Foot reflexology is a therapeutic technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet with the goal of balancing the body’s energy and helping treat health problems such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, pain, or constipation.
Reflexology is performed by a reflexologist who applies pressure with his thumbs to various areas of the foot to identify energy imbalances, which can manifest themselves as acupoint tenderness or a sand-like sensation under the skin.
It is important to note that foot reflexology is not intended to cure disease, nor is it a substitute for traditional medical treatments.
Foot reflexology works by using the therapist’s fingers to apply controlled pressure to acupoints on the feet, which contain nerve endings that correspond to various organs in the body.
By stimulating these nerve endings, foot reflexology has the benefit of promoting self-healing and promoting increased production of nitric oxide, an important compound in the body that has vasodilatory and analgesic properties that help treat a variety of health problems.
Foot reflexology can complement the following treatments:
Additionally, foot reflexology can help treat circulation problems, hormonal imbalances, asthma, high blood pressure, muscle disease, sinusitis, and even abdominal pain. Also learn how to relieve abdominal pain with reflexology.
Acupuncture points on the feet refer to specific organs or parts of the body, which is why foot reflexology can help treat a variety of health problems.
Foot reflexology should always be performed by a doctor or other professional who specializes in this type of treatment, after analyzing the symptoms and determining which points on the feet should be stimulated.
Step-by-step examples that a reflexologist can use in foot reflexology include:
In addition to reflexology, to manage anxiety, it’s important to do activities you enjoy, engage in physical activity (such as walking), and avoid negative thoughts. Learn other ways to control anxiety and nerves.
Foot reflexology is contraindicated in women in the first trimester of pregnancy or in people with inflammation of the lymphatic system, blood clots, foot skin wounds or infections, skin cancer, aneurysms, or leukemia.
Additionally, this therapy should not be administered to people with fever, infectious diseases, or heart failure.
Foot reflexology should be performed with caution and only when medically indicated in persons with gangrene or fungal diseases of the feet, severe eczema or dermatitis, acute attacks of rheumatism, or psychosis.
bibliography
Ebon, NH; et al. Reflexology Revisited: Concepts, Evidence, Current Practice and Practitioner Training. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 5.4; 197-206, 2015
Karatas, N.; et al. Is foot reflexology effective in reducing colic symptoms in infants: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Complement Therapy. 59. 102732, 2021
Barjon, KJ; et al. Effectiveness of breathing exercises, foot reflexology, and back massage (BRM) on labor pain, anxiety, duration, satisfaction, stress hormones, and neonatal outcomes among primiparous women in the first stage of labor in Saudi Arabia: a study protocol. BMJ Open. 10. 6; e033844, 2020
Kotruchin, P.; et al. Effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate: a randomized clinical trial in patients with stage 2 hypertension. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 23.3; 680-686, 2021
Anderson, K.D.; Downey, M. Foot reflexology: an intervention for pain and nausea in hospitalized cancer patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology Nurses. 25.5; 539-545, 2021
Cai, DC; et al. Foot Reflexology: Latest Research Trends and Outlook. Healthcare (Basel). 11.1; September 2022
Yaqi, H.; et al. Foot reflexology in the treatment of functional constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement clinical practice. 40. 101198, 2020
Yellow HC. et al. Can foot reflexology be used as a complementary treatment for sleep disorders?Evidence assessment through meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Senior Nurse. 77.4; 1683-1697, 2021
SAÚDE EM FOCO MAGAZINE. Foot reflexes: a review of the literature. 2018. Available at:.Access date: July 27, 2020
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