It’s important to note that although reflexology has been practiced in many countries for thousands of years, there is little scientific evidence available to prove its effectiveness. Considering reflexology may be beneficial in helping you relax and reduce stress, it’s no surprise that some say it may help promote a more restful night’s sleep.

Barnwell notes that after a reflexology session, most people experience a sense of well-being and relaxation. However, side effects can occur. These include: If you often suffer from stress, high blood pressure and tired aching muscles then some soothing reflexology could be just what you need. With the 66fit Walk Stone Mat you can get all the benefits of a reflexology treatment in the comfort of your own home.It is unknown whether foot reflexology is beneficial for diabetes, but this is an ongoing area of research.

Vagharseyyedin, S. A., et al. (2019). The impact of self-administered acupressure on sleep quality and fatigue among patients with migraine: A randomized controlled trial. Perhaps related to its effects on stress and relaxation, foot reflexology may also help with managing both acute and chronic pain. Generally, experts recommend you use the mat for just 10 to 20 minutes at a time to elicit a therapeutic benefit. However, if you have problems with your feet, such as neuropathy, or if you have an open cuts or blisters, the experts recommend you skip using the mat.Kern C, et al. (2018). The benefits of reflexology for the chronic pain patient in a military pain clinic. Acupressure mats work to prevent imbalances, enhance circulation, and help reduce the likelihood of stiff and sore muscles from overuse,” says Gudrun Snyder, acupuncturist and founder of Moon Rabbit Acupuncture. There is still limited research on the benefits of acupressure, but some experts say that it may relieve pain and help release endorphins, promoting faster recovery and relaxation.

To avoid any potential chemical sensitivities or odors, some brands focus on eco-friendly materials, which may increase the cost of the mat. Relaxation is probably the biggest benefit [of foot reflexology],” says Martinez. “Reflexology helps by increasing blood flow through the body, which helps to decrease stress and anxiety and lower blood pressure. When you feel less stress and less anxious, it’s easy to feel relaxed.” The more spikes on a mat, the easier it is to adjust to the treatment and the more pressure points you’ll hit. Most quality mats have anywhere from 6,000 to more than 8,000 spikes. Using an acupressure mat for approximately 20 minutes is generally believed to be sufficient. You may have to build up to this or wear clothing in the beginning. It’s a good idea to follow guidance from the manufacturer and your doctor. Who shouldn’t use an acupressure mat?A 2011 study in Iran involving 72 students found that acupressure helped reduce menstruation-related pain. The researchers also observed that ibuprofen use decreased in those using acupressure to treat period pain and other menstrual symptoms. If you try reflexology for stress management or relaxation, consider having multiple sessions. According to the 2015 study, one session may interrupt the stress response, but multiple sessions are recommended for optimal benefits. Pain management Size: Acupressure mats come in a variety of sizes and shapes. You’ll want to find one that’s a good fit for your body length or the part of your body you want to target. In 2019,researcherslooked at anxiety during pregnancy. First-time moms with moderate to severe anxiety were divided into groups. The moms in the reflexology group had much less anxiety than the control group. Materials: Acupressure mats are made from a range of highly synthetic and eco-friendly materials. The materials used to make the mat are usually one of the biggest factors in the price. You’ll want to look for a mat within your budget made of durable materials you’re comfortable using.

In addition, the action of the cobblestones on your feet can help to improve balance, improve bowel function and strengthen the body’s immune system. Other studies use reflexology for pain.A 2019 study in European Journal of Oncology Nursinglooked at reflexology for lymphoma patients. The foot reflexology group had less fatigue, less pain, and better sleep. Foot Reflexology for Kids Zheng, L.-W., et al. (2014). Effect of acupressure on sleep quality of middle-aged and elderly patients with hypertension. Foot reflexology may help reduce pain after an operation. A 2020 study found that foot reflexology significantly reduced pain after kidney transplantation surgery, compared with a control group.

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A 2014 reportin Complementary Therapies and Clinical Practice found reflexology has a big impact on pain. According to 68% of respondents, reflexology worked just as well if not better than conventional physiotherapy. 95% of patients were more relaxed and 86% had less pain, including chronic pain. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. McCullough JEM, et al. (2014). The physiological and biochemical outcomes associated with a reflexology treatment: A systematic review.