When most people get a migraine headache, they usually take some pain relievers and rest.  Sometimes this makes them feel better, while other times they are left searching for relief.  Medicine may not always be the answer. For thousands of years, the Chinese and Egyptians have practiced reflexology.  It is an alternative treatment for a variety of health and medical conditions. By merely applying pressure to specific areas of the feet, hands, and ears specific reflex areas of the body can be treated. Each area of the body is connected to a particular pressure point in the feet, hands, and ears.  While this type of treatment has not been fully accepted as medical science, many do believe that something as simple as a migraine can be cured with reflexology.

Improved nerve function

The nervous system is the most important part of your body.  Chances are if something is off kilter with your nervous system, you will feel the effects throughout your entire body.  Whether it is that tired, rundown feeling or just plain sick in bed, your body will tell you something is wrong.As your nerve endings age, they become less sensitive.  Applying pressure to the areas of your feet, hands, or ears that are connected with your nervous system will open and clean out neural pathways, helping to improve functionality and flexibility.One reflexology session can stimulate more than 7,000 different nerve endings.  You may end up feeling rejuvenated and revitalized like you got several good nights’ sleep.  You could even increase your memory power.

Boosted energy levels

Feeling tired, sluggish, or even depressed can be connected with different parts of the body, including the thyroid or the adrenal glands.  An underactive thyroid can also mean that besides being tired or depressed, you can also gain weight quickly because your metabolism has slowed down.  Under-functioning adrenal glands also mean you will have an increased presence of the stress hormone cortisol in your system.  Cortisol makes it easier for you to gain weight.Finding and working on the corresponding pressure points in your feet that affect the thyroid and the adrenal glands can increase the function in both of these areas.  This can kick-start an increase in your metabolism and energy creation, meaning it may become easier for you to lose weight or maintain your current weight.

Increased circulation

When blood is not flowing through your body as well as it should be, you may be worried about blood clots, clogged arteries, or other heart-related issues.  However, it could be just a matter of your blood and oxygen not cycling through your body as it should.  The more oxygen that reaches your vital organs, the better your chances of optimizing their function and increasing your metabolism.You can improve your body’s circulation by focusing on the pressure points in your feet, hands, or ears that affect your vital organs.  Focusing on this part of reflexology can on faster healing in your body, as well as regrowth of damaged cells.

Relaxation

When most people think of achieving relaxation, they likely think of receiving a full or upper body massage.  They do not think of massaging their own feet or having an expert massage them.  Focusing on the different pressure points in the feet, hands, and ears not only opens up neural pathways, but it also improves circulation and the amount of oxygen in your blood.People who are taking in the highest levels of oxygen in their blood are more likely to feel a state of calmness and be relaxed throughout their mind and body.  Practicing reflexology can also cure sleep disorders, including insomnia.

Elimination of toxins

Detoxifying your body does not necessarily mean you have to change your diet or drink organic juices or smoothies.  Reflexology can help your body improve bladder function and reduce urinary tract issues.  No cranberry juice required.  Simply focus on the areas of your feet, hands, or ears that are connected with your kidneys and bladder. If you practice reflexology, focused on the parts of your urinary system, you will be protecting your body from the various diseases and health conditions that can be caused by a weakened or compromised urinary system.

Nervous system stimulation

Stimulating the nerve function is different from nervous system stimulation.  The feet are especially good at focusing on various parts of the nervous system.  Reflexology is ideal focusing on the tips of the toes.  Massaging the pressure points there will focus on the brain, a leading part of the nervous system. If you are looking to improve your memory or cognitive function, reflexology represents a great way to enhance your brain’s capacity more efficiently.

Reduce the number of headaches

One of the most popular applications of reflexology includes the treatment and prevention of migraines or headaches.  Stress combined with other psychological factors will likely manifest as a migraine if the proper steps are not taken to stop it.  Focusing on the appropriate pressure points in your feet, hands, or ears can eliminate the pain or reduce the severity of a migraine or a headache.  Massaging the pressure points can also relieve the tension in your muscles, which may lessen the severity of a migraine or a headache as well. Sometimes it even helps to focus on massaging the temples in your forehead to lessen the pain.

Speed healing

Making reflexology a part of your daily life will slowly bring your body back to its normal state.  Focusing on the parts connected to nerve activity and circulation goes a long way towards balancing your metabolism.  You will not only lose weight or maintain your current weight, but your body will heal quicker. You will notice that cuts, scrapes, or bruises will heal faster.  Your cells will regrow faster.  You may even recover faster from colds and other illnesses.  However, reflexology should not be considered a cure for the common cold or other illnesses, but it can likely help your energy work its way back to normal.

Cancer treatment

Reflexology will not cure cancer. But it can decrease or even ease the side effects of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation.  Cancer patients may get sounder sleep after a reflexology treatment. And their anxiety levels can also ease.  Any vomiting or other digestion issues that may be experienced after cancer treatment may also be reduced with reflexology.Concentrating on the right pressure points during a reflexology treatment can also stimulate antioxidant activity that will help destroy cancer cells.  However, reflexology will not cure cancer, but it will help ease treatment symptoms.

Pregnancy

Reflexology will not eliminate the symptoms of labor. A massage at the right pressure points can help shorten its length. Nerve and circulation stimulation is likely one of the places where the majority of the focus should be, as a relaxed mother will likely experience easier labor. Focusing on reflexology treatments during your pregnancy can also help you learn to relax. And help to eliminate some of the pain your body experiences.  This will likely lessen your need for analgesics or other medications during labor or your postpartum time.