Reflexology, The Healing Touch of Good Health

An expert guide on how reflexology can work for older adults

You may be aware of the concept of massage as a luxury or a spa therapy. But did you know that reflexology, a type of massage, is also an ancient healing technique that is considered as an insured medical practice in several countries like the USA and Denmark? Reflexology is an essential part of healthy ageing and a significant contributor to the wellness factor, especially among older adults. It comes with a wide range of physical and psychological benefits and Indian older adults can immensely benefit from it. Ravneet Grewal, a Bengaluru based reflexologist tells us why. 

Reflexology and a little history

Reflexology is an ancient medical science developed in China about four and a half thousand years ago to provide relief to people from pain. “There are a lot of corresponding points which the Chinese call the reflex points on the feet, hands and at the front and the back of the ears, which when pressed would alleviate pain in the corresponding organs of the body parts. That’s how removing pain came into being,” says Grewal. Why is reflexology mostly done on the foot? Because it is a larger area and is constantly used for balancing the body. “When we press on the feet, the corresponding organ or body part gets a faster and better result,” Grewal adds. 

From the Chinese, reflexology was taken over by the Egyptians who even immortalised it in their ancient paintings as it was practised as a popular healing technique. 

It was in the early 1900s when reflexology was recognised as a relevant practice in medicine and introduced as a method of pain alleviation in hospitals by Dr William Fitzgerald who’s known as the Father of Reflexology. He discovered Zone Therapy and developed pain zones on the feet that would correspond to organs and body parts. Later, Dr Eunice Ingham, a pathologist who stated, ‘perfect health spells perfect feet,’ mastered the technique of reflexology and brought the technique to a larger number of people. 

Reflexology and its impact on older adults

Now that we are done with history, here's how reflexology could work for everyone including older adults. “In India, most people tend to consider reflexology as a foot massage but it is much more than just massaging. The movements on the feet are focused and you are making those movements with an understanding and an intention. When you’re moving from the heel to the centre toe in a straight line, you are taking care of the entire lower back, the intestinal area, the kidneys, the adrenaline gland, the lungs and then the head. Thus, this one-movement takes care of almost all the vital organs in your body,” says Grewal. 

Reflexology brings about a caring and safe touch besides immense relief from pain, thereby reducing the production of stress hormones in the body. It enhances Serotonin, a chemical in the body that affects our emotions and thoughts positively. Here’s how the relaxation response obtained from reflexology can help: 

• Slow down heart and breathing rate 

• Reduce blood pressure 

• Decrease the production of stress hormones 

• Relax our muscles 

As a result, reflexology can benefit both psychologically and physically, especially for older adults. Reflexology may also reduce the risks associated with stress such as hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety, insomnia, persistent fatigue and digestive disorders.  

The physical manipulation in reflexology has two major impacts:

1) Increase in blood and lymph circulation.

2) Relaxation and normalisation of the soft tissue like muscles, connective tissues, tendons and ligaments. 

Reflexology induced improved circulation helps enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells; improves cellular health and helps tissues function more efficiently. This better functioning leads to the removal of waste products, increases the absorption of excess fluids and reduces swelling in soft tissues. Reflexology therapy also helps in reducing painful contractions and spasms and reduce nerve compression, says Grewal. “Organs also benefit from reflexology, as they share neurological pain pathways with muscles, bones, and nerves. When muscles, bones or nerves are distressed, organs can sometimes reflect distress and dysfunction. Therapeutic reflexology can therefore improve symptoms associated with the functioning of both the organ and the muscles,” she adds. 

Did you know that Reflexology and Acupressure are not the same?

Acupressure is more about pressing on the point alone - could be one point or two or more corresponding points. Whereas reflexology is not limited to points. Rather, it is focused on an entire zone and covers it entirely.

Many older adults love reflexology, why?

“Because they get the comfort, they feel pampered and experience the feel-good factor.,” says Grewal. “Besides, the pain goes down considerably and there’s an enhancement in mobility and improved balance which not only soothes them physically but also emotionally. Also, reflexology could be a very good post-operative healing procedure and rehabilitative procedure following an accidental fall and trauma. Reflexology provides significant relief to seniors with oedema related issues too.” 

Grewal uses almond oil and cream to do the movements on the sole of the feet. She adds that Reflexology stimulates 7200 nerve endings, 107 ligaments, 26 bones and 19 muscles in each leg and also gives a diagnostic overview of an underlying condition. “We can assess and analyse which body part or organ needs medical attention,” she notes. 

What’s new on the reflexology block?

Face workouts! Facial reflexology strengthens your facial muscles, enhances oxygen flow, releases endorphins, offsets stress, removes sluggishness, reduces mild to moderate swelling and reduces pigmentation naturally. 

“Older adults who are healthy may opt for reflexology once a month but those with specific health conditions must go for it every week,” says Grewal. If you are choosing to opt for this, please check with your doctor first.

Ageing healthily and gracefully is essential and reflexology is a great way to obtain that. Explore it and share your reflexology experience with us.