About Foot Reflexology (and Its Benefits)

Reflexology is a science of using specific touch technique of applying pressure, using your thumb and fingers, to reflex points of the feet and hands. Each foot has over 7,200 nerve endings (reflexes), 26 bones, 107 ligaments, and 19 muscles. A typical treatment includes applying pressure to specific reflex points that have relations to each and every organ and all parts of the body. This type of therapy creates a physiological change in the body by naturally improving your circulation, which reduces your body tension.

Tranquility and Relaxation Massaging the feet can alleviate anxiety and bring about a deep state of relaxation. One important point that is situated on both feet is the solar plexus reflex. The solar plexus is sort of a little warehouse where all your stress is stored. When the solar plexus point is pressed on, stress is released and the body is renewed.

Improved Circulation and Cleansing The blood that circulates through the body is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrition to the body's cells. The blood also cleanses waste and toxins from the body. Because blood flow becomes limited when stress is present, foot massage can be beneficial as it decreases stress and allows the circulation of blood to flow unimpeded.

Balance and Harmony Homeostasis is when all the body's systems are working in harmony with one another to bring about a state of balance. A foot massage can encourage homeostasis so that good health can be obtained.

Energy and Rejuvenation Foot massage is restorative in that it gives the receiver energy. When the foot is rubbed and palpated, all the elements of a foot massage come together to bring energy to the body. According to theories of reflexology, foot massage releases any blockages that can hold back energy that should be flowing through the body freely.

Enhancement of Immunity Stimulation of reflexes in the feet through massage is an action performed to bring about relaxation and healing. Relaxing the body through foot massage may prevent the harmful effects of stress from taking a toll on the body. A regular foot massage can offer protection against the many diseases that are associated with stress.

Sensual Bliss When given to your partner, a foot massage can create the setting for a romantic evening. Rubbing the feet is sensual, relaxing, nurturing and loving, and it is a wonderful way to show your partner you care about him.

Holistic Benefits Reflexology is a holistic treatment meaning that all benefits help the body, mind and spirit. But, there are numerous studies and stories where reflexology has been beneficial in curing ailments from helping someone with the basic headache to relieving and eliminating symptoms from a chronic illness.

Birth and Labor Reflexology has been shown to help stimulate labor and get it started. Also, during labor, pain has been reduced to an almost exceptionable level with reflexology. Women who did reflexology during labor also had a shorter active labor time than women who did not use reflexology. Continuing reflexology after birth, women have more success with nursing and their milk supply was higher.

Women's Health PMS pain and symptoms are a common problem in women. With reflexology, studies show that PMS pain was reduced in 95% of women. Women who are affected by menopausal symptoms can benefit from reflexology as well. In 47% of menopausal women, symptoms were significantly reduced and 40% had symptoms completely gone.

Digestive Health The digestive system can have good benefits from reflexology to help the system run efficiently and effectively. Reflexology improves blood flow to the intestines and also stimulates better digestion. With better digestion, the food is broken down and moved through the system more effectively. Painful digestion is removed and constipation will improve, and can even be eliminated since food will travel through the system faster.

Pain Relief One of the main benefits of reflexology is pain relief. This can be seen and felt in the first session. Reflexology increases blood flow to all areas including the body. This has been shown to help with arthritis and the increased blood flow helps reduce tearing of the joints and reduces stiffness.Tooth pain can be relieved. Any type of headaches can have relief including migraines and stress headaches. Reflexology is a holistic type of medicine that has been shown to have fantastic results. Stress relief, aches and pains of daily life and even relief for chronic illnesses has happened. Results will vary from person to person, but reflexology will have a positive impact.

Anxiety reduction The practice of reflexology may improve your psychological health by reducing anxiety levels – even if you are dealing with serious medical problems. A 2005 study from the Michigan State University College of Nursing found that breast cancer patients benefited the most from reflexology in comparison to the use of reminiscence therapy or guided imagery. The study participants had less anxiety and depression, contributing to an improvement in quality of life.