Visiting a reflexologist has been compared to the act of taking an automobile in to the body shop for a tune up. With the entire body reflected onto micro-maps found on the feet, hands and ears, the entire body gets a thorough workout in a session. This noninvasive, relaxing bodywork modality might be just the thing for a restful night of sleep.
Insomnia and sleep disorders can be caused by a number of things, including: stress, high blood pressure, illness and tension. Reflexology can induce relaxation, improve circulation and help some forms of pain.
How a Reflexologist Works on an Insomniac
The insomniac should certainly let his practitioner know he is suffering from a sleep disorder. A general session from a qualified reflexologist may help but the practitioner will also want to hone in on some reflex areas to make the session most effective.
In her book The Reflexology Workout [Harmony Books 1986], Stephanie Rick recommends stimulating the following reflex points for the treatment of sleep disorders:
- solar plexus and diaphragm reflexes – to induce relaxation.
- brain reflexes – especially the hypothalamus gland reflexes which control sleep patterns
- thyroid and parathyroid gland reflexes – for muscle relaxation via the regulation of calcium levels in the body.
- spine reflexes – to soothe the nervous system and relax the muscles along the spine.
In addition to the above reflexes, the reflexologist will also likely emphasize pressure techniques over the following areas:
- kidney reflexes – to improve circulation and balance blood pressure
- pituitary gland reflexes – triggering the alignment of hormonal balances that may be interfering with sleep cycles
- lung reflexes – to improve oxygen levels in the body
- musculo-skeletal system reflexes – to further relax tense regions of the body or for sight-specific pain management
What the Insomniac Should Know Before a Session
Prior to booking an appointment with a reflexologist, the insomniac may find the following tips helpful in securing the best outcome from his treatments.
- Pick a qualified practitioner. Reflexology is largely unregulated around the globe and many advertisers of the modality have very little to no actual training in the modality.
- Ask the practitioner if they have experience with your specific sleep disorder. Is it sleep apnea, stress induced insomnia, or some other factor?
- Carve out time after a session. Schedule an appointment during a time of day that will allow you to grab a nap, or go to bed after the treatment. Many people feel very mellow, even sleepy after a session.
- Create a plan. A single session is often not enough to undue months or years of sleep disturbances. Talk to the reflexologist to make up a plan that works for your lifestyle.
Promote Good Sleep on Many Levels
Reflexology can be a great instrument to return to healthy sleep patterns but it shouldn’t be the only tool in the bag. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and good bedtime routines can round out a wellness plan for better sleep.
Both holistic and allopathic medical professionals will agree that being proactive about insomnia and following routines are a great start, and work for many people. In some cases, the insomniac will require assistance in the form of prescription medication, or a device prescribed by his doctor. Usually a visit or two to a sleep clinic can find the root cause of a chronic sleep disorder.
Sources:
- The Reflexology Workout by Stephanie Rick, Harmony Books 1986.
- The author's clinical experience as an ARCB Board Certified Reflexologist in private practice since 2004.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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