Reflexology Explained: What Is Reflexology?

Also called zone therapy, reflexology is a form of alternative medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet (and sometimes the hands or ears).

Much like practitioners of acupuncture, acupressure, and other alternative therapies, reflexologists believe that reflex points on specific areas of the foot correlate with different internal organs and parts of the body, and applying pressure to these points has measurable health benefits. Practitioners use a reflexology chart, which outlines pressure points and their related body parts.

Whether reflexology works remains a debated topic. Randomized controlled trials show the effects of reflexology massage prove to be no more beneficial than a foot massage. However, when used with complementary therapies, it may provide you with a sense of well-being and relaxation, which positively affects emotions and overall health.

One theory of reflexology treatment’s effects relates to how massage therapy calms the central nervous system and releases endorphins. Since the nervous system connects throughout your entire body, stress reduction through relaxation of this system through foot reflexology may ease the symptoms of many health conditions.

Reflexologists believe reflexology can improve symptoms and provide support for the following conditions:

1. 1. Anxiety: Studies show reflexology decreases anxiety in people recovering from heart surgery or in treatment for cancer. Reflexology also improves your mood and reduces stress.
2. 2. Digestive issues: Practitioners believe reflexology helps relieve digestive problems, such as constipation and diarrhea.
3. 3. Effects of cancer treatment: A study from 2011 showed that women in treatment for breast cancer had reduced symptoms (such as shortness of breath) after reflexology sessions.
4. 4. Immune system issues: Anecdotal reports show reflexology boosts the immune system, reducing the symptoms of colds, sinus problems, and bacterial infections.
5. 5. Pain: Reflexology reduces pain, especially back pain and pain from medical conditions such as arthritis. Pain relief is the most likely benefit of all the claimed benefits since relaxation and stress relief reduce the severity of pain.
6. 6. PMS symptoms: Another small study showed that reflexology treatment helped reduce PMS symptoms in some women.

Reflexology remains a safe and comfortable option in most cases as long as you avoid viewing it as a replacement for traditional medical care. The safest approach combines reflexology with other treatments. You should avoid reflexology if you suffer from the following:

• Circulatory problems: Because applying pressure on reflex areas affects blood flow, avoid reflexology if you have blood clots or circulatory issues.
• Foot or leg injuries: If you have any injuries, chronic conditions, or medical issues with your feet or legs (such as gout, infections, or wounds), avoid reflexology sessions.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant people have a higher risk of blood clots and should avoid reflexology.

If you have questions about the safety of reflexology concerning a particular medical condition, ask your healthcare provider first.

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