Depression and how Reflexology can help

​Treatment of depression will always depend on the severity and also the personality of the individual concerned but ancient methods of healing such as Reflexology, along with the care and attention given with a treatment, may be a powerful aid to enduring symptoms of depression.

Lisa Elmore looks at the process of Reflexology and how it can be beneficial.

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Depression is an emotional disorder which results in a lowering of the mental and subsequently physical state of the body. It can be a cruel and invisible illness which can go unnoticed and has high occurrence in the Western world. Symptoms of depression include:

• Continuous low mood or sadness,
• Lack of motivation or interest in life.
• Tearfulness
• Low self-esteem.
• Feeling anxious or worried.
• Lack of energy.
• Change in appetite and weight.
• Irregular sleep.
• Loss of interest with hobbies.
• Avoiding friends and social activities.

Antidepressants are often used as treatment and in cases of severe clinical depression are still recommended. With less severe cases, it’s worth bearing in mind that such medication has side effects and if possible alternative methods investigated.
A person suffering depression typically has a shortage of the neurochemical called serotonin (5-HT) which is secreted by the brain cells. Serotonin is sent from one brain nerve cell to another via a synapse and any excess serotonin is reabsorbed by the brain cells by a re-uptake process. Antidepressants prevent this reuptake process enabling more Serotonin to be available for the brain cells so correcting any imbalance.
The disadvantage to this is that Serotonin is found in other parts of the body too such as the intestines and if the reuptake mechanism of Serotonin is stopped, excess Serotonin in other parts of the body can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal disorders and reduced immunity. Antidepressants can also block cell receptors for another neurotransmitter called Dopamine which again has side effects too.

Research has found there is a link between depression and traumas experienced in the past, in particular early childhood. Memories retained in the brain affect us at a cellular level in every part of the body. This is due to the effect of associated emotions in the Limbic brain (also known as the Emotional brain) which exists below the conscious mind’s control.
Our emotions have a very powerful effect on our health and wellbeing. The moment an emotion is felt, the autonomic nervous system (which controls involuntary responses) is activated and a response produced in the body such as increase in blood pressure and speeding up of heart rate with stress. Stress also encourages release of a neuropeptide called Cortisol Release Factor (CRF) which subsequently increases adrenaline release and production of a steroid called Corticosterone.
Depressed people have a high level of Corticosterone as do people who were deprived of maternal nurturing when younger. This stress hormone affects the neuropeptides throughout the body and consequently behaviour and social skills.
On a very positive note, it has been scientifically proven that stress hormones and symptoms of depression can be reduced by hugging and nurturing and the power of touch alone can regulate the natural chemicals in our body to reduce stress and depression.
With the power of touch being so effective, Reflexology can be of enormous benefit due to the experience of touch itself and the holistic nature of the treatment which means the whole body is treated and feels the benefits.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy which works on the feet or hands and takes place in a comfortable reclining chair in a calm treatment room. The therapist will generally wipe the feet then use either powder or cream during the session. The treatment typically lasts for 45mins-1hour and involves massage and stimulation of specific areas of the feet known as the reflex areas to help create balance in the body and encourage the healing process.  Every part of the feet (or hands) corresponds to a specific part of the body and during a treatment, the whole body receives healing. Reflexology is suitable for all ages and clients with depression often report feeling more relaxed and energised afterwards.
With clients suffering depression, specific reflex areas corresponding to parts of the body showing depression linked symptoms can be worked. For example, working on the base of the big toe will help reduce headaches and encourage the pituitary gland to balance any contributing hormones. There are also reflex points for the adrenal glands which can be worked on for optimal benefit and points for the solar plexus region to aid relaxation.
A full treatment may also help to release trapped emotions: When emotions are expressed then released, our energy pathways are flowing freely but when they are repressed (possibly with drugs) the energy pathways become blocked. Blocked emotions are released through touch or healing enabling our energy pathways to flow freely again enhancing a feeling of wellbeing.
Treatment of depression will always depend on the severity and also the personality of the individual concerned but ancient methods of healing such as Reflexology, along with the care and attention given with a treatment, may be a powerful aid to enduring symptoms of depression.
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©Lisa Elmore