how does reflexology work?
The soles of your feet contain over 7,000 nerve endings, each of these nerves are connected to different parts and systems of your body. By stimulating specific reflexes it can elicit a natural healing response in the corresponding system or organ. 
Reflexology induces a state of deep relaxation; as most ill health is caused by stress reducing this can go along way to restoring the body to a state of well being and vitality.
Reflexology stimulates the nerve supply; the neural pathways in your body are both electrical channels and living tissue so their efficiency and effectiveness can be impaired. When this happens the nerve function is impeded and messages are relayed more slowly and unreliably around the body, this can lead to acute and chronic disease. Reflexology can help to open up and re-ignite the neural pathways, enlivening the body and returning it to its natural state of homeostasis.
Reflexology is a natural pain killer, it helps to reduce pain in two ways: when you relax your body produces chemicals called endorphins, these are the body’s natural pain killers and they are up to ten times more powerful than morphine. The second way is due to that fact that your nervous system can only respond to a limited amount of sensory information at one time, the pressure from the reflexology ‘confuses’ the body and it closes its ‘pain-gates’ thus interrupting the pain cycle.
Reflexology is preventative healthcare it gives your body the time it needs to relax and re-charge its energies. This in turn boosts the immune system – the immune system responds synergistically, it relies on other bodily functions and processes and only when a body and mind are well balanced can the immune response function at its fullest potential.
Reflexology improves the flow of blood and lymph in the body’s circulatory system. Stress and tension affects the cardiovascular system by constricting the flow of blood – circulation becomes slow and sluggish which can cause either low or high blood pressure. The increased state of relaxation brought about by reflexology allows the circulatory system to function efficiently, enabling it to eliminate waste products and toxins that have built up. As your body lets go of tensions the cardiovascular vessels relax improving the flow of blood, cleansing and nourishing the body and ultimately lowering blood pressure.
Reflexology enhances general well-being; experiencing touch in a caring capacity is absolutely vital to human health and well-being. Feeling cared for will enable you to respond with an increased sense of security and self esteem, thus enabling you to grow as a person.