Reflexology and Pain

Reflexology may be used in conjunction with other alternative therapies. It takes into account the whole person and helps activate each subject's natural healing processes as well as restoring their physical and emotional well-being.

Another theory that may also explain how reflexology can produce pain relief is the gate control theory, or, more recently, the neuromatrix theory of pain - an extension of the gate control theory.

This theory suggests that pain is a subjective experience created by your brain in response to multiple sensory inputs, along with mental and emotional stress. We each have our own distinct neuromatrix that is a combination of our own genetic tendencies coupled with our senses and the memory and/or thinking around our pain. The neuromatrix determines how pain is experienced. This is evident with "phantom limb" cases where a missing limb in a person can still experience pain. Working the phantom limb in reflexology can affect a persons experience of that pain. Even though the limb no longer exists, the energetic imprint of that limb is still there.

Reflexology floods the nerves and senses with inputs thereby shutting down the pain receptors improving the subjects experience of pain.