STRESS MANAGEMENT: Reflexology For Stress Management

"Reflexology is the physical act of massaging or applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion.

It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body ", state Barbara and Kevin Kunz, internationally recognized authorities in reflexology.

Reflexology differs from ordinary foot massage in that it works through the nervous system applying the techniques to the reflex points in the hands and feet.

Reflexology it is safe, effective, natural, easy available and simply-to-use treatment option for a variety of health problems, the stress-related health problems included.

Reflexologists believe that various organs, nerves, and glands in the body are connected to "reflex areas." These reflex areas are found on the bottoms of the feet, hands, and other areas of the body. When done properly, reflexology is believed by therapists to:

• relieve stress and tension
• stimulate deep relaxation
• improve the blood supply
• bring balance to the entire body

• increase energy

• balance your emotions

• improve your blood and lymph circulation
• relieve your aches and pains
• tension headache relief
• constipation relief

Whenever you perceive that you are physically or psychologically threatened, an inbuilt alarm-system in your brain triggers the adrenal glands to release complex hormonal cascade of over 30 stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.

Those stress hormones give you the extra strength and speed you need to deal with the threatening situation. This reaction is known as the "fight-or-flight" reaction, or the stress response. Stress isn't always bad. In small doses, it can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best.

But as the Stress father Hans Selye alreday noted back in 1956 that it is not simply (acute) stress itself, but prolonged, chronic stress leading eventually to burnout that causes the damage of all body systems and wears it out.

As a result your mind, body, overall health and performance may pay the price.

Reflexology breaks up the pattern of chronic stress by providing relaxation.

Reflexology possesses the capacity to cancel out the effects of stress while it helps the body to reach a place of deep relaxation where it can balance the body systems.

Reflexology is the treatment of choice for a safe, comforting effective way to regain a general feeling of general well being and improving the quality of life.

Applying pressure to the hands and feet simultaneously elicits general relaxation reaction (opposite of the stress or "fight-or-flight" reaction), and therefore helps to decrease the stress hormone level and to return the body into the state of physiological balance.

Through the relaxation process the body is more capable of dealing with the stresses placed on it by daily living and those associated with illness. When you are relaxed you can start to manage your stress more effectively.

It is believed to encourage the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones, well documented in their ability to relieve stress.

You can start right NOW and give your tired feet a stress free break.

Use the foot chart below to find the areas where you can perform your self reflexology foot massage.

Reflexology for Stress Relief and Stress Reduction by feet massage of the stomach, intestine, gall, liver, neck, head, thyroid gland, kidney, ureter, and uterus reflex areas;

For Natural Fast Weight Loss by feet massage of the thyroid gland, and pancreas reflex areas;

For Insomnia by foot massage of the head, cerebellum, liver, ovary, testicle reflex areas;

For Constipation by feet massage of the intestine and stomach reflex areas. 

For Headache by feet massage of the head, cerebrum, cerebellum reflex areas.

For Shoulder Tightness by foot massage of the shoulder, trapezius, muscle, head reflex areas.

As you noticed you can perform reflexology for yourself or your beloved ones.

Reflexology is fairly simple to perform and even simpler to incorporate into your daily routine.

If you want to learn more there are many great books, videos, reflexology charts and reflexology socks and gloves you can purchase that will walk you through the process of reflexology treatment.

If you are really serious about learning the techniques, there are numerous online reflexology schools where you can take classes and learn in-depth techniques for more specific sicknesses and diseases.

Reflexology self - help tools can help to pinpoint the locations of stress in your feet, hands, and body and interrupt those stresses.

Hand and foot self help tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Besides the direct benefits as relaxation, reflexology offers an opportunity to take a break from the daily stresses and create a moment all for yourself.

In the fast paced society that we live in today, I highly recommend that you take a time out for yourself each day.

Learn and practice some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback to name just few.

Before long you will notice a big difference in how you see life and that you are able to manage your daily stress so much better.

It is important to realize that reflexology does not reduce stress cause or your perception of a stressor in your life.

In considering reflexology as a form of treatment, it is useful to keep in mind that the best way to treat excessive stress is to learn effectively manage it.

This generally involves making lifestyle changes. Change isn't always easy, especially when you doubt about where to start.

I highly recommend considering working with stress management coach to address the stress and obtain long lasting results.

Stress management coaching enables you to identify the sources of stress in your life and equips you with techniques to manage stress more effectively and reach the permanent stress reduction and stress relief results.

Are you ready to manage stress before it manages you, your health and your professional and personal life?

Don’t hesitate to contact me at info@action4balance.com to find out how I can best help you.

I reward immediate action takers.

About the Author

Dr.Inese Millere is Holistic Stress Management coach and consultant who assist women in leadership in creating stress management and work life balance strategies, and healthy lifestyle routines.

If you'd like to talk about coaching with me, please contact me directly at info@action4balance.com with a brief description of your situation.