How Does Reflexology Help in Healing Your Body?

Published by Tom Kranz in Alternative Medicine, 6 months 3 days 23 hours 23 minutes 19 seconds ago

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Today there is a lot of interest generated around reflexology and its effects on the health and well being of the human body. This gentle, alternate and non-invasive treatment is said to be extremely beneficial as it encourages and helps the body to heal naturally.

Reflexology is a method whereby the application of pressure by the fingers and thumbs to the specific areas and points located on the hands, feet and even ears of the body brings about release of stress and improves the health.

Reflexologists recognize and identify the specific reflex points and areas on the hands and feet that correspond to other parts of the body and systems. They state that by applying pressure on these reflex points, there is an effect that is beneficial on the corresponding organs as well as the overall health and healing in the body. For example, the treatment of reflexology has the notion that a particular area in the arch of one's foot corresponds to the bladder and appropriate pressure on this area will therefore affect the functioning of the bladder.


Millions of people all around the world are using reflexology as a complementary therapy along with other treatments to combat anxiety, diabetes, kidney malfunctions, headaches, sinusitis etc. This type of treatment is like acupuncture, as acupressure also works in relation to the body's energy through stimulation of reflex points (though the reflex points in acupuncture and acupressure are not always the same as reflexology reflex points). Even though they seem alike, it is wrong to confuse massage with reflexology. Specific techniques used in both are different. Massage uses systematic manipulation whereas reflexology uses micro-movement techniques like hook, finger walking etc.

Reflexology is found to be beneficial for restoration of harmony and balance in the body as well as for releasing tension and stress. It can produce a serene mind and a complete state of relaxation. Research done in the US and across the globe indicates that reflexology has positive benefits. Studies carried out by Health Institutes have indicated that reflexology helps to reduce pain in the body, enhance sleep and relaxation and also reduce depression, anxiety and other psychological symptoms.

Over three hundred studies in Chinese research on reflexology show that it is effective in a majority of cases that covered sixty four types of illnesses. However, though the quality of the studies is not established one cannot deny that there are hundreds of testimonies of people who believe that they were helped by reflexology.


Today there are a great number of schools and workshops that offer reflexology as a part of their curriculum. Massage schools also teach it as a technique. The American Reflexology Certification Board offers a national certification in reflexology that is recognized. The person needs to undergo a training period of 110 hours from a trained instructor in physiology and anatomy, history of reflexology, practices and theory of reflexology, professional business ethics etc. It is necessary to do some research before you choose a reflexologist. It does take time and practice to become aware of the flow of energy and to build up sensitivity in the fingers therefore it is advisable to ask friends and family as well as healthcare providers first for referrals. You should be comfortable and at ease with the reflexologist in order to get the best result.

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