Reflexology for Stress Relief

What is stress? Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. When people feel stressed by something going on around them, their bodies react by releasing chemicals into the blood.

From the moment we awaken, there are all kinds of pressures and stresses and it is how we manage them that makes the difference in our lives. Reflexology is a very powerful treatment which can work with the body to alleviate all the negative stresses and anxieties which threaten our body’s status quo. A body which becomes ravaged by worry and stress can soon become a very sick one and in the words of John Steinbeck, ” A sad soul can kill you quicker, far quicker, than a germ.’ ”

Research on the benefits of Reflexology on Stress

Researchers have repeatedly shown that reflexology has a positive effect on quality of life, stress, anxiety, and pain.

A study undertaken at Worcester Hospital where 28 members of staff received 40 minutes of Reflexology each for 6 weeks. Their response to the Reflexology was measured in terms of pain, mobility, lethargy, psychological stress and mobility. The key results were as follows: 74% had a significant reduction in pain, 62.5% had a significant improvement in mobility, 55% had a reduction in psychological stress.

In Reflexology, the body and soul are divided into the four elements of Water, Earth, Fire and Air, whereby each element is related to a specific part of the foot. The ball of the foot is associated with Fire, and controls emotions such as fear and anger. A particular focus on this area is maintained when attempting to alleviate stress.

Long-term stress can be very damaging to the body’s endocrine system, which includes the pancreas, pineal gland and adrenal gland. The adrenal gland, which is triggered during the “fight or flight” response to danger, is associated with the area beneath the ball of the foot and if you are under a great deal of stress, you may find that manipulation of this area can be quite painful initially.

Many of our clients comment that even after one session of Reflexology for stress relief, they feel much more calm and able to cope with the daily pressures that life throws at them. In fact, Reflexology is often referred to as “nature’s tranquillizer”, as it helps to alleviate many stress-related disorders such as anger, anxiety, depression, hypertension, insomnia, IBS and irritability. Overall harmony and well-being are achieved and stress responses are more under control.

So why not book a treatment with Sleeping Beauty Therapies and balance the whole body, mind and soul.