Reflexology for Joint and Muscle Pain

The hands and feet are the most nerve intensive and sensitive parts of the body, with each part containing over 7,000 nerve endings. Reactions by these nerve endings result in stimulation of the body as a whole. Reflexology focuses on the idea that by applying pressure and massage to these nerve intensive areas a reduction of pain and stress will be the result, and will impact the entire body. Reflexology is not an exact science but is based on proven scientific ideas such as the location of specific nerve endings. By stimulation of the bodies natural reflexes and reflex points, reflexology can provide a natural supplement to traditional medical treatment.

Pain of any type, joint or muscle, is related to stress and tension that is carried throughout the body. Stress and pain impact the entire body, even if the pain is not associated with that specific part. This is because stress influences the natural circulation of the body by the restriction of blood flow. When circulation is reduced all the bodies' functions are affected. The more stressed the body becomes the more tension that is applied to the muscles, and in turn places stress on the joints. Stress and pain impact the body as a whole, and if you can reduce the level of stress the end result should be a lower level of pain.

Pain and muscle tension automatically cause an imbalance of the function of the body. Traditional medicine treats these conditions with a variety of muscle wraps, heat and cold compresses, medicines, muscle relaxers, and pain killers. However perpetual use of these drugs can impact the functions of other organs and can even lead to drug addiction. In some cases the pain is so extreme, such as the condition of Fybromyalgia, that no amount of medicine can provide relief. Conventional medicine only focuses on the problem. For example if you have a backache you are told to get some rest, and take something either over the counter or prescription - which can have unwanted side effects. Reflexology finds the problem and then attempts to naturally rebalance the body as a whole. By influencing the reaction of the whole body through the stimulation of the nerves in the hands and feet, muscle and joint pain can be reduced.

Reflexology targets specific locations on the hands and feet and the relationship to specific parts in the body. By unblocking the imbalance in the nerve endings, the entire nerve will be influenced. This is done in two ways. The first is through the release of endorphins, (a chemical produced by the brain that creates a feeling of pleasure and happiness), and pressure. Pressure interrupts the signals being sent to the nerve by the brain. For example, if you are feeling pain in a joint or muscle you will automatically rub the area in hopes of relieving the pain temporarily. Reflexology is based on the same principal. By rubbing the area that has the nerves connected to the point that is experiencing pain, the pain should be reduced. This works the same way for both joint and muscle pain.

Even though there may be pain relief the effect is usually temporary. In order to consistently reduce pain a reflexologist will have to be visited on a regular basis. It is thought that most nerve endings can not be unblocked through one session of treatment and reflexology works best over time. Eventually the body will rebalance or come as close as it can get to balance, and the person experiencing the joint or muscle pain can experience relief.