How Does Reflexology Work?
Although it is likely that Reflexology works for a variety of reasons, scientists have not, as yet, been able to fully explain how Reflexology works. The most commonly held theory is that Reflexology works mainly through the nervous system. The nerve theory of how Reflexology works suggests that when a problem happens in a specific part of the body, such as in the stomach, that at least three changes happen in the nervous system.
1. The problem in the stomach causes a change in the nerve impulses that travel from the stomach, to the spinal cord, to the brain, signaling a warning in the brain that something is wrong in the stomach.
2. Based on biopsies taken by a medical laboratory in Barcelona, Spain, an extra supply of nerve endings grow in the reflex area related to the pathology. Biopsies were taken in the feet, as yet not in the hands or ears.
3. These nerve endings produce irritating chemicals, at least one of which is called “Substance P” which stands for Pain.
During the process of Reflexology, as pressure is repeatedly applied in specific ways to a reflex area, such as the stomach reflex, the irritating chemicals are dislodged from around the nerve ending, which sooths the nerves, sends a more soothed message through the nerves, to the spinal cord, to the brain.
As science explores further, more of the neuro-bio-chemistry of Reflexology will be discovered.
