Reflexology is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears. It’s based on a theory that these body parts are connected to certain organs and body systems. People who practice this technique are called reflexologists. Reflexologists believe that applying pressure to these parts offers a range of health benefits.

Reflexology is linked to many potential benefits, like

• reduce stress and anxiety
• reduce pain
• lift mood
• improve general well-being

In addition, people have reported that reflexology helped them:

• boost their immune system
• fight cancer
• get over colds and bacterial infections
• clear up sinus issues
• recover from back problems
• correct hormonal imbalances
• boost fertility
• improve digestion
• ease arthritis pain
• treat nerve problems and numbness from cancer drugs (peripheral neuropathy)

Reflexology can be very beneficial for women during pregnancy, especially with regard to labor lengths, women’s need for analgesics during labor as well as post-partum recovery time. Additionally, as result of many of the health benefits mentioned above, reflexology can reduce the chances of post-partum depression, help the body heal itself and get back to its normal metabolic activity faster.