The lists below summarize and separate out the physical and emotional benefits that reflexology is believed to provide:
- Physical effects
- Reduces muscular tension
- Relieves fatigue
- Increases energy or reduces tension
- Promotes refreshing sleep
- Strengthens natural self-healing mechanisms
- Emotional and mental effects
- Promotes calmness and a sense of well-being
- Relaxes the body and mind
- Relieves stress
- Soothes emotional distress
Reflexology is thought by some to complement the natural functionality of body systems. The list below summarizes some of the enhancing effects that reflexology is believed to have on the following body systems:
Skeletal
- Supplies nutrients for repair, new cells and growth
Muscular
- Supplies oxygen and nutrients
- Takes away waste
- Relaxes muscle tension
Nervous
- Increases oxygen and nutrient supply
- Stimulates nerve cells
- Helps repair and create new cells
- Pain control
Respiratory
- Stimulates movement of mucus in lungs and airways
- Stimulates removal of waste products
- Increases supply of oxygen to the rest of the body
Reproductive
- Stimulates reproductive glands to help with hormonal problems
- Clears blockages of the pelvic area in females
Urinary
- Stimulates the kidneys to function more effectively by filtering and retaining substances
- Regulates the salt:water content of blood
Circulatory
- Stimulates repair and creation of new cells throughout the body
Lymph
- Stimulates movement of lymph
- Helps with removal of waste products
- Helps fight infection
Digestive
- Stimulates muscle action and peristalsis and aids smooth passage of food as it is digested – helps with digestive disorders
- Encourages liver to pass unwanted substances to kidneys for excretion
Endocrine
- Stimulates all glands, and especially brings relaxation, which supports the healing process in all other systems
Skin
- Stimulates healing of wounds
- Supplies nutrients and oxygen for repair and creating new cells
