Ailments Reflexology Helps Treat

Alleviates Insomnia

Some patients have found reflexology alleviates insomnia, which is an inability to fall or stay asleep at night, and it results in patients feeling unrefreshed after waking. The condition is caused by many factors, including anxiety, stress, medications, and sleep disorders. The exact cause of insomnia is often difficult to pinpoint, and it varies from person to person. The gentleness of the reflexology sessions puts some patients into a dream-like, sleepy state, which can help with the resetting and regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Regulating the sleep-wake cycle is key to treating insomnia.

Patients struggling with insomnia should mention this to their reflexologist during their health history. The reflexologist will try many different methods to help relieve the patient's insomnia. For example, vibrating equipment, osteopathic elements, varied application of pressure, and elements of massage therapy can all be incorporated into a reflexology session designed to improve sleep. Patients with insomnia may wish to book their reflexology sessions for the evening, as this may help them drift off to sleep faster and have more restorative sleep. Patients attending reflexology treatments for insomnia may wish to keep a sleep diary to share with their treatment provider.

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Improves Digestion

Like massage, anecdotal evidence suggests reflexology improves digestion. Trouble with digestion may occur due to cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, acid reflux, ulcers, and other medical conditions. Reflexology can stimulate the organs involved in the digestive process and encourage them to move more regularly. Patients who struggle with digestion should mention this to their reflexologist, and particular techniques will be tried to remedy the issue. Digestive issues may improve with the application of firm thumb pressure and brisk movements, and reflexologists may concentrate most on the feet for these sessions. In general, patients with gallstones may need to avoid the use of reflexology, and they should ask their doctors for advice. Patients with constipation and menstrual trouble have reported high levels of relief from the use of reflexology treatments.

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