Using Reflexology To Treat Depression

Although Depression is a mental illness it's effects can show in a variety of ways throughout your whole body, this could include stomach problems, headaches, and unexplained aches and pains, the list is endless. Often more disturbing to the person suffering from this illness though is the effect it has on their mental wellbeing. Depression will often alter the way a person thinks about them self, causing them to feel worthless, it will also affect their mood and their reaction to certain situations. All these symptoms can be hard to deal with, so seeking professional help is essential. Your doctor may recommend medication or counselling to help you deal with your depression, and if you feel these are suitable for you then give them a go. What your doctor won't often tell you though is that alternative therapies have also been shown to help depression sufferers.

Reflexology is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine belief that stimulating certain points on the foot can have an effect on the organs or other areas within the body. This is believed to be due to the fact that blockages can occur within the bodys systems, and by using reflexology these blockages can be broken down, ensuring the energy flow within the body is supporting all of the required functions.

When treating depression a reflexologist would focus on certain points within the foot, in particular the pituitary, thymus, pineal, thyroid and parathyroid glands. These areas are known to regulate our emotions and our mental well being, so will often not be functioning properly in someone with depression. These area's will be massaged deeply to break down the lactic acid build up and restore the proper function of the glands.

Whilst the therapist may focus mainly on these areas to help alleviate the mental symptoms of depression it is important that they carry out a full reflexology treatment as the physical symptoms will also need treating.

Your reflexologist will examine your feet, looking at their colour, appearance and condition to see if there is any underlying cause for your depression, they will then treat the areas they feel need attention.

Reflexology is generally a relaxing treatment, however different sensations can be felt when receiving a treatment, and if strong pressure is needed then it can be slightly uncomfortable, however if you are finding it too painful then tell your therapist, and they can adjust the pressure they use to suit you.

It is unlikely that reflexology alone will cure your depression, but it may help alleviate some of your symptoms, so is worth trying. You can also use reflexology at home as a self help method if you feel this would be suitable for you, as it can help you in times of distress.