Reflexology and Cardiovascular Health
Benefits of This Modality on Cardiac and Circulatory Wellness
Jun 11, 2009
Reflexology is a modality that applies calculated and specific pressure techniques to reflex maps found on the feet, hands and ears. It is a complementary medicine modality, which means that it works alongside allopathic care.
Heart health from a Reflexology standpoint doesn’t begin and end with the heart. In fact a Reflexologist will take into account a multitude of reflex areas that represent organs for the kidneys, the liver and more. Reflexologists don’t treat for a specific illness but the view the whole body as part of the healing process and work reflexes that correspond to every organ, gland and part.
What is Heart Health?
The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart, arteries, veins, arterioles, venules and capillaries. Its purpose is to carry nutrients and oxygen to the muscles and organs of the body through the blood. This continual circulation means the heart is pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood every day.
Conditions that affect the heart and circulatory systems include, but are not limited to:
- Arrhythmia – a disorder that causes irregular beating of the heart.
- Congenital Heart Disease – conditions that the person is born with such as a defect.
- Heart Attack – a condition that occurs when blood flow to the heart is cut off or severely reduced, resulting in permanent damage to part of the heart muscle.
- High Blood Pressure – often the cause is unknown but this condition can be deadly if not treated or controlled.
- High Cholesterol – too much build up of cholesterol can lead to coronary heart disease and eventually a blockage resulting in an attack.
- Metabolic Syndrome – a combination of ‘risk factors’ that can lead to heart disease including belly fat, hypertension, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol levels.
Reflexology and Hypertension
High blood pressure can be a serious health threat for the heart but in many cases the actual cause is unknown. Hypertension is a ‘major risk factor’ for stroke, heart attack, heart and kidney failure according to the American Heart Association.
A Reflexologist would emphasize the circulatory system’s reflexes for a client presenting with high blood pressure. This would include:
- Heart Reflex – this is the organ that pumps the blood throughout the body.
- Kidney Reflexes – the kidneys filter the blood at the rate of about 200 quarts every 24 hours and are part of the vital organs of the body.
- Diaphragm and chest – these reflexes would be worked to encourage relaxation in the chest cavity and to promote deeper breathing.
- Spinal Reflexes – located on the inner edges of the feet, the spine reflexes would be stimulated to promote communication through the nervous system.
Reflexology in a Heart Emergency
Obviously Reflexology is not the solution to a heart attack, nor would it be the only treatment available, but it may be helpful to apply Reflexology techniques in an emergency situation. Barbara and Kevin Kunz report several anecdotal cases of using Reflexology in an emergency setting in their article First Aid Reflexology, with some helpful tips for the layperson.
References:
- Cardiovascular System: Structure & Function, American Medical Women’s Association, amwa-doc.org, accessed online June 2009.
- How Your Kidneys Work, National Kidney Foundation, kidney.org, accessed online June 2009.
- What is a Heart Attack?, American Heart Assocation, americanheart.org, accessed online June 2009.
- What Causes High Blood Pressure?, American Heart Assocation, americanheart.org, accessed online June 2009.
- Heart Health Center, WebMD.com, accessed online June 2009.
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