Nowadays, the incidence rate of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, continues to grow worldwide. There are lots of medications formulated to address these health issues.
Despite that, great portion of the world population are still using traditional means of healing because of their profound effectiveness. Is reflexology really beneficial in helping people cope with anxiety and its symptoms?
Assumptions of Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of bodywork that works under the assumption that organs of the body are well represented by the reflex points found on the hands and feet. When pressure is applied on these reflex points , the central nervous system is stimulated to release a relaxation response which is beneficial in alleviating he symptoms of anxiety.
The application of pressure to certain areas of the hands and feet is beneficial in promoting the health and functions of organs in the body. Furthermore, applying pressure to the reflex points of the hands and feet brings therapeutic effects to the body.
Through time, reflexology has gained a reputation of being an excellent treatment for anxiety. One study revealed that reflexology can reduce an individual's stress level and bring an optimum level of blood pressure which indicates relaxation.
Reflexology Reduces the Impact of Anxiety
Reflexology helps people with anxiety and high level of stress by stimulating the paths which the nerves usually take, triggering an efficient movement of lymph nodes and bringing the muscles of the body into a relaxed state. When pressure is applied on the body's stomach reflex, symptoms such as changes in appetite, nausea and butterflies in the stomach are gradually eliminated.
When the reflex points of the adrenal glands are stimulated, it results to a reduced production of adrenaline and cortisol hormones which are major contributors of stress. Studies show that oversupply of these hormones can worsen the symptoms of anxiety.
Reflexology also helps in stimulating the pineal gland which regulates the wake and sleep cycle of the body. This is beneficial for patients who are suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia which are normally associated with anxiety.
On the other hand, the pituitary gland is useful in reducing the occurrence of anxiety symptoms and helping the body adjust its response towards stress. Stimulating the points associated with the colon and small intestines are beneficial for patients who suffer from irritable bowel symptoms.
The solar reflex points should also be stimulated as it is effective in encouraging a feeling of well being, slowing down the breathing rate, reducing the 'butterflies' in the stomach and promoting relaxation and calmness.
Reflexology is also claimed to be effective in regulating the production of anti-depressant hormones and natural painkillers in the body which can help in bringing out a deep sense of calmness and relaxation.
Nowadays, there are lots of people claiming that reflexology is an effective traditional method which can help in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. However, there are only limited studies which verify those claims.
Despite that, great portion of the world population are still using traditional means of healing because of their profound effectiveness. Is reflexology really beneficial in helping people cope with anxiety and its symptoms?
Assumptions of Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of bodywork that works under the assumption that organs of the body are well represented by the reflex points found on the hands and feet. When pressure is applied on these reflex points , the central nervous system is stimulated to release a relaxation response which is beneficial in alleviating he symptoms of anxiety.
The application of pressure to certain areas of the hands and feet is beneficial in promoting the health and functions of organs in the body. Furthermore, applying pressure to the reflex points of the hands and feet brings therapeutic effects to the body.
Through time, reflexology has gained a reputation of being an excellent treatment for anxiety. One study revealed that reflexology can reduce an individual's stress level and bring an optimum level of blood pressure which indicates relaxation.
Reflexology Reduces the Impact of Anxiety
Reflexology helps people with anxiety and high level of stress by stimulating the paths which the nerves usually take, triggering an efficient movement of lymph nodes and bringing the muscles of the body into a relaxed state. When pressure is applied on the body's stomach reflex, symptoms such as changes in appetite, nausea and butterflies in the stomach are gradually eliminated.
When the reflex points of the adrenal glands are stimulated, it results to a reduced production of adrenaline and cortisol hormones which are major contributors of stress. Studies show that oversupply of these hormones can worsen the symptoms of anxiety.
Reflexology also helps in stimulating the pineal gland which regulates the wake and sleep cycle of the body. This is beneficial for patients who are suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia which are normally associated with anxiety.
On the other hand, the pituitary gland is useful in reducing the occurrence of anxiety symptoms and helping the body adjust its response towards stress. Stimulating the points associated with the colon and small intestines are beneficial for patients who suffer from irritable bowel symptoms.
The solar reflex points should also be stimulated as it is effective in encouraging a feeling of well being, slowing down the breathing rate, reducing the 'butterflies' in the stomach and promoting relaxation and calmness.
Reflexology is also claimed to be effective in regulating the production of anti-depressant hormones and natural painkillers in the body which can help in bringing out a deep sense of calmness and relaxation.
Nowadays, there are lots of people claiming that reflexology is an effective traditional method which can help in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. However, there are only limited studies which verify those claims.
About the Author:
There is a brilliant FREE e-book which has loads of valuable information about reflexology and anxiety. Read more to know how reflexology helps in managing the symptoms of anxiety.. This article, Reflexology for Anxiety- Is It Beneficial? is released under a creative commons attribution license.
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