Reflexology for Stress & Anxiety
Prolonged stress can disrupt our health and wellbeing putting our body’s out of balance.
The body then has less energy for healing or repair as the energy is being channelled elsewhere. The immune and endocrine systems become weakened the digestive system slows down and reproductive system can eventualy shut down.
During periods of stress and anxiety, the body undergoes significant physical changes The hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system, putting the body high alert. This response leads to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and, preparing the body for a 'fight or flight'. As a result, various changes occur, including increased heart rate, heightened, and a surge of energy, all aimed at helping the individual cope with perceived threats.
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Muscles tense up ready for action
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Increased heart rate
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Increased blood pressure
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Increased blood-glucose levels
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The digestive and immune systems shut down so there is more energy for other systems
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Inability to focus on small tasks due to acute awareness on the big problem
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Pupils dilate for acute sight to spot the danger
Managing the Effects of Stress
Just as the stress response exists as a a survival mechanism the body also has a counter balancing relaxation response which is known as the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the rest and digest system. When this response is generated, stress hormones drop, heart rate and blood pressure decrease and the body returns back to its process of rest and repair.
By helping the body to achieve its own level of homeostasis, the body is more able to deal psychologically, physically and emotionally with life’s daily challenges.
Regular Reflexology sessions are an excellent way of offsetting the unhealthy effects of stress and anxiety. Relaxation not only alleviates the symptoms of stress but allows the body in this rested and relaxed state to return to balance and heal itself. By making time for relaxation you can create a sense of calm and wellbeing leading to improved health.
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Regular Reflexology sessions are also beneficial when used alongside energy healing combining these other modalities addresses the physical, spiritual, emotional and mental imbalances.
​Key Reflex Points for Stress & Anxiety
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​Solar Plexus - are one of the most valuable reflex points to control anxiety symptoms. Working the solar plexus point will enhance any feelings of well-being and reduce the sensation of butterflies in your stomach, encourage you to breath slower and deeper and generally calm down all the physical indications of stress.
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Head & Brain -these points help to control any sense of overwhelm and will encourage clear thinking and a more balanced approach to problems, helping you to concentrate more effectively and to be less distracted when you are trying to learn or absorb something new.
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Stomach - stomach reflex areas will help with nausea, ‘butterflies’ or changes in your appetite.
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Small Intestines & Colon - helps with irritable bowel symptoms.
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Adrenals - will encourage the adrenals glands to adjust their production of the stress hormones adrenalin and cortisol.
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Pineal - is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle of the body, working this reflex point will help with insomnia or other sleep-related symptoms.
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Pituitary - is one of the most important endocrine glands and is closely linked to the body’s stress response. Working this area will help reduce any anxiety symptoms as well as helping to adjust your body’s response to stress.
Reflexology Research
Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Effect of foot reflexology intervention on depression, anxiety and sleep quality in adults.