14/10/2026
How can Reflexology help with Anxiety and Stress
How does stress and anxiety affect the body?
When we feel stressed or anxious, the sympathetic nervous system is activated and puts the body into fight, flight, freeze mode. This is a normal protective response to threat.
Once a threat is identified, the adrenal glands secrete adrenaline and cortisol into the blood. These hormones give us everything we need to run away or fight.
Cortisol metabolises sugar into glucose to be efficiently used by muscles; whilst adrenaline increases alertness and increases the heart rate to pump blood around the body faster to deliver glucose to the muscles.
However, modern day threats rarely require us to run away or fight for survival.
The Effect of Stress and Anxiety on Physical Health
Because there is no need to run away or fight, the stress hormones are not properly utilised and stay in the body.
Over time, adrenaline and cortisol build up in the body. This can lead to health implications, such as:
High blood pressure
Impaired immune system function
Digestive issues
Heart problems
Weight gain.
How does Reflexology Reduce Stress and Anxiety?
Reflexology relieves stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. You may have heard this called “rest and digest”.
Once the body knows that it no longer needs to be on high alert, it begins to relax.
Wonderful things happen during relaxation:
The digestive system functions better
Muscles begin to relax.
Heart rate decreases.
Blood pressure comes down.
The body processes and removes toxins.
The body repairs itself.
Another powerful way Reflexology and massage relieve stress comes from the physical touch. Skin to skin contact from Reflexology and massage releases the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates the release of additional stress relieving endorphins dopamine and serotonin.
These feel-good hormones released in the brain provide pain relief, reduce anxiety and stress, and reduce levels of cortisol in the body. Endorphins help us to feel calm, positive and safe.
Conclusion
Reflexology is a holistic practice that provides an opportunity to relax and reduce stress levels. It is a safe, non-invasive, and natural way to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.
If you are looking for a natural and safe way to reduce your stress levels, reflexology may be a good choice for you, please do message me for more information or to book an appointment.
