Reflexology and Constipation: A Surprisingly Effective Approach

If you’d tried everything for constipation without results, the latest information on reflexology may be just what you need.

Reflexology is a method of treating various health conditions by applying gentle pressure to specific areas or points on the feet.

The premise of reflexology is that the feet are a “map” to the condition of the rest of the body, and that soothing or stimulating the feet can soothe or stimulate other areas of the body. Some reflexologists also apply pressure to the hands or ears.

There’s only been one study of the reflexology and constipation in the medical literature, but its results were positive.

The method is simple: To improve utilize the connection between reflexology and symptoms, just rub the middle of the soles of both feet. Rubbing the inner side of the soles of your feet is believed to help the passage of stool from the small intestine to the large intestine and outward.

A helpful interactive map can be found at http://www.reflexology-research.com/ One word of caution: Don’t use reflexology or any other form of pressure on the feet if you have open wounds, varicose veins, swollen ankles, broken bones in your feet, or poor circulation to your legs or feet.

And in addition to reflexology, you can use acupressure.

The nerves that serve the small intestine, large intestine, and rectum branch out of the base of the spine. When you sit on the toilet, you can reach to your back, above your buttocks, and apply gentle pressure.

You need to apply pressure for at least 15 seconds to have any effect, but you don’t need to apply pressure for longer than a minute. Stimulating these acupoints will assist evacuation of the bowel.

Also read our article about Functional Constipation