How reflexology works

​Having previously looked at where reflexology came from and what it is, I am sure many of you are wondering how it actually works?
 
There are a number of theories of how reflexology works, which I will address in turn.  The common factor amongst all of them is that reflexology causes the body to relax and release stress, which, in turn, allows the body to heal itself.
 
Theory number 1: Reflexology as a type of treatment started with with “zone theory”.  The basis of this is that the body is divided into 10 vertical zones, each one in line with fingers/thumbs or the 10 toes.  Knowing how the body is mapped out on the bottom of the feet or on the hands, allows us to identify which zone a particular organ, muscle, gland etc can be accessed.  By pressing the point on the foot, the corresponding nerve is stimulated to the corresponding part of the body. 
 
Theory number 2: Reflexology works on the body’s central nervous system.  Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington carried out research in the 1890s which showed that there was a neurological relationship between the skin and the internal organs.  The nervous system adjusts as required when a stimulus applied to the skin. As I press the feet or hands, the peripheral nerves send a message around the body and to the brain, to relax the body.  This process of adjusting tension levels in the body, allows all of the organs and systems of the body to return to their optimal levels to function effectively.  Blood circulation is improved, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach all the cells in the body and remove waste products and toxins.  Other positive effects are:  improved immunity, balanced hormone levels, controlling metabolism, lowering pain, and improving sleep.
 
Theory number 3:  It is commonly reported that reflexology reduces pain.  Pain is caused by a painful stimulus, but pain can come from an emotional cause.  Therefore things such as stress, depression and anxiety can raise pain within the body. By balancing hormones in the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, as well as other glands such as adrenal and pineal glands, allows the body to relax, remove tension caused by stress, and therefore relax muscles and reduce pain.
 
Theory number 4: Pain and disease are caused by blockages of vital energy in the body.  These blockages are caused by stress leading to congestion.  Reflexology helps to unblock these areas of congestion, thereby allowing the energy to flow freely, and rebalancing the body.
 
Whichever theory you relate to, the fact is reflexology helps to rebalance the body and reduces symptoms of many conditions such as low mood, anxiety, pain, poor sleep, swelling, and many others.
 
Book your appointment to a balanced body!