Reflexology is relaxing for so many people and whenever I have a treatment, I feel deeply relaxed in the same way I do during hypnosis or meditation. Whilst nobody knows for sure how reflexology works, I think it can be really effective in helping to switch off our sympathetic nervous system and activate our parasympathetic nervous system through the application of relaxing techniques to the feet. Interestingly, the feet just happen to be the parts of the body with the highest number of nerve endings.
The function of the sympathetic nervous system is to stimulate the body’s fight, flight or freeze response by diverting the body’s resources to functions associated with running away or fighting. Heart and breathing rates increase, blood pressure goes up, muscles tense, systems such as digestion and reproduction slow down and adrenaline is released. Once the threat or stressor has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system (also known as the rest and digest system) is triggered. This part of the nervous system promotes digestion, relaxes muscles, reduces levels of adrenaline, increases endorphins (the happy hormone), lowers blood pressure and slows down heart and breathing rates
The sympathetic nervous system helps us respond to dangerous or stressful situations and in prehistoric times it was essential for survival. However, once the danger of the charging mammoth had passed, the parasympathetic nervous system took over and the body returned to a resting state. Modern day stressors, such as work, family issues, finances and ill health can also trigger the sympathetic nervous system as they can be perceived as a threat to the body. However, these stressors can be on-going, which means that our fight, flight or freeze mode can be switched on for longer periods of time than that of our prehistoric ancestors and this can adversely affect our wellbeing.
Growing research has highlighted the negative effects of prolonged stress on both our mental health (low mood, anxiety) and physical health (conditions relating to the cardio vascular, immune, digestive and hormonal systems). This is no surprise when you consider what happens to the body whilst in fight or flight mode. Likewise, research has identified the physical and mental health benefits of activities that encourage the mind and body to relax and rest by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Reflexology cannot be said to treat specific conditions and it is not possible to say how an individual may respond to it. However, because reflexology can be an effective way of achieving deep relaxation, some people find it a useful tool to help them manage their stress levels and live with on-going physical health conditions. It also has the added benefit of requiring little effort on the part of the recipient other than showing up for an appointment and removing shoes and socks!
So, if you would like more information on how reflexology might benefit you, please visit my website https://juliebrewsterreflexology.co.uk/ or contact me directly on 07827 814616 or via email at info@juliebrewsterreflexology.co.uk