Stress and Anxiety are terms which are commonly used by reflexologists, particularly when describing the potential benefits of regular reflexology treatments on mental health and wellbeing.
It is normal for us to experience a certain amount of stress and anxiety in response to challenging situations, but long term exposure or severe levels of stress or anxiety can have a detrimental effect on our emotional and physical health.
Most people are familiar with the body’s fight or flight stress response which is activated when the body perceives the demands on it exceed its resources, or it feels under threat.
What is the definition of Anxiety?
NHS UK Every Mind Matters (date anon, [online]) defines anxiety in the following way:
“Anxiety is usually a natural response to pressure, feeling afraid or threatened, which can show up in how we feel physically, mentally, and in how we behave. It’s common to describe anxiety as a feeling of dread, fear or unease, which can range from mild to severe.”
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety shares similar symptoms to stress, such as faster heartbeat, irritability, inability to concentrate and make decisions, feeling worried, possible headaches and muscle pain, etc. However, where symptoms of stress may subside once the source of stress has gone, symptoms of anxiety can continue.
When anxiety is severe it can have a huge impact on daily life, for example, affecting appetite, causing avoidance behaviour, prompting negative thoughts and panic attacks.
Fortunately, anxiety disorders can be effectively treated with therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and learned relaxation techniques. There is also support from organisations such as Mind.
Research Relating to Reflexology and Anxiety
The research article I have featured below studies the effect of reflexology on anxiety in nursing students. It concluded that “Six sessions of foot reflexology treatment had a positive effect on anxiety symptoms”. Please do follow the link to find out more.
The effect of reflexology treatment on anxiety in nursing students
Merve Uğuryol, Ayşegül Dönmez
Journal of Psychiatric Nursing 2022;13(1):24-30
References for my blog:
Anxiety UK About Anxiety. Available at: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help/about-anxiety-and-anxiety-disorders/#:~:text=Anxiety%20is%20typically%20described%20as,after%20a%20concern%20has%20passed (Accessed: 19 August 2024).
NHS UK Every Mind Matters Mental health issues, Anxiety. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/anxiety/ (Accessed: 19 August 2024).