Reflexology for Adrenal Stress

Whilst reflexology does not claim to diagnose, treat or cure a disorder, it is thought that some disorders, such as these, have been shown (through mainly anecdotal evidence due to limited investment in scientific research) to respond well to reflexology.

There are many types of glandular / endocrine disorders, some of which are extremely rare. Adrenal stress is a glandular system disorder and is very common. It is caused when the body overproduces adrenaline, cortisol and other stress hormones in response to a heightened nervous state.

Glandular System – Metabolic

The glandular and nervous systems work intimately together to maintain balance among all the body systems. Together, the glandular and nervous systems regulate actions within the body such as growth, metabolism, digestion, elimination, menstruation and sleep. The glandular system communicates using chemical messengers called hormones which stimulate reactions that may last from a few hours to several days.

Therapeutic effects of reflexology on the glandular system

• Release of muscular tension directly affecting the lumbar and pelvic area.
• Stimulates and balances nerve supply to the pelvic area, improving functioning of reproductive organs.
• Helps balance the functioning of the hypothalamus, which is a bridge between the endocrine / glandular and nervous systems.
• Offers support, especially women through times of transition and change associated with this body system e.g. pregnancy.
• Stimulation of the ANS activates the endocrine / glandular system and a cascade of hormonal responses may result.
• Break down of deposits in the feet and the stimulation of reflexology decongests energy pathways allowing the glandular system to work optimally (as it does for all systems).

What is Adrenal Stress?

Adrenal stress is caused when the body overproduces adrenaline, cortisol and other stress hormones in response to a heightened nervous state.

Constant stress and poor nutrition can weaken the adrenal glands. Eventually, this causes the adrenal glands, the front line in the stress reaction, to show wear and tear and become depleted. This frequently leads to impairment in the thyroid gland, which can cause a further decline in energy level and mood and is one of the reasons why many people have thyroid glands that don’t work well.

When stress continues over prolonged periods of time, the adrenal glands can deplete the body's hormonal and energy reserves, and the glands may either shrink in size or hypertrophy (enlarge). The overproduction of adrenal hormones caused by prolonged stress can weaken the immune system and inhibit the production of white blood cells that protect the body against foreign invaders (in particular lymphocytes and lymph node function).

Adrenal dysfunction can disrupt the body's blood sugar metabolism, causing weakness, fatigue, and a feeling of being run down. It can also interfere with normal sleep rhythms and produce a wakeful, restless sleep state, making a person feel worn out even after a full night's sleep.

 

Common Causes of Adrenal Stress

• Anger
• Fear / Worry /Anxiety
• Depression
• Guilt
• Overwork/ physical or mental strain
• Excessive exercise
• Sleep deprivation
• Light-cycle disruption
• Going to sleep late
• Surgery
• Trauma/injury
• Chronic inflammation
• Chronic infection
• Chronic pain
• Temperature extremes
• Toxic exposure
• Malabsorption
• Maldigestion
• Chronic illness
• Chronic-severe allergies
• Hypogycemia
• Nutritional deficiencies