What conditions might reflexology help with?
There isn’t strong evidence that reflexology works any better than a foot massage, but reflexologists believe reflexology can help improve the following:
- Immune System
- Colds or Bacterial Infections
- Sinus Issues
- Back Pain
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Digestion
- Arthritis Pain
“Reflexology is when pressure is applied to specific points of the foot,” says Bodner. “It’s thought that different parts of the foot correlate with different organs and parts of the body.”
What is reflexology?
For example, pinching the tops of your toes is believed to help with sinuses, while pressure applied to your heel claims to help with lower back and sciatic nerve pain.
Many reflexologists use a foot chart to show them where they need to apply pressure to help with certain areas of the body. There are also pressure points on your hands and ears that some reflexologists may target during a session.
Reflexology has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it’s thought that this type of therapy can keep your body’s qi (pronounced “chi”), or vital energy, balanced.
Other theories focus on how your body’s nervous system is all connected. Applying pressure, or even touching, areas of your feet is believed to calm your central nervous system and promote relaxation.
How does it work?
A reflexologist will use their hands to apply pressure to certain areas of your foot based on where you’re having pain and discomfort.
Think about how it feels to have your foot rubbed. It’s relaxing and calms you down.
In fact, this is likely the same reason reflexology is beneficial, as there’s no evidence that reflexology provides more benefits than a traditional foot massage. A foot massage may help improve your mood, stress, energy level and sleep.
If you’re stressed or anxious, your sympathetic nervous system — your fight or flight response— kicks into gear. A foot massage is believed to help increase your parasympathetic response and allow you to focus on routine and day-to-day operations.
“The parasympathetic system is that relaxation response, where your body can continue a place of homeostasis, which promotes self-healing and balance,” explains Bodner. “It can do its optimal duty to take care of and make sure you’re the healthiest you can be.”