10 Benefits of Reflexology
Did you know that World Reflexology Week is just around the corner? It’s the perfect time to find out more about this non-invasive complementary health therapy with roots in ancient wisdom. The benefits of reflexology are many and varied, from relieving aches to improving your quality of sleep. Read on to find out if it could help you.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is all about deep relaxation. It’s based on the concept that all body systems and organs are mapped in smaller areas, mainly the feet, hands, ears and face. Pressure points correspond with different body organs and systems, thumb and finger pressure is applied to reflex points to have a positive impact.
This is possible due to the core principle that energy pathways connect different areas of the body - you can address the whole body by working knowledgeably on one part. This is tied with massage therapy to bring relaxation while activating and soothing the nervous system. Reflexology is a holistic therapy that treats the mind and body as a whole.
What are the benefits of reflexology?
Reduces stress and tension - stress is such a common element of our busy modern world that we can forget how much of a toll it can take on our overall health. Ongoing stress can affect us physically and emotionally, leading to a range of unhealthy habits. Reflexology helps to induce a state of deep relaxation which reduces stress and its impact on the body.
Relieves common aches and pains - reflexology can promote the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. One UK study found that reflexology reduced general pain perception by up to 40%. Other studies focused on specific ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis, lower back pain, multiple sclerosis and menstrual pain - and found that reflexology could help reduce pain in all cases.
Improves circulation throughout the body - if you struggle with the cold and think you might have sluggish circulation, reflexology may be able to help. Better circulation helps the blood deliver oxygen to all cells in your body and encourages cell growth. Your skin also benefits from better circulation, meaning it can better fight off any bacteria or infection it comes in contact with.
Achieves higher quality of sleep - a benefit of reflexology that people often mention is the improved quality of sleep. Better sleep will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on whatever the day brings. By reducing stress and anxiety levels through deep relaxation, your mind and body are able to achieve proper rest.
Improves overall mood - the body and mind require balance. When a person feels stressed, the body’s natural flow of energy is blocked, leading to an imbalance. Reflexology helps to maintain your energy flow through regular sessions which leads to better emotional balance and, ultimately, an enhanced mood.
Helps the nervous system - being in a constant state of ‘fight-or-flight’ mode has been linked to a range of long-term health issues such as obesity and high blood pressure. Inducing a state of deep relaxation means that our parasympathetic nervous system can move into ‘rest and digest’ mode. This is a key way to boost our overall well-being.
Boosts the immune system - another side effect of constant ‘fight-or-flight’ mode is that it reduces our body’s ability to fight and recover from illness and disease. By improving circulation and removing stress, reflexology works to strengthen the immune system.
Aids in the removal of toxins - if the natural flow of energy around our body is blocked, you may also experience a build-up of toxins. This accumulation can lead to a range of unwanted symptoms and pain. A benefit of reflexology is the ability to improve blood flow to organs and increase lymphatic fluid movement to help get rid of these toxins.
Enhanced digestion - a less well-known benefit of reflexology is that it can help resolve gut issues. Studies suggest that reflexology can help improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating and especially constipation.
Supports the overall well-being of your mind and body - one of the big benefits of reflexology is that it treats the whole person, not just the symptom or condition in isolation. It’s complementary to medical treatment to support the body’s natural healing processes and helps maintain the balance in your body’s energy flow.
Make reflexology part of your stay at The Glass House
At The Glass House, you can benefit from our in-house reflexologists who are on hand to support your wellness journey. As a purpose-built wellness retreat, we know that no two wellness journeys are the same. We can help build a personalised retreat planner to get the most from your Glass House getaway.
Reflexology is a popular treatment to add to your stay and for good reason. With a focus on deep relaxation and reducing anxiety, it’s the perfect addition to your wellness retreat. Leave the stresses of everyday life behind and come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated with a stay at The Glass House.