Many people are surprised to learn that the day to day happenings, the thoughts and feelings that they have that cause tension and anxiety are not actually stress, they are stressors. Stress is actually the reaction to these stressors, and in itself is not harmful, in fact it is something that the body does naturally when there is a threat. During this time there are over a thousand chemical reactions taking place in the body being controlled by the nervous system and disrupting homeostasis. After the threat has passed whether it was real or imagined the body should return to its normal state. Problems arise when there are too many stressors at one time or when stress is prolonged, then it results in negative symptoms. The other thing about stress is that some of the very problems that result from stress can also lead to stress. There are many signs and symptoms of stress, physical, mental or emotional and even behavioral. Symptoms may vary from person to person as stress affects each person a little differently. By taking a natural approach to stress management, the negative effects can be lessened and resulting illness possibly prevented.

Reflexology is one such method that has shown to be extremely effective in stress management. As with so many other forms of natural healing, Reflexology works by allowing the body’s natural life force energies to flow and come into balance. Reflexology is the application of pressure or movement to the feet and hands to affect corresponding parts of the body. Reflex areas on the hand and foot act like mirrors to various organs and systems of the body. By using specific pressure techniques, energy blockages can be detected by reflexologists and released. This works along the theory that the hands and feet set the tension level for the whole body and that they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and to reset the equilibrium. A relationship between specific parts of the feet and organs and systems of the body has been established. Trained hands can detect tiny irregularities along lines of energy flow in reflex areas in the feet and hands. Reflexology can encourage an energy discharge at areas of stress or imbalance. The general effect of reflexology varies, as it will affect the individual in its own peculiar way, as does stress. There are many different types of people trained in the techniques. Reflexology sessions generally last from 30 minutes to an hour. You should feel relaxation at the end of a session. How long it lasts is a good indication of how effective the session was. After a session you may experience a feeling of general well -being and invigoration, which may last for some days. Others may experience a healing reaction that may even temporarily worsen symptoms as they begin to deal with presenting issues. You may even begin to practice reflexology a little on your own by getting a foot roller or by applying pressure to points in the hands for a few minutes each day.