Reflexology for Stress
What is stress? Stress is the body's natural response to circumstances that affect your internal metabolic balance called homeostasis. This response can be physical and/or emotional. This reaction is known as the stress response or more commonly as the "fight or flight" response. Think of the stress response as having an "on/off" switch. The "on" switch represents that division of our nervous system that promotes stimulating changes within our body such as increased heart rate. The "off" switch represents that part of our nervous system that assists the body in returning to a tranquil state. It is when the stress response is left in the "on" mode that stress can have a chronic effect. The more the stress response is activated, the harder it is to switch it off. The body loses its ability to return to a normal state of balance.
The American Medical al Association has stated that stress is the root cause of 75% of all disease. Symptoms such as fatigue, depression and insomnia can appear. The physiological effects of stress include increased heart rate, hypertension, and increased respiratory rate. Other effects are diminished circulation, poor digestion and suppression of the immune system. Chronic medical conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue have been categorized as nervous system disorders.
How can reflexology help with stress? Reflexology is a natural, non-invasive therapy. It is often mistakenly thought of as a foot massage. Unlike massage which focuses on the muscles, reflexology uses various hand techniques in which alternating pressure and friction are applied to the surface of the skin. The sensory nerves in the feet are stimulated producing a neurological response. It is a unique modality in that it strives to restore homeostasis to the body by reintegrating the body systems. The entire body, including its organs, glands, muscles and nerves are represented by reflex points in the hands and feet. A reflexologist will work on these reflex points that will help to eliminate congestion in the tissues and restore the flow of energy. Reflexology has a restorative effect on the body as well by helping to improve circulation and to promote lymphatic drainage.
Who would benefit from reflexology? Reflexology is beneficial for all ages from infants to the elderly. It is important to know that reflexology is not a diagnostic tool, however many health professionals recognize its effectiveness as a complementary therapy for many medical conditions.
Marilyn Alling
Marilyn is a nationally board-certified reflexologist with a private practice in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, provides reflexology to cancer patients within a clinical setting and is the US instructor for the Craniosacral Reflexology Institute.