The Connection Between Reflexology and Stress Relief
- Brainz Magazine
- Mar 14
- 5 min read
Ida is a certified aesthetician (graduate of Marvel School of Beauty), offering home-based services since 1994. Ida provides various holistic services; she graduated from Zanqara’s Holistica Skin Care’s Dermatician course in 1994, which required her to understand homeopathic remedies.
Reflexology has been around for thousands of years in other parts of the world. It has taken many years for North Americans to accept it. Dr. William Fitzgerald, the father of reflexology, researched and developed the "Zone Theory." He discovered that applying pressure to certain body points provided numbness and pain relief and improved the functions of certain organs of the body. It has advanced since his revelation in 1913. Its health impact is known worldwide and included in some companies' benefits plans.
Now we know from many research studies and client testimonials that reflex points exist all over the body and correspond to every body part, gland and organ. The hands, feet, ears and face have reflex points. The feet have more reflex points than the hands, so it's the preferred choice. The feet have six meridian lines, and the hands have five meridian energy lines flowing through them. The reflexologist's thumbs and fingers stimulate the pressure points. Kneading, twisting, rotating, gentle squeezing, and alternating pressure techniques release stress and tension and increase circulation. The corresponding Reflexology Associations update the methods when they attain new information. None are better than the other; the client can expect an effective treatment as long as the practitioner stimulates the whole foot, hand, face, or ear.
Selective pressure application on the reflex points stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the "rest and digest" system- this helps convert the sympathetic nervous system's "fight or flight" tension to relaxation. It does what the person needs. Studies of the mind-body connection demonstrate that reflexology reduces cortisol levels, the hormone released from the adrenal gland associated with stress, and promotes the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals.
A reflexology treatment stimulates more than 7000 nerves. The body has built-in mechanisms for cleansing itself. If these energies become blocked (i.e., Meridian lines) or function improperly, toxins and waste matter are allowed to build up. By deepening relaxation (enhancing the parasympathetic system), reflexology enables all body systems to function more efficiently. Reflexology treatments temporarily relieve pain.
Reflexology balances the whole-body system. The technical term homeostasis means "being in balance." For the human body to be healthy, everything must work together. Reflexology works in harmony with other methods and should not be considered an alternative but a complementary therapy.
Stress is a part of our modern life, affecting mental and physical health. Stress can reduce blood flow, which carries oxygen and nutrients to all cells, making the body sluggish. Doctors agree that stress causes 80% of all health problems.
Reflexologists place extra pressure on important reflex areas such as the solar plexus, immunity, liver, and sciatic points. I have firsthand experience with an immediate reduction in an uncontrollable heartbeat.
Personal experience
I've had an accumulation of bee stings since I married a beekeeper. Initially, I had typical reactions as most everyone else. Over time, bee stings directed to my face or scalp triggered a quasi-anaphylaxis reaction. I developed never-ending heart palpitations and stomach pains. Luckily, it only occurred when they stung above my neck. I can only assume that the concentrated bee venom quickly flows to the heart via the jugular vein, stimulating the increased heartbeat. People living with beekeepers are more likely to develop anaphylactic reactions to bee stings due to inhaling the airborne bee venom that dries on the beekeepers' clothes. They do not have the immunity that beekeepers develop from constant bee sting exposure. Instinctively, I gave myself foot reflexology on the bottom of the top part of my feet before the palpitations had a chance to occur, and they never happened again. I never used an EpiPen. Self-reflexology has been studied and revealed that cortisol levels don't decrease as much as a professional treatment. It is still effective for some issues, but it is better when a professional does it and the client has time to relax.
Research studies of reflexology effectiveness
Reflexology helps stimulate milk production and correct excessive milk flow and breast swelling.
Pain reduction identified in research
For women, reflexology significantly decreases premenstrual pain, and reflexology performed before childbirth significantly reduces labour pains. It significantly reduced joint pain and stiffness. It's effective for cancer pain. It is considered a tool that should be added to health care providers and nursing students to provide pain relief and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from deep pain and anxiety even though health professionals don’t have time to do it.
Diabetic patients benefit
Reflexology controls blood sugar levels. It improves kidney function and blood flow, relaxes the stressed and fatigued, and reduces joint pains, kidney stones, AIDS, chest pain, etc.
Many talkative clients gently float away during the session, feeling deeply relaxed. Studies found that regular reflexology sessions could improve emotional well-being in highly stressed individuals. Many clients feel deeply relaxed after a reflexology session, often describing emotional balance and mental clarity. Testimonials from practitioners reveal similar outcomes, with clients mentioning better sleep, improved mood, and reduced stress levels.
If you're looking for a natural way to manage stress, reflexology is a gentle yet powerful method that can help restore balance and promote overall well-being.
Various ways to benefit from reflexology
Manufacturers template insoles or sandals with raised impressions to simulate reflex points sessions. I caution you not to overuse them. The body needs time to release the toxins. Since they do not cover the whole foot, expect limited results. Reflexology aids exist to give the hands a rest. The human hand is the superior choice of treatment.
Ida Fanelli, Aesthetician, Reflexologist, IPL Technician
Ida is a certified aesthetician (graduate of Marvel School of Beauty), offering home-based services since 1994. Ida provides various holistic services; she graduated from Zanqara’s Holistica Skin Care’s Dermatician course in 1994, which required her to understand homeopathic remedies. Ida has been a certified reflexologist since 1993 (graduate of D’Arcy Lane Institute). She has also been practicing Healing Energy since 1998 and has added the Ion Cleanse Foot Detox to her therapies. In 2012, Ida became a certified Sharplight Laser (IPL) Technician. She enjoys learning new techniques which can benefit her clients. In 2019, she received certification from the Center for Pain and Stress Research (CPSR.) She can now speed up the healing of scars and help with pain caused by surgical scars to her list of specialties.
She enjoys continuing her education in the complementary health field. Many can testify that Ida is committed to ensuring her clients access adequate and affordable quality service and treatment.
Beyond her many years of experience as a holistic practitioner, Ida draws on her 12 years of experience as a hospital laboratory technologist in Microbiology and Biochemistry.
References:
https://www.reflexologycanada.org/en/50-reasons-to-receive-reflexology/
https://www.modernreflexology.com/reflexology-points-to-control-diabetes/
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