HEALTH BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY

There are lots of potential health benefits you can experience when you receive regular reflexology treatments. Some of the greatest benefits include:

1. Fewer Aches and Pains

One of the greatest benefits of reflexology is the fact that it can treat a variety of physical aches and pains. Many people utilise reflexology to treat issues like neck pain, back pain, headaches, and migraines. 

Reflexology can help minimise tension that often contributes to these aches and pains. It can also help relieve stress, which, in turn, can eliminate headaches and other types of pain.

The results of one study showed that, of 220 patients who received treatment from a reflexologist, 81% of them experiences significant improvement or complete cessation of their headaches.

The patients were treated for three months. During that period, they saw improvements in their general well-being, ability to interpret body signals, increased energy, and their ability to understand the causes of their headaches.

1. Reduced Anxiety and Depression

Reflexology isn't just for physical health issues. It can also be very beneficial to individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.

One reason reflexology is so effective at treating anxiety and depression is the fact that it promotes the release of endorphins. In addition to being your body's natural painkillers, endorphins can also improve your mood.

Reflexology also increases the body's production of serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that is associated with increased feelings of happiness and positivity.

When the body begins producing more serotonin and endorphins, many people find that they can respond better to stressors and are able to manage their emotions more effectively.

If you have a stressful lifestyle or have been struggling with depression or anxiety lately, reflexology might be worth a try. This is especially true if you want to treat your condition without turning to antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, both of which can cause a lot of unpleasant side effects. 

1. Improved Circulation

Reflexology is also beneficial to people who struggle with poor circulation. By stimulating specific pressure points on the hands and feet, reflexologists can promote better blood flow through the entire body.

When blood flows more freely throughout the body, that means all areas of the body are receiving more oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood. As a result, they will function better.

Better circulation also speeds up the healing process and promotes more efficient recovery for damaged cells and various injuries.

1. Improved Sleep Quality

Do you suffer from insomnia or another sleeping disorder? 

Instead of turning to potentially dangerous, habit-forming sleeping pills, try reflexology instead.

Reflexology is great for promoting relaxation and relieving stress. This, in turn, can make it easier for you to fall asleep at night.

1. Reduced Blood Pressure

If you struggle with high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension -- you're at risk for a wide range of serious health problems, including:

• Heart disease

• Kidney disease

• Stroke

Reflexology is a great natural treatment for people who want to lower their blood pressure without relying on medications.

Research shows that reflexology is specifically beneficial to those who need to lower their blood pressure. This is the top number of your blood pressure reading and refers to the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats.

The benefits of reflexology for people with high blood pressure likely has to do with reflexology's stress-relieving capabilities.

By minimising stress, reducing the body's production of the hormone cortisol, and promoting relaxation, people who receive regular reflexology treatments can experience a healthy reduction in blood pressure.

1. Improved Nerve Sensitivity

If you experience poor nerve function or a loss of sensation in your extremities (this is often common among people with hypertension or diabetes), reflexology can help.

Many people who get regular reflexology treatments experience improvements in their nerve sensitivity. This has to do with the fact that reflexology promotes better circulation and blood flow. 

Reflexology may not be able to restore full function and sensitivity to people who suffer from neuropathy. But, it can still significantly improve their condition and make easier for them to notice injuries and other issues on their feet and hands.

1. Increased Energy

Because it improves circulation, reflexology can help people who struggle with depression or chronic fatigue feel more energised.

When blood is circulating efficiently through the body, all of the body's organs and systems work more efficiently. This, in turn, leads to more energy and increased alertness.

1. Improved Liver Function

The liver is one of the busiest organs in the human body. Nearly everything you eat has to pass through the liver to be processed. Because the liver works so hard, it's common for it to function less than optimally, especially if you eat a less-than-clean diet or consume a lot of alcohol.

If your liver isn't functioning properly, you can even experience waste build-up. This, in turn, can lead to a variety of other health issues, including the following:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

• Hormone imbalances

• High cholesterol

• Digestive issues

• Insomnia

Reflexology helps encourage the liver to detox properly and eliminate waste that's been building up there. When the liver is functioning properly, it can also ensure that the food and drinks you consume are being metabolised efficiently. There are still very few scientific studies on the effects of Reglexology on the human body. Purely because there is little to no funding available to conduct large studies. The pharmaceutical companies can not benefit from proving it works and therefor have no interest in finding studies on its efficacy 

1. Reduced Inflammation for People with Arthritis

If you suffer from arthritis, reflexology can help to reduce joint inflammation and minimise aches and pains.

Reflexology reduces the body's need for chemicals known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins function as pain mediators in the body, but they also trigger inflammation at the same time. 

Reflexology also minimises inflammation by improving circulation and removing waste products from the blood and organs. 

1. Fewer PMS and Menopause Symptoms  

Finally, reflexology can also help reduce symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause.

If you struggle with symptoms like mood swings, bloating, headaches, fatigue, or cramps before your period, or if you're suffering from hot flashes and depression while going through menopause, reflexology might be worth a try. 

Reflexology promotes stress relief and relaxation, which can tame mood swings and help you feel more balanced. It also improves circulation and encourages the production of endorphins to minimise pain and discomfort during that time of the month.

HOW TO FIND A GREAT REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT THERAPIST

Clearly, there are a lot of reasons one might want to consider trying reflexology. But, if you want to experience all the benefits that reflexology has to offer, it's important to work with a qualified and experienced reflexologist.

There's not a lot of regulation surrounding the reflexology field, and not all reflexologists are created equal. 

Before you schedule an appointment with the first person who shows up on Google, do some research. This will help you more about your reflexologist, 

and determine whether or not they're the right person for you.

The following guidelines can help you sift through the different reflexologists out there and find someone whose services best suit your needs:

• Ask for recommendations from friends, family members, and healthcare providers

• Search online and look for reflexologists who are certified with specific professional associations

• Learn about their training and certifications (be sure to ask how many hours their training was and which board their certification is through)

The highest qualification held for reflexologist is a Bachelor of Arts ( Reglexology) 

Jules O’Driscoll of Sole Revival has achieved this level of qualification from Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland Uk