Since ancient times, foot reflexology has been used as a kind of treatment. It involves pressing on specific spots on the sole of the foot. These points, according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), correspond to various parts of the body. And are thought to provide health benefits including lowering stress, assisting with digestion, and encouraging restful sleep.
What Is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a type of massage that has roots in ancient Chinese medicine. The method makes use of a map of the foot to locate pressure points. These points supposedly correspond to various muscles and organs in the body. Also, it apparently can stimulate the neurological and endocrine systems.
In other words, reflexology is just a foot rub with specific objectives. For pelvic or sciatic pain, a reflexologist might concentrate on your heels. And for nasal issues, the tops of your four tiny toes. Unfortunately, research doesn’t exactly back up the assertions made here about these pressure points and their connections to other bodily regions. But reflexology does have other advantages, so it might still be worth your time.
What Is A Chart For Foot Reflexology?
The image below is a sample diagram. There are several types or charts, each with some minor variations. It shows the various zones of the foot and which parts of the body they represent. As previously mentioned, a foot reflexology chart maps out various pressure points on the foot that are supposed to be energetically connected to other areas in the body.
What Does Foot Reflexology Entail?
The theory behind foot reflexology is that certain points on the bottom of the foot correspond to different organs and systems of the body. Thus, applying pressure to those points on the foot supposedly relaxes and heals the corresponding body parts.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), these points correspond to different bodily areas and that they provide a multitude of health benefits. This includes reducing stress, promoting healthy digestion, and promoting sound sleep.
Advantages of Foot Reflexology
Eye fatigue
By concentrating on pressure areas on our foot, you may discover that certain muscles we unknowingly keep tighten up a little. This is particularly true for our eye muscles, which are frequently stiff from staring at screens all day.
Tension and unwinding
Possibly the largest advantage: Reflexology points on any foot massage chart will show you that there are numerous pressure points on the bottom of the foot that promote more relaxation. This is largely because applying pressure to our muscles and receiving a massage generally has a calming effect on us.
Moreover, many people discover that applying pressure to specific pressure points on the bottoms of their feet can help reduce feelings of general uneasiness and melancholy.
Enhanced slumber
Some demonstrations shows that reflexology reduces stress, so it should come as no surprise that it also improves sleep. Because it improves blood circulation, getting a better night’s sleep is a frequent side effect.
Digestion
One reflex point on our foot, according to many reflexologists, has a connection to the stomach. And when this you apply pressure on this particular point, it may enhance blood flow to the stomach, aiding in digestion. However, this needs further study and research to confirm.
Alleviation of pain
Foot reflexology may help in the management of both acute and chronic pain, presumably because of its effects on tension and relaxation. In comparison to a control group, a 2020 study found that foot reflexology significantly reduced pain after kidney transplant surgery, indicating that it may help patients experience less discomfort after surgery.
Additionally, there is evidence that it is effective in reducing chronic pain. In a 2019 study, foot reflexology dramatically reduced anxiety and suffering in children with chronic pain. A 2018 survey study of military members with chronic pain states that foot reflexology treatment were able to drop pain levels by 43%. Additionally, a 2018 study found that foot reflexology greatly decreased pain following abdominal hysterectomy surgery.
Precautions
Reflexology is commonly accepted as a supplemental therapy for anyone with any or all of the conditions listed above. This is because there are so little dangers involved.
The person giving the massage should have the necessary training. They should take the recipient’s unique demands and health profile into account, as with other massages. Reduced sensitivity in the feet or nerve injury, according to Tsao-Lin Moy, a certified acupuncturist and massage therapist, are crucial factors to take into account. This is because “certain illnesses might produce increased inflammation, such as RSD.” She also mentions that ladies in their first trimester of pregnancy should ensure the practitioner has experience working with pregnant customers, which is just generally wise advice as there is no evidence that reflexology poses harm to unborn children.
In addition, patients with active gout, open sores, or foot fractures should refrain from reflexology. Patients with vascular disease of the legs or feet, osteoarthritis that affects the foot or ankle, or those who have foot or ankle fractures should consult their primary care physician before beginning reflexology on the feet.
How is Foot Reflexology Different From Massage?
Foot reflexology charts don’t always look the same. Some are more comprehensive than others. But each chart will have each organ/body part portrayed in similar positions.
Although both foot reflexology and massage have calming effects, they serve different purposes. According to Martinez, “foot reflexology is a therapeutic massage with sustained pressure instead of broad strokes, like a classic massage.” While pressure is applied to specific reflex points and held until released, reflexology may be able to target specific concerns with focused points on the feet. On the other hand, massage may be more beneficial for general relaxation.
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