What is needed for an athlete to perform at its best, and avoid injury?  Research has proven the benefits of reflexology for athletes:

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1. Promotes deep relaxation and improves sleep pattern

 

Reflexology is useful to help ease nervousness and achieve better sleep in advance of an event. Research has shown that "the application of reflexology induces changes in the activity of brain waves in correspondence with the appearance of a high degree of sleepiness and sleep." (1)

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2. Removes lactic acid from legs

 

Reflexology helps to encourage lymphatic drainage.  Reflexology can remove lactic acid from the legs and  helpful relief from tightness in the legs.

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3. Have sharper concentration

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 According to Evidence-Based Reflexology Research for Health Professionals & Researchers by Barbara & Kevin Kunz, 30 min reflexology session for eight weeks. Findings included: physical improvements, emotional improvements, self-esteem and confidence improvements, motivation, increased relaxation levels, concentration improvements. (2)

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4. Recover from injuries sooner

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Reflexology can increase circulation to an injured area. It helps the body's natural ability to repair itself and can promote faster recovery from injuries.

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5. Increase blood flow 

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Reflexology helps to increase blood flow and encourage lymphatic drainage. Increased blood circulation helps remove toxins and increase oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.  It may also assist in preventing common complaints from extended muscle exertion such as aches, pains, cramps and spasms.

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6.  Reflexology works with the central nervous system

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 "This theory builds on research done in the 1890s by Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington, who began to show through their research that a neurological relationship exists between the skin and the internal organs, and that the whole nervous system adjusts to a stimulus.

According to the theory, the reflexologist's application of pressure to feet, hands, or ears sends a calming message from the peripheral nerves in these extremities to the central nervous system, which in turn signals the body to adjust the tension level." (3)

 

 

7. Reduces pain by reducing stress and improving mood

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"This theory suggests that pain is a subjective experience created by your brain. The brain does this in response to the sensory experience of pain, but it can also work independently of sensory input and create pain in response to emotional or cognitive factors. Thus things that influence the brain, such as your mood or external factors like stress can also affect your experience of pain. According to this theory, reflexology may reduce pain by reducing stress and improving mood." (3)

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Reflexology can bring a positive effect to an Athlete overall physical, performance and emotional wellbeing by helping you to relax and recover faster from injuries.

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Reflexology research may be viewed through the following links:

(1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388117300221

(2)Evidence-Based Reflexology Research for Health Professionals & Researchers by Barbara & Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

http://www.reflexologyresearch.net

Reflexology Research – Reflexology Association of America

(3) https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/reflexology 

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Reflexology is completely natural, having no harmful side effects, and so will not exacerbate the issue.


 

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