Reflexology for Deep Relaxation

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The next few blogs will be exploring specific relaxation techniques. I limit my blogs to the tools and techniques I am familiar with and use regularly in my practice. Indeed, the reason I use the tools and techniques I do, is because they are backed by science. This does not mean other modalities don’t work. I think the best way to decide how you want to effectively manage your own stress levels is to explore a variety of modalities and notice what works best for you.

A Word on Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are very expensive to design and execute. Funding is usually provided by an organization and investors that will benefit from positive outcomes, for example the development and testing of a new drug.

Alternative therapies such as reflexology, yoga therapy, marma point therapy, meditation, and yoga nidra lack the funding required to do extensive, long term clinical trials since no one organization benefits from the trial outcomes.

Alternative therapies use the body’s own response to heal, there are very few, if any negative side affects. That’s why many have a long history (some therapies have been around for over 5000 years). Despite the funding barriers to research, some clinical research is available and there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from people who have received and benefited from alternative therapies.

What is Reflexology

Reflexology is a form of therapeutic massage using pressure points. Although reflex points are all over the body including the hands, face and ears, foot reflexology is used extensively because the feet are easy to access, it’s a non-invasive body part and you only need to remove your socks!

Reflex points are associated with different body parts and systems, for example pressure on the arch of the feet can help relax the digestive system and help with complaints such as constipation, gas and bloating.

From a Western perspective, reflexology encourages your body and mind to recover from stress.  Instead of staying in fight, flee or freeze mode, which some of us can get caught in,  reflexology induces the relaxation response allowing your body and mind to resume its normal, non-stressed functioning.

Eastern medicine, including Yoga and Ayurveda believe the body and mind consist of not only the things we can see and feel, like bones, blood, muscle etcetera, but a subtle energy called prana. When prana is unable to flow freely throughout the body and mind they say, it will eventually manifest at the physical and/or emotional level as discomfort and/or disease.

I integrate other modalities, for example breathing, visualization, positive intention and progressive muscle relaxation into my reflexology sessions. Essential oils, therapeutic sound or crystal stones may also be used. This integrative approach efficiently shifts your nervous system into the relaxation response. In this state your body and mind can relax, repair and regenerate.

The Reflexology Association of Canada has a good collection of clinical trials which study the efficacy of reflexology for a broad range of physical and emotional conditions including anxiety, depression, sleep problems and pain management.

Often studies will look at a number of clinical trials and draw general conclusions. In one of these reviews of 26 trials involving 2,366 participants reflexology was shown to significantly improve depression, anxiety and sleep quality.

Other clinical trials show how reflexology can help with a variety of conditions including:

  • Digestive issues (constipation, gas, heartburn, IBS etc)

  • Diabetes (eg. neuropathy)

  • Kidney disease

  • Women’s health (PMS, pregnancy, menopause etc.)

  • Cancer

  • Heart conditions

  • Muscle and joint pain and swelling (including sciatic pain)

  • Headaches

  • Sinus issues

  • Immune system support

  • Hormonal balance

At its most basic, reflexology is a wonderful way to reduce stress and give yourself some time to relax, recover and recharge from life’s demands.

You can book a reflexology session by clicking on the “Book” button from any page on my website. Feel free to share this blog.

Relax and stay well!

=)
Lori