Anxiety refers to the anticipation of a future concern and can be associated with a physical response such as muscle tension or an avoidance response such as avoidance behaviour (e.g. avoiding crowds). It is more than just feeling worried or stressed and is considered to be different to fear which is an emotional response to an immediate or perceived threat (www.psychiatry.org).
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears (although in the Western world the emphasis is more on the feet), to treat the entire body.
The premise behind reflexology is that specific reflex points correspond to different organs and systems in the body. While there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of reflexology in treating anxiety, anecdotally we see significant benefits for individuals suffering from anxiety. For example, Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D, a New York City-based neuropsychologist agrees that reflexology, as an addition to other treatments, can be a potent therapeutic tool for relieving stress and anxiety. Dr Hafeez says that reflexology can do this by "rebalancing the lymphatic and endocrine system, and boosting circulation, inducing a state of calm throughout your body and mind, leaving you feeling less stressed and anxious".
Reflexology is a non-intrusive treatment. The individual remains fully clothed, lying on a treatment bed whilst the therapist works on massaging and kneading the feet.
Here are some potential benefits of reflexology for anxiety:
Relaxation: Reflexology is a deeply relaxing therapy. The pressure applied to the reflex points can help release tension in the body and promote a sense of relaxation, which can be beneficial for reducing anxiety.
Stress Reduction: Chronic stress is a significant contributor to anxiety. Reflexology may help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and enhancing the body's ability to cope with stress. It can also do this by rebalancing the lymphatic and hormonal systems.
Improved Sleep: Anxiety often disrupts sleep patterns. Reflexology may help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety-related tension.
Pain Relief: Reflexology may also help alleviate physical symptoms associated with anxiety, such as muscle tension and headaches. By targeting specific reflex points, it can promote pain relief and overall comfort.
Enhanced Well-being: Many people report feeling an improved sense of well-being and reduced anxiety after a reflexology session. This may be due to the relaxation and stress reduction effects of the therapy.
It's important to note that while some people find reflexology helpful for anxiety, individual responses can vary. Reflexology should not be used as a sole or primary treatment for severe anxiety disorders. It is best used in conjunction with other evidence-based treatments, such as counselling and psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) medication (including herbal medicine), and/or lifestyle changes.
If you are interested in trying reflexology for anxiety, we can help. Call us on 97970422 for more information or to make a booking.
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