How Reflexology Can Help with Depression

Our emotions greatly impact our well-being and health. Once we feel an emotion, our autonomic nervous system is activated and our body responds with stress in the form of blood pressure increase and fast heart rate. Also, stress can encourage corticosterone release and production. People who are depressed have a high corticosterone level. This stress hormone impacts the body’s neuropeptides, as well as our social skills and behavior.

Depression is a condition which can impact the entire body. It changes how we think about ourselves and other people. Depression impacts our nervous system, influences how we react to some situations, and changes our mood. Although depression can be treated and managed with traditional medicine, reflexology has promised to work wonders in terms of depression treatment.

How Reflexology Generally Works

The idea behind reflexology is that some foot zones correspond to some anatomical body parts. It is believed that applying pressure to such points can promote healing in some parts of the body. Reflexology is aimed at promoting health in body organs and releasing stress from the body. In this therapy, the feet and hand are mapped to spot particular points which correspond to body parts and systems. By stroking, massaging, and applying pressure to such points, therapy can unblock energy flow and release tension. According to Ancient Chinese philosophy, energy flow can be blocked and cause diseases like depression. Also, reflexology can promote better blood circulation and break down the buildup of lactic acid crystals in the feet.

Importance of Foot Reflexology for Depression

Many studies revealed that foot reflexology could reduce pain and psychological distress like depression and anxiety. This body work relieves symptoms of depression as it stimulates particular pressure points/nerve endings in the hands and feet. In turn, this:

• Eliminates buildup of toxins in the body
• Encourages flow of blood to body organs
• Activates the endocrine system
• Decongests energy pathways for optimum nervous system function
• Induces relaxation states
• Encourages the release of endorphins; the natural feel-good hormones in the body that can minimize the body’s stress response.

What to Expect from a Foot Reflexology Session

Foot reflexology occurs in a big and comfortable chair in a quiet room. In general, the reflexologist will wipe the feet and use either cream or powder during the session. But with Relax The Feet, your feet will be soaked in hot water and mineral salts before pressure is applied to your head, neck, and shoulders. Typically, the treatment lasts for 45 minutes to one hour and includes reflex area stimulation and massage to help in creating balance in the body and encouraging the healing process. Reflexology is suitable for people of all ages. Those who have depression usually report feeling more energized and relaxed after the session.

With people who have depression, certain reflex areas that correspond to body parts which show symptoms associated with depression can be worked on. For instance, working on the big toe’s base helps in minimizing headaches and allowing balance of any contributing hormones by the pituitary gland. Also, some reflex points are meant for the adrenal glands that a reflexologist can work on for optimum benefit. To relieve symptoms of depression, a reflexology session may be focused on stimulating points which correspond to the glands that regulate the neurotransmitter and hormone release in the body. These glands can include the thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, pineal, and pituitary glands.

Depression treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the sufferers’ personality. However, ancient healing methods like reflexology, together with attention and care provided with a treatment, can be an effective aid to endure the symptoms of depression.

Relax The Feet has reflexologists who have extensive experience. To know more about our reflexology services, please call 757-698-4214 or visit our website at https://relaxthefeet.com.