Reflexology is an alternative treatment for different conditions and has been in use for thousand of years. The ancient Chinese and Egyptians have documented practices similar to reflexology as a treatment for various afflictions. It involves the reflexologist applying pressure to specific areas in the hands, feet and ears that affect certain reflex areas in the body.
Hand reflexology is a massage technique that puts pressure on various reflex points around the hands. The belief is that these points correlate to different body parts and that massaging the points can help to relieve symptoms in other areas of the body. It is useful tool for reducing symptoms of pain, stress and anxiety.
7 Surprising Health Benefits of Hand Reflexology
Improved nerve function
In aging, the nerve endings become less sensitive in many parts of the body, particularly in extremities. Reflexology was concerned with stimulating more than 7,000 different nerve endings in a single session, thereby increasing the function and reactivity. Opening and cleaning out neural pathways can help improve functionality and flexibility in many parts of the body. Neural pathways are like muscles, so it is good to work them once in a while to keep sharp. It also speeds up cognitive powers but also boosts memory.
Boosted energy levels
By aligning the functioning of various organ and muscle systems, reflexology causes increase in metabolism and energy creation processes within the body. If need a boost of energy or always feeling sluggish, perhaps a reflexology session will help put some pep back in step.
Increased circulation
One of the most well-known and verified benefits of reflexology is an improvement in circulation throughout the body that means that blood and oxygen are being cycled through the body more effectively. This means more oxygen reaches vital organs, therefore optimizing the functioning and further increasing the metabolism. This also helps in faster healing and re-growth of damaged cells.
Relaxation
As reflexology has been known to open neural pathways and this sort of free-flowing neural activity leads to a more relaxed state in the body. For this reason, reflexology can flood the system with relaxation, inducing a state of calmness throughout the body and mind. Also, used commonly to cure sleep disorders. Insomnia is a very troubling condition to suffer through but reflexology helps the body relx and get back to its normal, healthy circadian rhythms.
Elimination of toxins
reflexology has been shown to improve bladder function and reduce urinary tract problems. What this means in terms of toxicity is a more efficient system of eliminating toxins and other foreign substances, therefore protecting the body from the various diseases and health conditions which can often arise from a compromised urinary system.
Reduction in headaches
Reflexology is primarily used by many people as a method of eliminating and reducing pain. As an analgesic treatment, reflexology can reduce the severity of a migraine and headache, simply by relieving tension in the muscles that can often result in such conditions. A headache induced by stress can also be eliminated since stress and psyhchological factors often manifest in the physical symptoms of a migraine.
Speed healing
The combination of increased nerve activity and circulation, as well as the balanced functioning of the metabolism, means that cells re-grow faster and wounds are able to heal quickly. Also, the pain-relieving qualities of reflexology mean that patients recover rapidly and are willing to get back into normal routine of life.
Other Benefits
- Although reflexology is not directly connected with curing cancer, 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 also reduced the chances of vomiting or other commonly experienced indigestion issues. The more general effects of reflexology like clearing neural channels and increasing circulation help patients.
- Diabetes type 2
- Multiple sclerosis
- Constipation
- Sinus and breathing problems
- Reduces shoulder pain
- Allergies
- Reduces neck pressure
Contraindications of Hand Reflexology
- Thyroid issues
- Epilepsy
- Low platelet counts
- Diarrhea
- Open wounds
- Hand inflammation
While hand reflexology can be done at home, also can seek out a reflexologist.
Conclusion
Although much of the research on reflexology has been criticized or cited as unprovable, thousands of years of tradition and reports of success speak rather loudly. That being said, reflexology should be considered as a supplemental treatment to formal medical advice and treatment for the variety of conditions.
References-
- What is Hand Reflexology and What are its Benefits? (epainassist.com)
- Hand Reflexology: How to Cure Anxiety, Headaches, and Constipation (healthline.com)
