The Benefits of Hand Reflexology You’ll Want to Know
Have you ever thought about how much your hands do for you? We use them every day, all day – think scrolling, typing, carrying! And we wonder why they can hold so much tension. But that’s where hand reflexology comes in. By applying pressure to specific points on your hands, we’re encouraging your whole body to relax, rebalance and even heal.
What is Hand Reflexology?
Hand reflexology is a therapeutic practice that involves applying pressure to specific parts of the hands. Think of your hands as a small map to other parts of your whole body – they link up to different organs and systems. By applying pressure, we can send signals through your nervous system to each related area. This non-invasive technique has a wide range of benefits:
Boosts Circulation
Do you ever notice your hands getting cold, even if the rest of your body is warm? This could mean your blood isn’t flowing quite as well as it could be, meaning less oxygen and nutrients are reaching them.
When we work on the reflex points on your hands, we’re stimulating the nervous system and encouraging your blood vessels to dilate, improving your blood flow. Better circulation isn’t just better for your physical health, it can also help you to feel more energised.
Reduces Stress
Stress isn’t just in your mind, it affects you physically too – think tensed shoulders, clenched jaw, nauseous stomach. Hand reflexology calms the nervous system by applying pressure on points linked to areas like the adrenal glands, where your stress hormones are produced. When these areas are stimulated, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of our body responsible for calming and conserving energy. As the body responds, you may notice your muscles starting to relax, your breathing deepening, and your mind slowing down.
Pain Relief
Headaches? Muscle aches? Or even repetitive strain in your wrists? Hand reflexology could help. When we apply pressure to reflex points, it can signal the nervous system to block pain messages to the corresponding area of your body. Not only this, it also encourages the release of endorphins, your body’s natural pain relief.
Whether your pain is from tension, overuse, or stress, hand reflexology gives your body a gentle nudge to ease the pain itself.
Promotes Better Sleep
Tossing and turning all night? Struggling to switch off even though you’re exhausted? Through gentle stimulation of specific points connected to the pineal gland, which regulates melatonin (your sleep hormone) and by calming areas linked to your nervous system, we can help your body and mind prepare for a deep sleep.
Enhanced Relaxation
Even if you’re not suffering with stress, pain or sleep problems, hand reflexology is worth it for the relaxation alone. The soft pressure can soothe your body, reduce tension and help you to drift into a calm state. This can feel like a reset, giving you the chance to slow down. Regular sessions could help to reduce tension in your shoulders and neck, providing relief and allowing your body to feel at ease.
Hand reflexology isn’t just about your hands, it gives your whole body the chance to slow down, reset and heal. It’s non-invasive, making it a relaxing and accessible option for everyone. Whether you’re dealing with stress, discomfort or looking to improve your overall wellbeing, we’d love to welcome you to the treatment space at ABWR here in Chapelton, Aberdeenshire. You can book a reflexology session with us here and enjoy a tailored treatment that’s all about you.