Reflexology for Women’s Health
Irene Tasho is a reflexologist, educator, and industry leader with over 18 years of clinical experience. As principal of the Australian School of Reflexology and a board director of the Reflexology Association of Australia, she is dedicated to advancing professional standards and raising awareness of reflexology.
Reflexology is frequently explored as a complementary therapy for women’s hormonal health, as it may help balance the endocrine system and regulate the nervous system. Having spoken with experts specialising in women’s health, I’ve come to understand that stress is a major contributor to menopausal symptoms and many other reproductive issues. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can disrupt the regulation of the nervous system and the delicate balance of reproductive hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.
There is also a belief that diet has a big influence on how the body responds to what we eat and how that response affects hormone production. This, in turn, can alter the function of the endocrine system. Clients have commented that they notice an increase in symptoms, especially menopausal symptoms, when they consume more sugary or processed foods and alcohol.
Balancing full-time careers with motherhood has added a new dimension to the stress women endure these days. Certain chemicals found in cosmetics used by many women can also disrupt hormonal balance.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a fascinating and extremely effective form of therapy that has carved an impressive niche in the field of alternative medicine. Reflexology is a holistic healing technique and, as such, aims to treat the individual as a whole, incorporating body, mind and spirit.
Reflexologists do not isolate a disease and treat it symptomatically, nor do they work specifically on a problem organ or system. They work on the whole person with the objective of inducing a state of balance and harmony. The healthy human body is an amazing machine, with everything working in perfect order. A system of glands, organs, nerves and chemicals helps maintain this balance. But let one of these components get out of order, and the effect is felt throughout the body.
Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet, hands, ears and face that correspond to every part of the body. I mention the hands, face and ears as well, but foot reflexology is the most widely known and practised form around the world. The feet are seen as a microcosm of the body, with organs, glands and other parts represented in a similar arrangement on the feet.
By working on the reflex areas of the feet, the practitioner aims to identify imbalances or areas of congested energy in the body. Practitioners apply specific micromassage techniques to the reflex points where they believe the imbalance or congestion is occurring. The aim is to stimulate or calm the organs and glands, allowing energy to flow freely and helping the body heal itself and return to a stable condition through a process called homeostasis. These techniques are designed to help keep the body’s systems operating at peak efficiency.
How may reflexology support hormonal balance?
Reflexology may complement medical treatment by helping manage symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations. In my experience, it has helped many women avoid medications and operations, manage pain, sleep better and improve their overall health and well-being.
As mentioned above, stress can be a major contributor to many issues affecting the reproductive and endocrine systems. The prolonged release of cortisol can disrupt the regulation of the nervous system. This, in turn, can affect the balance of the endocrine system, which releases hormones into the bloodstream.
As reflexologists, we work on the whole foot with the aim of supporting the whole body. The nervous system is one of the first and most important areas we focus on. We aim to help the client reach a deep sense of relaxation by calming the sympathetic nervous system and, in turn, activating the parasympathetic nervous system so that the endocrine and other systems can work optimally.
The hypothalamus links the nervous and endocrine systems. It receives information from the nervous system and helps control the pituitary gland, which regulates several other glands that produce hormones. The two systems influence each other. Stress signals from the brain can change hormone release, while hormones can affect brain activity, mood, sleep, appetite and how the body responds to stress. The menstrual cycle is another example. Hormones from the ovaries interact with signals from the brain and the pituitary gland.
The nervous and endocrine systems work together to coordinate the body’s responses and keep internal conditions stable. In short, the nervous system provides fast coordination, the endocrine system regulates the body through hormones, and the brain helps integrate both.
Once the client is relaxed, the reflexologist can focus on any other areas they intuitively feel need attention, with the aim of helping the client’s body reach a state in which it can heal itself. Reflexology is an art because it depends on how skilfully the practitioner applies their knowledge and on the dynamics and energetic connection between practitioner and recipient.
My clinical experience
In my clinical practice over the last 18 years, I have had many clients with various issues. Young women with premenstrual tension (PMT), heavy, irregular menses, severe cramps and water retention have benefited enormously from a reduction in their somatic symptoms, allowing them to live more normally and productively during this time without having to take days off school or work.
Women who told me they had to have a hysterectomy because there was no other way of controlling the very heavy bleeding, which had gone on for so long that they had become anaemic, have now gone back to normal cycles of 28 days.
Endometriosis also affects a high percentage of women, disrupting their lives for many days during their period and at other times of the month. Debilitating migraines, headaches, digestive issues and severe pain have been eased with reflexology.
Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, disrupted sleep patterns, irritability, brain fog and many more are often reduced, allowing women to feel centred and more in control again.
Apart from working on the nervous and endocrine systems for the above conditions, the reflexologist also works on the lymphatics to reduce water retention and inflammation, which are often present and cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Balancing some of the meridians and acupressure points during a session helps clear blockages in the flow of energy, which, according to traditional Chinese medicine, has a great influence on the overall health of the body.
The physical stimulation of reflex points is thought to trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, which can improve mood and mitigate the emotional impact of hormonal imbalances.
Even though clients may have the same symptoms, we don’t always treat them in the same way. A reflexologist will look at the overall picture and consider what else is happening with the client at that time. We encompass the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects, all of which play an important part in a person’s wellbeing.
Everyone reacts in different ways. Some have great results almost immediately, while others might take a few sessions to get the ultimate benefits. It all depends on what else is happening in their bodies and in their lives. But most clients will say how relaxed they are and how good they feel. Many say they don’t know how to describe what they feel, but they feel lighter. This is important feedback because it means we have given them a chance to interrupt the damaging stress cycle and take a break from it.
Scientific perspective
Some systematic reviews and studies indicate positive outcomes for PMT and menopausal symptoms. However, the overall quality of the evidence is often described as low, and many studies suffer from small sample sizes and, very sadly, a lack of funding.
I have written about my clients’ experiences in my clinical practice. Even though these experiences might not qualify as scientific evidence, they are based on my clients’ responses and feedback.
When you look at those responses, there is no doubt that there are real benefits and possibilities for life changes for women with hormonal issues who use reflexology as part of their regular wellbeing programme. This should be encouraged more widely in communities, as I am sure everyone wants a better quality of life without invasive intervention!
Read more from Irene Tasho
Irene Tasho, Principal, Lead Educator & Practitioner
Irene Tasho holds a diploma in reflexology and is an educator and advocate for the reflexology profession. She is the founder of Sole to Soul Reflexology in Sydney and principal of The Australian School of Reflexology, where she trains and mentors future practitioners. Irene serves as a board director of the Reflexology Association of Australia and is passionate about raising professional standards within the industry. Her clinical focus includes women’s health, pain management, and conditions related to stress. In addition to her teaching and clinical work, Irene has volunteered extensively in cancer support and palliative care centres for children and regularly presents educational and professional development programs.
References:
Asltoghiri, M., & Ghodsi, Z. (2012). The effects of reflexology on sleep disorder in menopausal women. Procedia: Social and Behavioral Sciences, 31, 242 to 246.
