HOW DOES REFLEXOLOGY WORK?

There are a few different theories about how reflexology works.

IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Reflexology rests on the ancient Chinese belief in qi (pronounced “chee”), or “vital energy.” According to this belief, qi flows through each person. When a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi.

This can cause an imbalance in the body that leads to illness. Reflexology aims to keep qi flowing through the body, keeping it balanced and disease free.

Various body parts correspond with different pressure points on the body. Reflexologists use maps of these points in the feet, hands, and ears to determine where they should apply pressure.

OTHER THEORIES

In the 1890s, British scientists found that nerves connect the skin and internal organs. They also found that the body’s entire nervous system tends to adjust to outside factors, including touch.

A reflexologist’s touch may help to calm the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and other benefits just like any form of massage.

Others believe that the brain creates pain as a subjective experience. Sometimes, the brain reacts to physical pain. But in other cases, it may create pain in response to emotional or mental distress.

Some believe that reflexology can reduce pain through calming touch, which may help to improve someone’s mood and reduce stress.

Zone theory is another belief that some use to explain how reflexology works. This theory holds that the body contains 10 vertical zones. Each zone contains different body parts and corresponds to specific fingers and toes.

Practitioners of the zone theory believe that touching these fingers and toes allows them to access every body part in a particular zone.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY?

Reflexology is linked to many benefits

• reduce stress and anxiety
• reduce pain
• lift mood
• improve general well-being
• boost immune system
• reducing colds and bacterial infections
• reducing sinus issues
• increased recovery of injury
• back and muscle aches and pains
• correct hormonal imbalances
• boost fertility
• improve digestion
• ease arthritis pain
• treat nerve pain and numbness

Reflexology is not considered a cure for any medical condition. But it may have some value as a complementary therapy to help reduce symptoms and improve someone’s quality of life, much like massage. Since the massaged area is the feet, for some people that will provide even more relief of stress or discomfort.