
• blood clotting
• inflammation of leg veins
• gout
• foot ulcers
• fungal infections on the feet
• open wounds
• thyroid issues
• epilepsy
• reduction of a low platelet count or other blood problems, which can lead to more bleeding and easily bruised

If you have any of these conditions, you may still be able to try reflexology, but it is important that you take precautions in order to avoid adverse effects.

Warning

Reflexology may induce contractions when applied to certain points in the hands and feet, so tell your therapist before a session if you’re pregnant. Be sure to consult with your doctor if you are trying reflexology for labor induction. There is a risk of premature births, but babies will be stronger at 40 weeks gestation.

Some people also report feeling lightheaded, or have tender feet and emotional sensitivity after undergoing reflexology.

The short-term side effects that come with reflexology treatment tend to go away shortly after.

The boundary

Although reflexology is not considered scientifically valid, it may be helpful for relieving stress and anxiety.

If you are interested in reflexology, find a qualified and licensed professional who has obtained certification from reputable organisation.

Please consult your physician before starting any new therapeutic treatment.