Types of therapy
At Paracelsus Recovery, our 360-approach to treating mental health conditions and addiction includes reflexology as a complementary therapy. Reflexology can help ease stress and tension, reinforce the mind-body connection and enhance overall well-being, amongst other benefits.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a holistic, hands-on treatment that entails applying gentle pressure to specific reflex areas of the body, most commonly the feet, hands or ears. Reflexology, also known as ‘zone therapy’, is a complementary therapy that blends modern theory with ancient Chinese medicine. The aim of reflexology is to strengthen the mind-body connection, promote relaxation and flush toxins from the body.
Reflexology works on energy pathways in a way that is similar to acupuncture. Reflexology practitioners use the ‘reflex map’ of the hands and feet to identify areas of distress in the body’s associated internal organs. The theory behind reflexology is that the targeted points correspond directly to different organs as well as the body’s muscular, nervous, circulatory and skeletal system. Energy blockages within the body that are often a result of addiction, illness or stress prevent the body from functioning at its best. When a trained reflexologist works on a particular area, the stimulation helps to release the blockages. Health and well-being are improved by the free flow of energy throughout the entire system.
Reflexology is a noninvasive therapy that has no negative side effects. When the congested reflex areas are first treated, reflexology can be a little painful. However, as the condition improves after several sessions, the pain will lessen. At Paracelsus Recovery, we include reflexology in our treatment programmes as needed. Our reflexology treatments are provided by a team of highly skilled and emphatic practitioners.
What is reflexology helpful for?
Reflexology has numerous benefits, many of which make it supportive of recovery from various mental health and addiction issues. Notably, reflexology treatment boosts blood circulation, which promotes the healthy flow of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. This makes the procedure highly beneficial in addiction recovery because it helps remove toxins in the blood, resulting in fewer cravings and reduced withdrawal symptoms.
In addition, the toxin removal facilitated by reflexology can in turn boost metabolism, energy levels and relieve stress. This can support recovery from a variety of conditions. And because reflexology sessions lower stress levels, they can help to reduce the severity of your mental health symptoms. In our experience, clients often report an instant feeling of relaxation, reduction of anxiety, increased energy and an overall sense of well-being after the first session, making it easy for them to engage in further sessions.
Is reflexology evidence-based?
There are many reported benefits of reflexology, such as its ability to improve the immune system, fertility, nerve functions, blood circulation and cognitive abilities. However, to date, research into reflexology is limited. That said, there is some promising evidence of its efficacy and therapeutic potential. For example, one study found reflexology treatment to be an effective way of maintaining general health.
In addition to enhancing well-being and quality of life, there is evidence that reflexology reduces stress, anxiety and pain levels. A study that focused on stress in particular found reflexology to be an effective daily stress-management tool. Furthermore, because reflexology has the potential to relieve stress, it can alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with mental health issues or medical conditions.
A 2020 study showed that reflexology can improve not only depression and anxiety but also sleep quality. And another study found that receiving reflexology treatment has the potential to significantly reduce anxiety in people undergoing heart surgery. This was thought to be due to the fact that many people find human touch to be relaxing and comforting. One study found that reflexology can improve symptoms and enhance quality of life in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Sharing insight
