Reflexology For Depression - Is It Effective?

By Jackie De Burca


Some people would never consider trying reflexology for depression, however there is evidence to suggest that it can be beneficial in some cases. Firstly let's look at some important information about depression and then see if these claims can be substantiated regarding reflexology.

One Out of Every Five People is Affected by Depression

It is believed that depression can affect one out of every five people at some point of their lives in varying degrees. The mild symptoms of depression include feeling of being in spirit, struggle in carrying out tasks and feeling of having a worthless life. In extreme cases of depression, a person may lose the will to live. This is very crucial stage for an individual because it may trigger suicidal.

How Depression is Treated

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellent (NICE) claims that anti-depressant medications are not the best treatment option for depression. It brings about a number of adverse side effects to the use that outweigh its benefits.

In early 2012 there was a new analysis of past studies which concluded that medication may be of help to some sufferers of mild depression. However more common non medical treatments range from cognitive behaviour to self help and counselling.

Depression, Hormones And Reflexology

Just like other health conditions, depression has its own labels and range of treatment options that mainly depends on its degree of seriousness and stages.

Let's find the difference between males and females in terms of hormones and depression./

Women are most likely to suffer from depression in times where they experience drastic hormonal change.

Pregnancy

Post natal

Perimenopause

Menopause

Around 8%-15% of women suffer from depression on their menopausal stage. It usually occurs as a symptom of menopause and begins to manifest in perimenopause due to a substantial change in the level of hormones inside the body.

In men, depression is one of the most common symptoms associated to male menopause. Andropause is a period in men's life that is characterized by a significant reduction in the level of testosterone in the body.

Reflexology as a Treatment For Depression

The principles of reflexology are that the system can be treated via the feet or the hands where the reflexive points for the organs, body parts, glands and tissues can be found, and triggered with pressure. A reflexologist will aim to treat a range of areas in order to alleviate depression.

The following are some of what will be addressed:

1. The endocrine system is stimulated.

2. Production of stress hormones that help in reducing a person's stress response.

3. Harmony in the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems is restored which brings a person to a relaxed state.

4. Eradication of Harmful Toxins

5. The lymphatic system will be stimulated

6. Increased blood flows to the organs

Depression Can be Treated by Reflexology

Several scientific studies have backed the claim that reflexology can be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of depression. Furthermore, he British Royal College of Psychiatrists claim that relaxation techniques can be great self-help remedies for depression.




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