Reflexology Theories: Know How Reflexology Works!

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There are four theories behind reflexology that suggest that there are specific points on our bodies. That is “reflex areas” which are found on our feet and hands. The reflex points are usually connected energetically to particular body organs through energy channels. Seasoned reflexologists have postulated that reflexology helps our bodies release stress, which in return helps our bodies heal naturally thus regenerating itself. Here are the 4 theories that try to explain how this process works;

Reflexology Theories: Know How Reflexology Works!

Reflexology Works With The Central Nervous System (CNS)

This first theory was built on research that was done in 1890 by Sir Charles Sherrington and Sir Henry Head. These two experts began their research work to show that a neurological relationship does exist between the skin and the internal body organs and that the general body’s nervous system adjusts a stimulus.

According to this theory, reflexologist’s application of pressure from a hand or feet or even an ear sends calming messages from the peripheral nerves in certain extremities like the feet to the central nervous system. From there on, the CNS just signals the whole body so that in turn you can easily adjust to the full tension level present.

This whole process thus helps to enhance the full relaxation, bring about internal body organs and their associate systems into a state of optimum functioning, and moreover to improve the blood flow. This in turn positively affects circulatory, endocrine, respiratory, immune and the neuropeptide systems of our bodies.

Reflexology Helps In Maintaining Vital Energy Flow

This theory is called “the gate control theory” or “the neuromatrix theory of pain.” According to this theory, pain is a subjective experience that is generated by our brains. The brain tends to do this following recurring sensory experiences of pain but can also work independently of sensory inputs to generate pain in response to some cognitive or emotional factors.

This means that certain things that tend to influence our brains such as the mood or any other external factor like stress can also affect our experience of pain. According to this theory, reflexology has the ability to reduce body pain by suppressing stress and improving moods.

According to Reflexology Helps In Maintaining Vital Energy Flow theory. If the stress on our body is not addressed correctly and its time. It might result in congestion of energy, which in return can cause body inefficiencies, which brings about certain forms of illnesses. Thus, according to this theory, reflexology works to keep the energy flowing.

Reflexology Reduces Pain Through Suppressing Stress And Improving Moods

Here is another theory that might also explain how reflexology can bring about pain relief and the gate control theory. This theory also considers pain as a subjective experience that is created by our brain. The brain thus does all these in response to the sensory experiences of persisting pain. But it can as well work independently of the other sensory inputs to bring about pain responses. This is in relation to the emotional or rather cognitive factors.

Thus, certain things that tend to influence your brains such as swing moods or any other form of external factor like the stress can as well affect one’s experience of the pain. So, according to this theory, reflexology can reduce pain through suppression of stress and improving mood.

Zone Theory

The recognition of reflexology as a form of treatment began with the Zone Theory. This theory divides our bodies into ten vertical zones.

For example, if you happen to be standing with your hands on your two thighs. Thus, your thumbs and the toes would be at zone 1. On either side of your body, the second toe index finger would be zone 2, etc.

According to this reflexology theory, every single organ may be muscle, valve, etc. What lies within the zone can easily be accessed through a specific point.