01/02/2026
Reflexology and Pain Management
Not only is pain connected by physical factors, it can also be triggered by the nervous system, for example stress levels and fatigue .When the body is under long term stress, the nervous system can remain in a heightened state, which may increase muscle tension and amplify the body’s perception of pain.
According to Gajendran, D, (2012) Reflexology is an ancient therapy dating back to 5000 years ago in Africa, India and China, used for healing our body without medicines.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works by encouraging deep relaxation through soothing the nervous system. Reflexology can also assist in easing muscle tension and supports the body’s natural pain-modulation processes.
Reflexology also supports circulation, helping to improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues while helping with the removal of metabolic waste products, which can be beneficial for areas of ongoing tension or discomfort.
Reflexology does not diagnose or treat medical conditions, however it may be used alongside conventional medical care, when worked alongside with a general practitioner/ health care provider, as part of a holistic approach to pain management.
Reference
Reflexology for Pain Relief . Woods, V. (2024) cited in
Reflexology for Pain Relief - Victoria Woods Reflexology Accessed( 30.01.2026)
History of Reflexology. Gajendran, D, (2012) Origins, Evolution and Key Figures. Cited in
History of Reflexology: Origins, Evolution and Key Figures Accessed ( 30.01.2026