How does Reflexology help with pain?
A
number of chemical changes take place in the body during a Reflexology
treatment. One of the changes deals with sedation of pain. The body produces its
own painkillers, known as endorphins, which are 5 to 10 times more powerful
than morphine. Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and can stop the
transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord.
Studies have shown that pain signals travel along the nerve pathways to the
dorsal horn of the spinal cord, beginning a complicated reflex action. From the spinal cord the impulse is relayed to the thalamus, which then sends
the impulse to the cerebral cortex where the intensity and location of the pain
is recognised. The brain then sends signals back to the spinal cord to release endorphins.
Reflexology uses finger and thumb pressure to stimulate
reflexes mirrored on the feet. All parts,
glands and organs of the body are reflected on the feet. By stimulating the foot using pressure, reflexology
encourages the brain to produce more endorphins while interrupting the pain
cycle and helping the body to relax.
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This natural, ancient, complimentary therapy has been practiced for 5000 thousand years. Applying pressure to the reflexes and pressure points in our feet sends messages to the correlating organs, glands and parts in our body. This in turn has many benefits such as relaxation, improves circulation, reduces stress and helps the body’s natural ability to heal itself. In-turn this benefits many people of all ages and health conditions.
