How Does Reflexology Benefit Depression?

Depression, often referred to as clinical depression, is a mental illness that entails an overwhelming sense of sadness, loss and hopelessness. Bouts of the condition may span from weeks to years, and may sometimes cause the sufferer to despair so greatly they no longer want to live.

Reflexology works to relieve symptoms of depression by stimulating specific acupressure points/nerve endings in the feet and hands, which in turn:

__Causes increased bloodflow to organs;

__Eliminates toxin build up in the body;

__Stimulates the lymphatic system;

__Activates the endocrine system;

__Induces a state of relaxation, restoring harmony to both the sympathetic and para-sympathetic nervous systems;

__Encourages a release of the natural feel-good hormones, endorphins, which have been well-documented by science to reduce the body’s stress response;

__Decongests energy pathways, allowing for optimal nervous system functioning.

A reflexologist may also examine your feet’s colour, condition and appearance in order to potentially identify the root cause of the problem. It may also be used personally and practiced on oneself at home to combat symptoms of Depression.