Mental health issues are becoming more and more common among people of all ages and from all walks of life. Luckily, awareness of them is also improving, as are the different ways to treat and manage them. Problems like anxiety can be treated with prescription medications, but a lot of people prefer more natural methods, which can even be more effective. Let’s look at how reflexology can improve symptoms of anxiety as well as some other benefits it offers for our mind and body. 

Reflexology for anxiety

Reflexology is a holistic treatment that targets specific trigger points around the body, mostly in the feet, hands, and ears. Massaging these points can positively affect other areas of your body. You can read more about reflexology and how it works, here.

Reflexology has been found to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. A study was conducted on hospital patients waiting for a minor heart procedure. Those that received hand reflexology before the surgery reported lower levels of anxiety about the surgery.

There are certain points in the hands and feet that are targeted when treating anxiety with reflexology. Some of these points correspond to:

• Solar plexus/diaphragm – Where we often feel that sinking feeling associated with anxiety.
• Spine – To relieve tension that might cause or be caused by anxiety.
• Pituitary gland – The gland responsible for releasing and regulating hormones. 
• Adrenal gland – Responsible for releasing cortisol, the stress hormone. 

These maps of the foot can help you understand where all the different points are and what they correspond to.

Reflexology for other conditions

Reflexology is not just used to treat anxiety, but a range of conditions and ailments. There are points in the hand that are targeted in order to relieve headaches or reduce their frequency. It can also be used to regulate our digestion more effectively, which can help people who often suffer from constipation or diarrhea. Reflexology is also used to help with symptoms of nausea.

Patients undergoing treatment for cancer can benefit from reflexology. These treatments often cause nausea and other symptoms, as well as the anxiety that comes with diagnosis and treatment. So, reflexology may help these patients manage their pain, nausea, and anxiety throughout ongoing treatment.

Would you like to try reflexology to treat anxiety or any of the other ailments listed here? Contact us to find out more about this treatment or go online and book a massage with us today in Winston Salem, NC.