Reflexology
Reflexology is primarily used for chronic pain syndromes. It also used for asthma,angina, back pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), constipation, encopresis, fibromyalgia, headache, menopausal symptoms, migraine, multiple sclerosis (MS), osteoarthritis, overactive bladder, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and rheumatoid arthritis. Reflexology is also used for improving lactation, for stress reduction, and relaxation. In additional to being used as a treatment, reflexology is sometimes used as a diagnostic tool.
Reflexology utilizes pressure points primarily on the soles of feet to change the flow of energy in the body. The pressure or contact points used in foot reflexology share some similarities to the Meridians or energy channels used in acupuncture. Although reflexology is primarily applied to the feet, it can also be applied to the hands and ears.
It’s believed that “reflex” areas on the feet and hands correspond to other parts of the body and specific glands and organs. Therefore, applying pressure to specific areas on the feet and hands is thought to affect those specific areas of the body There are many beliefs or theories about how reflexology might improve health. Many practitioners of reflexology believe medical conditions and disease arises from imbalances in energy. By correcting the energy balance through reflexology, practitioners believe it will improve the innate healing ability of the body.
Some practitioners also believe that reflexology stimulates blood flow resulting in improved tissue perfusion and an improved sense of well-being. Other practitioners believe that reflexology stimulates the lymphatic system to release “toxins” or that it stimulates the nervous system to improve energy. For pain, similar to other manual therapies, the tactile stimulus provided by reflexology is thought to result in decreased pain signal transmission through sensory neural fibers.