Foot Reflexology for Stress And Anxiety: If popular stress relievers do not work, try getting your feet involved! Reflexology can help with anxiety, headaches, and a variety of other mental and physical problems. As certain points on your feet target different areas of your body, massaging them restores balance. If you are new to foot reflexology, this guide is for you!
Why It Works
Foot reflexology is part of traditional Chinese medicine, which is thought to be over 3,000 years old. Like acupuncture, it targets pressure points linked to specific areas in the body. The biggest difference is that this method is needle-free.
Like Delta 8 flower for sale, reflexology will make you feel more relaxed and calm. It helps to harmonize the flow of energy in the body, which is referred to as Qi. According to reflexologists, they can detect imbalances of Qi and restore balance.
Like hands and ears, your feet are a microcosm of your body. It is essentially mapped out on them! Reflexology experts can address and prevent multiple physical issues, from sore muscles to chronic conditions.
Pressure Points and Connections
Reflexologists stimulate nerve endings in each foot through thumb and finger techniques. By application of alternating pressure, they send impulses throughout the patient’s body. They go through all the points and then concentrate on specific problem areas.
The foot map includes three zones. Each pertains to the corresponding part of your body. The sides are also connected (e.g., left food for the left side of the body). The heel is linked to the bottom of your torso, while the top of the foot corresponds to your head. These sections are called:
- “Diaphragm Line”;
- “Waist Line”;
- “Hip Line”.
Treatment of Stress and Anxiety
In a state of stress, our muscles tighten. Reflexology relieves this tension, and the effectiveness for adult anxiety is backed by research. According to a 2020 study by Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which looked at 2,366 participants, the method is useful against anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance.
The positive effects are connected to the release of serotonin and endorphins. These hormones help your body transition from the fight-or-flight state to the resting state. Thereby, reflexology brings a sense of peace and connection. Your brain wave patterns shift into deeper consciousness, so your body can start healing itself.
According to neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D, this is not the only cause of the stress-relieving effects. Reflexology rebalances the endocrine and lymphatic systems and boosts circulation.
Are There Any Risks?
This method is painless and non-invasive. It does not have any side effects, which makes it suitable for people of all ages. There are very few exceptions — for example, bone fractures. If you have reservations, consult your doctor before your first reflexology session.
Also Read – 8 Proven Ways to Reduce Stress for Busy Professionals