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Look, I’m serious about getting happy. Don’t let the blues get you down. And Reflexology is one of my fave ways to pick-myself-up.
Let’s learn about Reflexology + Depression, and make those healthy changes.
Blues means depression
If you suffer from the blues, you know how devastating it can be. But did you know that the depression cycle often begins with anxiety?
Trust me. Because I’ve studied this for years. And go ahead, take a chance if you’re feeling blue or anxious. Please do try reflexology.
There’s so much information available now about adverse side-effects of medical intervention into depressive states. Yikes! So, many people are looking to Complementary + Alternative Medicine (CAM) to help. Of course, I’m often asked how alternate or complementary practices can lessen depression.
Although there are many holistic treatments that can help, one of my faves is Reflexology.
Reflexology has been well documented by science to relieve symptoms of depression.(1)
Let’s look at depression and reflexology
So, what is depression?
Depression is described as a state of low mood and aversion to activity. That affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings and physical well-being.(2)
Because, when people are feeling depressed they will describe life as being sad, empty and hopeless.
Additionally, they may feel anxiety, be irritable and develop lethargy or restlessness.
Appetite often changes, once pleasurable activities become uninteresting. Going up or down. And people may develop problems with concentration or decision making. People also exhibit physical aches + pains or digestive problems + sleep disorders. These in turn seem to be resistant to usual treatments.(3)
Bouts of depression may span from weeks to years. And sometimes cause such horrid despair that people contemplate ending it all. The worst case of the anxiety/depression cycle is the suicidal feelings.
And what is Reflexology?
At SchoolofCT we define Reflexology as a specific bodywork technique. Where the therapist strokes, massages and applies pressure to the feet, hands and face to effect changes in the body. To relax muscles and stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Blood flow to organs increases during a Reflexology treatment. And this helps the body eliminate toxin build-ups. A de-tox starts to take place. In a natural and healthy way. The lymphatic and endocrine systems are stimulated. While a state of relaxation is induced.
Both sympathetic and para-sympathetic nervous systems come to balance. And, bonus, natural feel-good hormones called endorphins are released. Scientific sources show that an increase in production of endorphins reduces the body’s stress response creating feelings of well-being.(4)
On the holistic or CAM level, internal energy lines flowing through the body are cleared. And the body returns to energetic balance. This in turn allows optimal nervous system functioning.
Sounds good? And it feels even better! A good Reflexology session will leave you feeling rested + refreshed, ready to tackle the world again.(5)
As part of a wellness program, regular Reflexology has been shown to help alleviate depressive symptoms
So, if you are feeling a bit blue, why not give it a try?
And it’s common for those who practice to feel ‘give a session, get a session.’ Honestly, I’ve been a Reflexologist for a boat-load of years. And it never tires me out. I feel refreshed, relieved and happy when I’ve given a session.
So, if you’re thinking a career change might be happy making. Why not check it out!
If you would like to learn more about Reflexology SchoolofCT has courses in the classroom and distance learning available for professional or home use. If you have any questions or would like to learn more please contact me.
