How Does Reflexology Reduce Stress?
Stress, believe it or not, can be beneficial and serves a real purpose in the design of our bodies. That said, most of us have moved way past the “good” stress into the “it’s way too much, I want to pull my hair out, and I’m never going to find enough time to get it all done” level of stress that is not good for us. Yuck.
One of my most favourite ways to push the reset button on stress is reflexology – not surprising since I am a reflexologist, huh? But this is why I love reflexology so much!
Reflexology helps your body flip the switch from fight or flight to healing mode.

There are a number of things going on during a reflexology session that combine to create a state of deep relaxation in the body that enables it to let go of the stressed-out state and return to one of balance where healing can begin.
As I work the points on your foot, I’m essentially connecting with every part of your body through its corresponding part mapped out on the foot including the nervous system and the adrenals.
Getting a bit more technical…
There are over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot being stimulated including those in the autonomic nervous system, which includes the sympathetic nervous system (aka the one responsible for fight or flight response in our bodies) and the parasympathetic (aka healing mode or “rest and digest” state) among other important functions.
When pressure is applied to specific reflexology points it activates an electro-chemical nerve impulse in the body starting a chain reaction of communication throughout the body.
The nerve endings in the feet talk to the spine and help it relax. When the spine is able to relax and the muscles can relieve their tension, the spine in turn communicates with the rest of the body helping it to relax all the muscles and reduces tension throughout the whole body.
As stated by author and reflexologist, Inge Dougans “When the reflexes on the feet are stimulated, an involuntary response is elicited in organs and glands connected by energy pathways to these specific reflexes. A chain reaction is set in motion causing physiological changes to occur throughout all the body systems.”
Aside from the reflexology-specific techniques, you’ll notice that I’ve set up a calm, relaxing, and soothing environment. People often say they breathe better as soon as they walk in the door. It could also be the trained response the body has learned that my treatment room is a place for relaxation and healings and just walking in starts things in motion. But it’s also done by intention to make the energy in the room conducive for relaxation.
And a final added benefit, the simple act of touch has been shown to be soothing to the body.

Let’s talk about how reflexology can help you lower your stress levels and find other ways to cope with the stress of life between sessions. Book a treatment today!
Sarah Szwakob
Registered Reflexology Practitioner
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