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Sunday, 16 December 2012

Reflexology for Anxiety- Is It Beneficial?

By Elfe Sarmiento Cabanas


Nowadays, the incidence rate of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, continues to grow worldwide. There are lots of medications formulated to address these health issues.

However, many people still prefer traditional methods of healing simply because of their effectiveness. Can reflexology alleviate the symptoms of anxiety?

Assumptions of Reflexology

Reflexology is a form of bodywork that works under the assumption that organs of the body are well represented by the reflex points found on the hands and feet. When pressure is applied on these reflex points , the central nervous system is stimulated to release a relaxation response which is beneficial in alleviating he symptoms of anxiety.

It can stimulate the function and health of certain organs in the body. Furthermore, it brings healing and therapeutic effects to the human body.

Through the years, reflexology has earned a good reputation as an excellent treatment for anxiety. In one study, it was found out that reflexology can help in reducing stress and driving the level of blood pressure to an optimum level which indicate relaxation.

Reflexology Reduces the Impact of Anxiety

Anxiety and stress is released through the stimulation of the lymph nodes to move properly, stimulation of the paths which the nerve takes and relaxing the muscles of the body. By applying pressure to the stomach reflex, symptoms of anxiety such as nausea, butterflies in the stomach and changes in appetite are eliminated.

Stimulating the reflex points associated with the adrenal glands is also beneficial in encouraging the adrenal glands to adjust its production of stress-related hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline hormones. According to studies, excessive production of these hormones can aggravate the symptoms of anxiety.

Reflexology also helps in stimulating the pineal gland which regulates the wake and sleep cycle of the body. This is beneficial for patients who are suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia which are normally associated with anxiety.

Stimulating the pituitary gland is beneficial in controlling the recurrence of the anxiety symptoms and helping the body respond effectively to stress. Meanwhile, when the reflex points of the small intestines and colons are stimulated, symptoms such as irritable bowel are eliminated.

The solar plexus reflex point should also be worked on. It can encourage the feeling of well being, slows down the rate of breathing, reduce the sensation of butterflies in the stomach and promotes calmness and relaxation.

Reflexology is also claimed to be effective in regulating the production of anti-depressant hormones and natural painkillers in the body which can help in bringing out a deep sense of calmness and relaxation.

There have been lots of claims about the role of reflexology in eliminating the symptoms of anxiety. However, there are only limited scientific studies which can support those claims.




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