13 Benefits of Reflexology

What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology is an alternative, ancient medical practice that involves the use of pressure to specific points on the feet and hands. This is done by using massage techniques without the use of oil or lotion.

It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body onto the feet and hands. Reflexology is used to prompt physical changes to the related areas of the body.

Here are 13 benefits of using reflexology to improve a variety of symptoms and conditions.

1.  Relaxation

Just like with any other massage, reflexology can be extremely relaxing. Massaging the bottoms of your feet at night before lying down can also help with insomnia. Spoil yourself with some of the ideas on Wellness Nova and learn how to treat your body right.

2.  Eliminating Toxins

Reflexology may improve bladder function and reduce urinary tract issues. This means a more efficient system of eliminating toxins and other foreign substances, thus protecting your body from the various diseases and other health conditions that can arise from the urinary system.

3.  Increased Circulation

The greatest benefit of reflexology is in the improvement of circulation throughout the body. Blood and oxygen cycle through the body more effectively when more oxygen reaches vital organs. This optimizes their functioning and further increases their metabolism. It can also result in faster healing and regrowth of damaged cells.

4.  Boosts Energy Levels

Once your body has been cleansed of toxins and your blood is flowing more efficiently, your body can now absorb nutrients fully, giving you the energy you deserve from your food. Also, by aligning the functioning of various organ and muscle systems, reflexology can increase metabolism and energy creation processes within the body.

5.  Reduces Pain and Headaches

Reflexology is used by many people as a means of eliminating pain. It can reduce the severity of a migraine and headache by relieving tension in the muscles. A headache caused by stress or toxins in the gut can also be eliminated.

6.  Improves Nerve Function

Nerve endings become less sensitive in many parts of the body as we age. The hands and feet are connected to more than 7,000 different nerve endings. When massaged and stimulated, their function and reactivity increase after just a single session.This opens and cleanses out neural pathways which help improve functionality in the brain as well.

7.  Nervous System Stimulation

The open neural pathways can benefit our central nervous system by enhancing the brain’s ability to handle inputs more effectively, and by speeding up our cognitive powers and boosting memory.

8.  Speed Healing

The mix of increased nerve activity, circulation, and balanced functioning of the metabolism means that cells regrow faster and wounds are able to heal more quickly.

9.  Easy Pregnancy

Reflexology can be very beneficial for pregnant women, especially during labor when analgesics are needed and also during the postpartum recovery time. Reflexology has an amazing ability to help with stress and anxiety, which can reduce the chances of postpartum depression and help a woman’s body heal faster.

10. Reduce PMS Symptoms

Reflexology may be able to promote healing as well as manage pain associated with menstruation. It can reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual pain in comparison to traditional pain-relieving medications.

11. Heart Health

From pain reduction, to release of anxiety, and stress, reflexology is an overall heart health solution.

12. May Help Type 2 Diabetes

Those with Type 2 diabetes often battle nerve and pain-related conditions. Reflexology has been found to help with the improvement of the nerve conductivity, the reduction of pain, and the correction of vibration and thermal sensitivity contact concerns in diabetic patients. It also helps to improve control of glucose levels.

13. May Relieve Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Reflexology isn’t directly connected to treating cancer, but it has been known to ease the side effects of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. It helps cancer patients get a sound sleep by reducing anxiety and reducing the chances of vomiting or other commonly experienced indigestion issues. Other effects of reflexology, such as clearing neural channels and increasing circulation, can also help patients.

It seems our ancient ancestors had it right all along. Although more needs to be researched on the benefits of reflexology, regular massage has been proven to help many around the world. So pamper yourself and get your feet rubbed!

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About the Author: Mike