Reflexology is one of the fastest growing complementary therapies and it’s easy to see why. Our feet are one of the least pampered, and one of the most used areas of the body. From the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed at night our feet serve as the foundation for your entire body in terms of support, balance, posture and over-all well being. A Reflexology treatment focuses specifically on the 7000 nerve endings, and hundreds of Acupressure points of the feet, which in turn causes a cascade of events to happen throughout the rest of the body.
What is Reflexology and how does it affect the body as a whole.
Research dating as far back as the 1890’s showed that a neurological relationship exists between the skin and the internal organs and that the whole nervous system is connected and responds to touch.
The Reflexologist’s point-specific foot massage sends a calming message from the peripheral nerves of the feet to all the major systems of the body which in turn, enhances their functions.
Reflexology reduces Stress (which also adversely affects every major system in the body) as we can see from the following:
Stress and The Nervous System
When stressed, the body suddenly shifts its energy resources to fighting off the perceived threat. In what is known as the “fight or flight” response, the sympathetic nervous system signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones make the heart beat faster, raise blood pressure, change digestive processes and boost glucose levels in the bloodstream. When the body is constantly in a state of fight or flight, dis-ease can occur. Reflexology shifts the body to the parasympathetic “resting” response which allows the organs to function optimally and the body to return to a state of calm.
Stress and The Musculoskeletal System
Under stress, muscles tense up. The contraction of muscles for extended periods can trigger tension headaches, migraines, and various musculoskeletal conditions. Stress is a key component in pain.
Stress and The Respiratory System
Stress can make you breathe harder or more rapid (hyperventilation), which can bring on panic attacks in some people.
Stress and The Cardiovascular System
Stress causes an increase in heart rate and stronger contractions of the heart muscle. Blood vessels that direct blood to the large muscles and to the heart dilate, increasing the amount of blood pumped to these parts of the body. Repeated episodes of acute stress (sudden upset like being stuck in traffic for example) can cause inflammation in the coronary arteries, which is thought to lead to heart attack.
Stress and The Endocrine, Gastrointestinal and Reproductive Systems
Stress can affect your Adrenal glands, Liver function, Digestion (heartburn/acid reflux, nausea, butterflies, stomach pain etc.), Bowel function, Testosterone levels and sperm production in men, and absent, irregular or painful periods in women.
So it’s easy to see how stress affects the whole body and how important it is switch from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic response. And what better way than a calming foot massage!
Note: The Footsteps School of Reflexology’s Diploma Program consists of 100 hours of Anatomy and Physiology, 64 in-class learning hours, 48 Assignments, 80 case studies, plus theory and practical exams.
Covered under most Insurances
Unfortunately we cannot treat the following conditions:
- Deep vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis
- Fever or high temp
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- An infectious disease of the foot
- Pacemaker or unstable heart condition
- Unstable or risky pregnancy (before 12 weeks)
