Guide: Reduce Stress And Anxiety Using Reflexology

Reflexology is one of the easiest ways to beat stress and anxiety in today’s fast-paced world. From what I hear, a single reflexology session relaxes you enough to put you to sleep.

This session I’m talking about can also be performed by yourself without any external aid, anytime and anywhere. Sounds very promising, right? Keep reading to understand more.

A stressed generation

Young or old, we are all stressed. Rather than referring to each other as the X Generation, Y Generation or Millennials, we should just call ourselves the stressed generation. Why?

You and I have our specific reasons to get stressed. But, consider this. Every time a situation or person stresses you, the body automatically kicks into a defensive response.

• Stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol flood our bodies
• Heart rate and blood pressure rise
• Mind becomes alert
• A fight or flight environment prevails
• Anxiety sets in

So, you’ve solved your issue and made peace with the world. The body is back to normal, happy to have assisted you. Now, we know stress will strike back in a day or two.

• The body responds to stress
• Too many resources are constantly diverted to handle anxiety
• In the long term, the body is unable to repair itself
• The nervous system falters
• Digestion and reproductive processes are also affected

Reflexology for stress and axiety

Is reflexology good for stress and anxiety? Reflexology is marvelous because it will relax you even while it promotes the repair and healing process of the internal organs (1). How is that, you ask?

1. Reflexology is an alternative form of therapy originating from the ancient Chinese.
2. This method or system is based on the principle that our head, hands, feet, and stomach have specific ‘reflex’ points like a map.
3. These points are internally connected or linked to various parts of our body, stimulating energy pathways.
4. Application of a certain degree of pressure on reflex points can positively affect specific organs.
5. This can directly relieve stress and anxiety, and restore optimal organ functions (2), (3).
6. Reflexology primarily stimulates the brain, pituitary gland, pineal gland and adrenal gland.

1. This point is located on your wrist, a little below the hand.
2. From the base of the palm, measure two times a thumbnail width.
3. At the point where you see two large veins branch, place your thumb.
4. You can make a fist to make the veins stand out.
5. With your hand relaxed, press against the point.
6. Continue to press until a slight pain is noticed.
7. Massage the point while holding the pressure.
8. Perform the same on the opposite wrist.

Benefits: You can use the technique every time you feel stressed out. It calms and relaxes you while reducing blood pressure as well.

2. Reflex Point 2: Palm

1. The point lies below your thumb, between your middle and index fingers.
2. It is right on the fleshy area near the thumb.
3. Gently press the thumb of one hand on the reflex point on the other hand.
4. Slowly curl and straighten them while you maintain the pressure.
5. Repeat at least 10 times and then perform on the opposite hand.

Benefits: It boosts energy by stimulating the adrenal gland and helps you relax.

3. Reflex Point 3: Nails

1. This one is quite simple.
2. Place one thumbnail on the other thumbnail.
3. Pinch the nail in the center and hold the pressure for about 30 seconds.
4. Repeat the technique with the opposite nail.

Benefits: Nail reflexology stimulates the pituitary and endocrine glands. It keeps your hormones in good working order

4. Reflex Point 4: Foot

1. You need to be seated and barefoot to perform this technique.
2. Bring one foot to rest on the knee of the opposite leg.
3. Ensure you can glimpse the base of the foot.
4. The point lies at the base of the balls of your foot.
5. This is slightly above the foot’s arch.
6. Place your thumb at the base, right at the center.
7. Apply pressure until you feel slight pain.
8. Massage the point a little.
9. Repeat the technique with your other foot.

Benefits: Simply, the method helps you sleep by reducing emotional stress.

Similarly, your shoulders have reflex points that you can massage to open up the energy flow and relax. There is so much more to learn about this wonderful method so feel free to dig a little deeper.

Have you ever tried reflexology for stress and anxiety? Has this article catch your attention? Share your thoughts and opinions in the space below. I would love to hear from you.

Source

Main image credit: relaxandunwindme.co.uk