Peak physical, mental and emotional condition is an important part of being an athlete.  Whether you are a professional athlete or just want to be at the top of your game, regular reflexology can help you get to your peak.

• Reflexology promotes deep relaxation, which may help to improve sleep and ease tension leading up to a sporting event. Stress and tension tightens the cardiovascular system and restricts blood flow, causing it to become sluggish. This results in the tissues becoming oxygen-deprived; the energy in the body becomes depleted, making all body systems suffer. Reflexology can keep the body’s circulation flowing smoothly, which rejuvenates tired tissues. For highly competitive sports it is best to have reflexology two or three days before an event and the day after to help with recovery.
• Improves Heart, lung and organ functioning. This occurs primarily due to the increase in blood flow to these areas whist the nervous system is in a relaxed state.  Research studies have shown the increase in blood flow to the corresponding organs related to the reflex areas that are stimulated.
• Removes Lactic Acid from legs 4X faster than a regular massage. Research studies from Monash University Australia, has shown that foot reflexology can help remove lactic acid four times as quickly from the legs as a regular massage.
• Improves Digestion and Absorption of nutrients. There is a vast amount of research that’s out there now showing reflexology can profoundly affect the parasympathetic nervous system and has the greatest potential to reduce stress. When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated it stimulates digestive function. When the digestive system has better blood flow and the body is relaxed it positively affects the assimilation of nutrients. Better nutrient absorption will improve physical and mental health, leading to better sporting performance.
• Improves Immune Function. It is essential for the athlete or serious sports player to not become ill during games, training or racing. Often the sympathetic nervous system is switched on or in ‘fight or flight’ mode whilst in competition. This is beneficial to achieve a short term boost, however in the rest period, if not ‘’switched off’’, can have a negative effect on immune functioning and digestion. Reflexology triggers a relaxation response which activates the parasympathetic nervous system (which is the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system activation during competition). This allows for better immune function.

It is very important for the serious sports athlete to keep their autonomic nervous system functioning in a balanced way.  If there is too much stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, (which is triggered by a stress response and often competition) and not enough stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, the body will not be able to function at its peak, due to decreased digestive health and immune function as well as restriction of blood to vital organs.  Research has shown Reflexology to very effective in activating the parasympathetic nervous system and thus improving overall health and performance capabilities.

By Emily Reid  (Dip. Reflexology, Massage Therapist, Fitness Leader)

Reflexology research may be viewed through the following links:

http://www.reflexology-research.com

http://www.reflexologyresearch.net

Reflexology Research – Reflexology Association of America