Physiological and Psychological Effects of Reflexology

 

There are many physiological and psychological reactions to reflexology treatments.  These occur either during treatment or after treatment and are listed as follows:

Physiological Effects

 

[      Sweating of palms or hands or soles of feet, often caused by a release of tension.

[      Coughing.

[      Twitching or tingling in the limbs which is a normal reaction to nerve stimulation.

[      Sudden cramp which is a normal reaction to nerve stimulation.

[      Electric-type shock up on the zone being worked on.  This is a normal reaction to nerve stimulation.

[      Feeling of movement or warmth in the corresponding area.  This is a normal reaction to nerve stimulation.

[      Great fatigue, which is a natural outcome of treatment.

[      Overwhelming desire to sleep, or just to close the eyes.  This is a natural outcome of the treatment.

[      Disappearance of all pain and discomfort.  This may only last a day but as each treatment session progresses, the time span between the return of the discomfort lengthens.

 

Psychological Effects

 

[      Laughing, crying, or deep sighing.  This is often a release of emotions.

 

After Treatment

 

The responses that may arise as a result of treatment can again sometimes be so subtle that some people are generally unaware of them.  Therefore when evaluating each treatment session, it helps if the patient is asked to give a report of any slight fluctuation in the body.  Many of these signs are positive signs that the treatment process is working and are all part of the healing process.  This is also known as the healing crisis (see - The Healing Crisis).

 

Physiological Effects

 

[      Increased energy.

[      Improved sleeping patterns.

[      Headache.

[      Tiredness.

[      Nausea.

[      Bowel/bladder changes.

[      Old symptoms may reflexology-occur, e.g. rashes.

[      Symptoms may be slightly exacerbated for 24 hours (this indicates that the treatment is working.

[      General aches and pains the following day after treatment.

[      Skin rashes.

[      Spots or pimples.

[      Great fatigue for approximately 48 hours.

[      Flu-like symptoms.

[      Increased wind or flatulence.

[      In women, menstrual blood becomes redder, and usually more profuse.

[      Joints appear more mobile.

[      In the case of respiratory tract infections, mucopurulent (yellow or greenish) sputum becomes clear.

 

Psychological Effects

 

[      Relaxed.

[      Calmer.

[      Less emotional.

[      Sense of well-being.

[      More emotional.