Foot Reflexology Chart: Benefits, Digestion & Side effects

How do you define reflexology?

“Reflexology is commonly known as a holistic practice performed on the feet,” says Brian Goodwin, aesthetician, herbalist and trainer of Eminence Organic Skin Care. “The concept is that there are meridian points on the feet that correspond with various organs in the body.”

As per Dustin Martinez, a Los California-based chiropractor, research from 2014 suggests that the practice of reflexology can improve the quality of your life in a variety of ways.

This means decreasing stress and bringing harmony to your body as well as the mind, energy, and.

“Reflexology is ancient medicine — it’s been around forever,” the doctor claims. “It can be traced as far back as 2330 B.C.”

According to Martinez the reflexology practice was given its name today within the United States in the early 1900s.

Foot reflexology benefits

The foot reflexology can help:

• Stress and relaxation
• Pain management
• digestion
• Eye strain
• Improved sleep

Relaxation and stress

Foot Reflexology Chart: Benefits, Digestion & Side effects – One of the major benefits of the practice of reflexology involves relaxing and managing stress. This can be achieved by applying pressure to specific areas on the feet.

“Relaxation is probably the biggest benefit [of foot reflexology],” Martinez says. Martinez. “Reflexology aids in improving blood flow throughout the body, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety and reduce blood pressure. If you’re feeling less stressed as well as less stressed, it’s simple to relax.”

In the study from 2015 which was previously mentioned they observe that the most common benefit from reflexology is reducing stress and helping to induce general relaxation.

Furthermore, the study states that reflexology could be a way to break the cycle of chronic stress in the form of “helping the body systems to return to their natural state.”

Other research also supports this.

A systematic review in 2019 of reflexology as a part of the treatment of advanced cancer patients found that reflexology, in conjunction with other complementary therapies like massage and aromatherapy, improved wellbeing and provided people with respite and relief from their illness.

If you are considering reflexology to reduce stress or relaxation, you should consider scheduling several sessions. According to the study from 2015 that one session can disrupt the response to stress, however more sessions are recommended to reap maximum benefits.

Management of pain

Foot Reflexology Chart: Benefits, Digestion & Side effects – Maybe due in its impact on relaxation and stress levels Foot reflexology can assist in the management of chronic and acute discomfort.

Foot reflexology can help ease the discomfort after surgery. An Study in the year 2020 discovered that foot reflexology was able to reduce the pain following kidney transplant surgery, when compared to the control group.

Similar to that to this, a study in 2018 discovered that foot reflexology was able to reduce the pain following abdominal hysterectomy, when compared with an uncontrolled group.

There is evidence that supports the efficacy of foot reflexology to reduce chronic pain. In an study from the year 2019 foot reflexology was found to have significantly reduced anxiety and pain in children suffering from chronic pain.

A 2018 of a study of military personnel suffering from chronic pain discovered that after an hour of reflexology on the feet, scores for pain decreased by 43% in males and 41% for females.

Digestion

Martinez says that reflexology could aid digestion.

“One of the reflex points found on your feet is connected to your stomach — when this particular point is stimulated, it will increase blood flow to your stomach, helping to improve digestion,” Dr. Xavier says.

However an research study from 2017 on foot reflexology and children with functional constipation revealed that the reflexology did not have any effect on the frequency of bowel movements or frequency.

It is necessary to conduct more research to determine the effects foot reflexology could be having on digestion.

Eyestrain

“Reflexology can help reverse some of the stress we put on our eyes just from our daily activities,” Martinez says. Martinez. “These pressure points help relax the tight muscles caused by looking at our screens all day.”

Sleep better

Foot Reflexology Chart: Benefits, Digestion & Side effects – Rectification may prove beneficial in relaxing and reducing stress. So it’s not surprising that some suggest it could aid in achieving the ability to have a more comfortable night’s rest.

“Because reflexology is moving energy and improving overall circulation, it’s easy to have a restful night’s sleep after a treatment,” Martinez explains. Martinez.

In the study mentioned above regarding foot reflexology following kidney transplant surgery, the patients who received foot reflexology significantly better sleep quality.

Diabetes

It is unclear whether foot reflexology can be beneficial to diabetes, however this is a subject of ongoing research.

A 2018 study conducted by Trusted Source found that 12 hours of foot reflexology therapy for patients who suffer from diabetes did not have any effect on capillary blood glucoselevels, temperatures of the foot’s tissues, as well as the pressure of the plantar area.

There was some improvement in foot-ground speed and this could be a sign for better mobility and the prevention of ulcers in the foot. But it was a tiny study that had limitations, and further research is required to determine the effectiveness of the effects of reflexology on diabetes.

Contraindications and side effects of reflexology

Foot Reflexology Chart: Benefits, Digestion & Side effects – Barnwell states that following an hour of reflexology, the majority of clients feel a sense of wellbeing and relaxation. However, there are some negative side effects that can be experienced. This includes:

• Lethargy
• nausea
• crying or experiencing tears
• lightheadedness
• emotional turmoil

“This is usually transitory, and reflexologists believe that it is part of the healing process,” declares Barnwell.

Reflexology isn’t for everyone, however. For those with particular medical conditions it could be harmful more than beneficial. Reflexology is not recommended for people with:

• circulatory issues
• Gout
• The history of blood clots
• Certain foot injuries to the foot like sprains, strains or stress fractures
• sensitive skin conditions, such as blisters or extreme Eczema or the psoriasis
• skin diseases that are contagious, such as chicken pox, scabies and athletes’ foot
• Certain signs of diabetes, like non-healing wounds, peripheral neuropathy

Always speak to your doctor prior to beginning a new procedure to determine if it is appropriate for your needs.

How long will it take before you begin realizing the results?

According to Martinez Martinez, the majority of patients experience benefits following their first session with reflexology.

“Everybody is unique and heals in their own timing,” Martinez says. Martinez. “In general, reflexology best complements natural healing already taking place.”

While it’s possible to feel the benefits of reflexology following one treatment it is advised to keep applying reflexology in conjunction with other physician-recommended treatments to achieve the most effective results.

Takeaway

Although reflexology hasn’t been scientifically validated as a medical treatment for ailments however, it has been utilized throughout the ages to treat various diseases.

Foot reflexology could be helpful as a treatment complement, but there isn’t enough evidence to prove it.

It’s essential to speak with your physician prior to trying reflexology. Patients who have circulatory issues or gout issues, as well as blood clots, should stay clear of the practice.

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