Reflexotherapy and Acupressure- Holistic Methods to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Reflexotherapy and Acupressure- Holistic Methods to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

We all respond differently to certain stressful situations. Most of us think, feel and behave different. For some, stress is stimulating, while for most of us is too much. Stress is only the way we respond to specific circumstances called ‘stressors’.

We are stressed when, in specific situation, we experience on the mental level symptoms such as: irritability, inability to concentrate, excessive tiredness, trouble sleeping, confuse thinking. The physical symptoms of stress may include: dry mouth, a pounding heart, difficulty breathing, stomach upset, headache, frequent urination, tight muscles that may cause pain and trembling.

Stress causes a surge of hormones in our body. These stress hormones are released to enable us to deal with pressures or threats. Once the stressful situation has passed, the stress hormone levels will usually return to normal, but, in time, because of these emotional shocks, we become more vulnerable to physical and psychological diseases.

                How does the holistic medicine manage the stress?

Stress reduction treatments that holistic medicine provides include:

• Diet/Nutrition Counseling;
• Aromatherapy therapy and herbal remedies;
• Stress reduction techniques, such as acupuncture, reflexotherapy and acupressure;
• Massotherapy (massage);
• Psychotherapy and spiritual counseling etc.

 

Reflexotherapy and acupressure- ways to reduce stress

From the methods used by the holistic healers to control stress, reflexotherapy and acupressure are most common.

Reflexotherapy is a drug-free, pain-free alternative and complementary method of treatment used to promote healing, relieve stress, tension, aches and pains. With reflexotherapy, the body’s reflex zones, point-reflex zones, or general areas of the body (i.e. neck, shoulders, back, arms, knees, thighs, hips, calves, etc.) are stimulated through the surface of the skin which then activate the specific reactions and reflexes to parts of the body working to produce physiological changes that lead to the release of your problem.

The acupressure is quite similar to the acupuncture; the only difference is that this technique does not use the needles. The acupressure practitioners use their fingers, palms, elbows or feet, or special devices to apply pressure to acupoints on the body’s meridians. The aim of acupressure is to promote relaxation and wellness and to treat disease.

When Reflexology and Acupressure are used together, the energy released joins forces to heal the body, thus increased effectiveness results. Stress can be kept under control with reflexology and acupressure techniques.

Acupressure exercises to reduce stress and anxiety

• Find the skin crease that runs right across your wrist at the base of your hand.
• Use the width of your thumb, i.e. the width of the knuckle nearest the nail, as a measuring tool.
• Measure two thumb widths up from the skin crease, towards your elbow.
• The point is between the two main tendons running along your inner forearm.
• Tip: Clench a fist to make the tendons stick out, then measure two thumb widths up from the skin crease to find the point. Relax your hand when pressing the point.
• Press with your thumb nail until you feel a comfortable pain. Hold the pressurewhile you knead the point with very small circular movements for about 1 minute.
• Repeat on the other arm.
• Press both points 2-3 times a day and whenever you feel stress, tension, anxiety, etc.

Reflexology Exercise for Stress Management

• Sit on a firm but comfortable chair, or on the edge of your bed.
• Lift one foot and rest it on the knee of the other leg so that you can see the bottom of your foot.
• If you divide the length of your sole, between the base of your toes and your heel, into thirds, the point is found at the junction of the first and middle thirds.
• Use the tip of your thumb to press the point deeply for 1-2 minutes. If your thumb gets sore, rest it for a moment then continue.
• Press hard enough to cause a comfortable pain.
• Repeat on the other foot, using the other thumb.
• Massage both points anytime you want to relax and at night before bed to help you sleep.

Benefits of the mentioned reflexotherapy and acupressure exercises:   calms your mind, relaxes you, regulates your heart beat, stimulates circulation, fights insomnia, vomiting, nausea, stomachache, palpitations.

 

 

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