Exploring the body through reflexology: Physical behaviors during application and Benefits

 




This study shows that the application of reflexology leads to a wide range of clear secondary manifestations (or “ Body Behaviours”, expressed through different physiological reactions grouped into 4 categories: 


  • Saccadic involuntary eye movements with eyelids closed, a response to non-visual stimuli  
  • Spontaneous body movements, 10 to 20 min into the session (hands, arms, legs, and fingers, and facial: eyebrows, chin and labial movements) 
  • Jaw movements 
  • Head movements 


The study links reflexology treatment to: 

  • Muscle tone variations that release tensions contained in the musculoskeletal system as a response to obtain postural equilibrium. 
  • Growing drowsiness and clear feature and physical indications of relaxation as the reflexology session progressed, with brief sudden muscle twitches, temperature decrease, disconnection of the environmental perception 
  • Benefits similar to NREM sleep (characterized by slow eye movement, slow brain waves, stillness): a short nap that benefits memory consolidation, the learning process and combatting problematic situations, concentration.
“The neuronal bases of these correlations seem to suggest that eye movements control our view of the world and could therefore be a doorway to our minds” say the authors. 

“Recent research on eye movements in sleep and wakefulness propose new and diverse theories on the connections that can be established between eye movements and memory processes, reading comprehension and learning as well as connections with the processing of emotional memories. “ 

Various extremely important physiological processes are closely related, or determined by sleep: the establishment or conservation of energy, elimination of free radicals accumulated during the day, the regulation or restoration of cortical electrical activity, thermal regulation, metabolic or endocrine regulation, synaptic homeostasis, immunological activation or memory consolidation, among others... 

There is ample scientific literature that proves the benefits of reflexology on sleep quality (please see our previous posts). 

It is interesting to note that the application of sustained sedation during the reflexology treatment in the temporomandibular joint, the oculomotor center, celiac plexus and the highest point of the diaphragm might have some relationship with the results of the study: clinical experience shows that there are points with great therapeutic content. 

The authors also add: “Many of these responses do not happen simply by touch, suggesting that reflexology is more significant and deeper than a simple massage effect”.

Exploring the body through reflexology: Physical behaviors during application https://www.reflexology.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Exploring-the-body-through-reflexology.pdf

Eficacia de Reflexologia en insomnio y sueño http://www.barcelonareflexologia.com/2021/03/eficacia-de-reflexologia-en-problemas.html

Respuestas hormonales y neuronales de la Reflexología y beneficios sobre cognición social, dolor, estrés, ansiedad... http://www.barcelonareflexologia.com/2020/12/respuestas-hormonales-y-neuronales-de.html

Reflexology and Hypnosis Prove Equally Efficient in Treating Anxiety and Stress: The Mind-Body Connection

 



As a manual therapy, Reflexology is categorized as a body therapy. While Hypnosis is seen to first address the mind. 



However the effect of Reflexology on the mind, and the effect of Hypnosis on the body cannot be underestimated, or outright cancelled, in either treatment. 

Nor can the role, let alone the social role, of the therapist. 

Health needs balance. Inside balance: the perfect working together of the nervous system with its neural responses and the endocrine system with its chemical responses, and of all our functions... and outside balance: the integration of, and response to, a healthy environment, as being part of our physical and mental well-being. 

Although mainstream contemporary science and healthcare practices tend to study and treat the mind and the body as separate entities, increasing research and evidence-based practices support the notion of a tridirectional relationship between 3 essential health factors: Body, Mind, Environment. 

These studies suggest that we might benefit more from acknowledging these interactions and adopting a more holistic approach to our health and wellbeing. Again, they corroborate how both Reflexology and Hypnosis (Mind and Body treatments) are effective and efficient in treating Anxiety and Stress (Mind and Body) responses to our environment.

Reflexology Compared to Hypnosis in Daily Stress Management https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5593310/

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection https://positivepsychology.com/mind-body-connection/

Neurological evidence of a Mind-Body Connection https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2018.130401

Mind and Body Connection https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-is-the-mind-body-connection

Rigorous science upends the mond-body myth https://news.northeastern.edu/2017/05/16/rigorous-science-upends-the-mind-body-myth/


Reflexology for Sleep Disorders and Insomnia: Efficacy Scientifically Backed

Several of our past posts address the science-based efficacy of reflexology in  combatting stress, anxiety, pain ... factors that negatively affect the quality of sleep, and can even cause insomnia. 

It is interesting to note that  15-20 minutes inside a foot reflexology treatment on the reflexes of the central nervous system, the pituitary and the pineal glands (endocrine system), many people feel not only the soothing and relaxing effects of reflexology, but actually become sleepy, or fall asleep. 

Clinical studies in medical journals around the world - Spain, USA, Israel, Hong-Kong, Turkey... show how reflexology naturally induces N1 and N2 sleep stage  brain waves, thus confirming that weekly Reflexology treatments  improve sleep disorders, insomnia and fatigue,  including in people undergoing  heavy medical treatment. 

Read more:

Reflexology and polysomnography: Changes in cerebral wave activity induced by reflexology promote N1 and N2 sleep stages : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388117300221 

Acupressure, reflexology, and auricular acupressure for insomnia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945712002572 

Can foot reflexology be a complementary therapy for sleep disturbances? Evidence appraisal through a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jan.14699 

How reflexology can help with sleep https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/how-reflexology-can-help-with-sleep/#:~:text=Reflexology%20for%20sleep,-There%20is%20apparently&text=Usually%20in%20a%20person%20who,reflexology%20is%20calming%20and%20effective. 

Reflexology Therapy for Less Stress, More Relaxation, and Better Sleep https://thesleepdoctor.com/2020/06/02/reflexology-therapy-for-less-stress-more-relaxation-and-better-sleep/ 

Reflexology: its effects on physiological anxiety signs and sedation needs https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24304626/ 

The Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage on Sleep Quality in Women With Type 2 Diabetes; a Clinical Study https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330552223_The_Effect_of_Foot_Reflexology_Massage_on_Sleep_Quality_in_Women_With_Type_2_Diabetes_a_Clinical_Study 

The effects of reflexology on pain and sleep deprivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705475/

Feet 101: Essential Health Basics That You Need To Know

Did your know?..

BONES

  • Our feet each have 26 bones (we also have 26 vertebrae.) Both these bone structures support us - not only physically - and give us balance and stability.
  • A quarter of our 206 body bones  are in our feet. When our foot bones are out of alignment, so is the rest of the body.




NERVES

  • There are more than 7,000 nerve endings in each of our feet (superficial and deeper nerve endings send sensory messages to our brain:  heat, cold, pain...)
  • The lumbosacral plexus (L2 - S1) is the group of spinal nerves that innervates our lower extremities








  • Dermatomes of  lower limbs and feet: A dermatome is an area of the skin that is irrigated by a single spinal nerve. The nerve root of a dermatome picks up sensory stimuli from this entire area of ​​the skin. Sensations (pain, sensitivity, burning ... ) in the whole skin area is a symptom often caused by one same nerve root









MUSCLES

  • Each foot is made up of an intricate network of more than 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles, and 33 joints - now is a good time to emphasize how important it is to care for and train your body's muscular and joint systems, including your feet, with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
  • Myotomes of the foot: In the same way that a certain nerve root innervates a dermatome, it also innervates a certain group of muscles: a myotome, where in particular, it sends motor signals. Therefore, the involvement of a nerve can cause loss of the functions of the muscles it innervates (weakness, lack of mobility ...)
  • For example, the following spinal nerves allow the following muscle functions:
    • L3: knee extension
    • L4: ankle dorsiflexion
    • L5: extension of the big toe
    • S1: plantar flexion of the ankle


MORE ABOUT OUR FEET 

  • Feet have 250,000 sweat glands. When active, feet can produce four to six ounces of sweat a day, sometimes more. Now is a good time to emphasize how hydration is essential to the health of your feet, and your overall health, using moisturizers and foot baths. 
  • Each step we take places 1.5 times our body weight on the foot (a 75-kilo person exerts 115 kilograms of pressure on the foot with each step). 
  • It is estimated that a person will take approximately 5,000 to 7,000 steps a day or about 125,000 km in his lifetime, 3 to 4 times the circumference of the planet. 
  • Our feet are the first shock absorbers in our body. The plantar fascia, also known as plantar fascia, is a strong layer of white fibrous tissue located under the skin on the sole of the foot: it supports the arch of the foot and distributes the plantar load. (Its excessive stretching can cause plantar fasciitis.) It is essential to take good care of it, wearing the right footwear, walking barefoot when possible on various types of surfaces, doing progressive stretches (unless otherwise indicated by a doctor) 
By stimulating the nerve endings in the feet, Reflexology promotes the well-being of your feet while naturally supporting the functions of your body's connected tissues and organs, distally and harmlessly: it promotes your overall health. 


Sources: 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/lumbosacral-plexus#:~:text=Definition%3A-,The%20lumbosacral%20plexus%20is%20a%20network%20of%20nerves%20derived%20from,(compare % 3A% 20brachialis% 20plexus) 

https://www.innerbody.com/anatomy/nervous/leg-foot https://www.stepwards.com/?page_id=10671 

https://www.medspine.es/dermatomas/#:~:text=En%20cada%20uno%20de%20los,same%20nervio%20se%20denominan%20dermatomas https://geekymedics.com/dermatomes-and-myotomes/ 

http://www.bridgewater.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Foot-Facts.pdf 

https://www.pmbc.ca.gov/forms_pubs/tp_podiatryfacts.pdf

2020: Reflexology benefits in various pathologies - New scientific publications

 

 In 2020, NICE (National Institute of Health -England) compiled some of the latest publications of scientific studies where clinical reflexology is applied to treatments of various health conditions and diseases.

All studies conclude positively on the beneficial effects of reflexology:

  • It is recommended to include clinical reflexology as complementary non-pharmacological therapy in the nursing care of patients or by their caregivers
  • Reflexology has been proven to be safe and has no harmful side effects
  • Placebo effect in reflexology was ruled out

Clinical reflexology proves to be:

  • Anxiolytic
  • Analgesic
  • Sedative
  • Anti-spasmodic

Reflexology improves:

  • Physiological parameters
  • Mental and emotional state
  • Quality of sleep
  • QOL (Quality of Life index)

2020 NICE clinical reflexology studies addressed the following conditions and diseases:

  • Pediatric health
  • Constipation
  • Anxiety and sleep quality
  • Childbirth
  • Back pain and stress in coronary angiography 
  • Stress and extubation time after coronary artery bypass
  • Quality of life in multiple sclerosis
  • Sleep quality of patients in intensive care
  • Dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer

Sources:

Reflexology medical studies 2020 – published by NICE https://www.evidence.nhs.uk/search?from=2020-01-01&to=2021-02-12&q=reflexology

The effect of reflexology on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229997800039

The effect of foot reflexology on physiological parameters - Arash Khalili, Negin masoudi Alavi, Davoud Mardani, Nastoor Bekhradiani Pour, Akvan Paymard, Mehdi Daraei, Shapour Yaripoor, aba Bashiri, and Mehdi Molavi Vardanjani - Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, and Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan. Iran 2016 https://www.ijmrhs.com/medical-research/the-effect-of-foot-reflexology-on-physiological-parameters.pdf 


Happy 2021 and plenty of vitality! with Reflexology and Coaching

Reflexologybarcelona.com 

Barcelonareflexologia.com 

Barcelonahipnoterapia.com 

...wish you: 

PLENTY OF VITALITY FOR 2021! 

Vitality is a psychological and physical strength: "... It is found in those individuals who think that each
moment of life must be fully lived, avoiding the circumstantial depression and helplessness of their lives" Peterson and Seligman (2004) 

It gathers characteristics such as: Enthusiasm, Dynamism, Energy 


Awaken your vitality with Reflexology and Coaching! 

Reflexology and Vitality: scientific approach 

“The effects of foot reflexology on Vitality of the Elderly women” January 2009 Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing 16 - Kan-Yi Lee https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264098738_The_Effects_of_Foot_Reflexology_on_Self-Esteem_and_Vitality_of_the_Elderly_Women 

“The effects of Reflexology on Vital signs, Fatigue and Mood” January 2002 Won Jong-Soon, Jeong Ihn-Sook, Kim Ji-Soo, Kim Keum-Soon https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264017734_Effect_of_Foot_Reflexology_on_Vital_Signs_Fatigue_and_Moodotherapy_Moodotherapy_Fatigue_and_Moodotherapy_Receiving_CentientsChematotherapy_ 

"The effect of foot reflexology on physiological parameters" Arash Khalili, Negin masoudi Alavi, Davoud Mardani, Nastoor Bekhradiani Pour, Akvan Paymard, Mehdi Daraei, Shapour Yaripoor, aba Bashiri, and Mehdi Molavi Vardanjani - Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, and Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan. Iran 2016 https://www.ijmrhs.com/medical-research/the-effect-of-foot-reflexology-on-physiological-parameters.pdf 

Coaching and Vitality: scientific approach 

"Coaching is a partnership between the client and the coach,“ a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires clients to maximize their personal and professional potential ” International Federation of Coaches 

"Mindfulness coaching to improve psychological wellbeing" US National Library of Medicine 2020 Clinicaltrials.gov https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04656626 


Reflexololy for eye strain, better sight, and other eye conditions



Eye problems? Eye fatigue or migraine? Long hours on the computer? Itchy eyes?

Scientific studies support ancestral practices evidencing how reflexology helps to recover from ophthalmic conditions, eye strain, improve visual acuity, even fight against itchy, dry or watery eyes caused by allergies, long hours on the computer, air pollution ...



Between sessions with your professional reflexologist, you can get relief from your symptoms by massaging the base of your toes on the sole aspect of your feet (phalanges 1 + 2), and particularly toes 2 and 3, as in this drawing:

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Benefits-of-Padabhyanga-in-maintaining-ocular-to-Yadav-Virkar/bb8fb0b7904d33b005bea6d6c521cd91768dd5d5



Reflexology and Ocular Hypertension https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31180234/

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