The Synergistic Effect of Essential Oils and Reflexology on the Immune System

The benefits of essential oils, therapeutic touch and reflexology are being studied in many areas of the world. And the results are confirming the value of each in the healing arts.

The American Society for Pain Management Nursing conducted a study of 51 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic auto-immune disease) who were randomly assigned to an aromatherapy massage, reflexology, or control group. The researchers found that joint pain and fatigue scores significantly decreased after a treatment in the aromatherapy massage and reflexology groups compared with the control group. The therapeutic healing properties of essential oils and the calming and restorative touch of reflexology complement each other in enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms and healing response.

Cancer research on aromatherapy and reflexology in the Journal of Palliative Medicine concluded that cancer patients who received aromatherapy and then a reflexology treatment with lavender essential oil diluted in jojoba oil suffered less fatigue.

A study by Burns, et al, found that when essential oils (rose, lavender, frankincense) were used on pregnant women, they felt less anxiety and fear, and had a stronger sense of well-being and less need for pain medication during delivery.

In another study, neroli oil helped reduce blood pressure and pre-anxiety in those undergoing a colonoscopy. And a survey of 168 reflexology studies conducted in 21 countries shows that reflexology is 93% effective in a variety of physical and psychological concerns that include relaxation, circulation, pain reduction, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

There are different types of reflexology treatments, but the feet are most receptive to touch due to the 7,000 nerve endings on each foot. A clinical approach to the application of essential oils is that pores on the feet are large and absorb oils easily. The feet are also not sensitive to oils, thus making foot reflexology an excellent methodology for those with sensitive skin.

Christel Haase holds a Ph.D. in Holistic Health and Certification in Reflexology from the International Institute of Reflexology. Christel has been practicing the Ingham Method of Foot Reflexology for over 11 years.

Location: Main Street Massage, 4 Walter E. Foran Blvd., Ste. 404, Flemington. To make an appointment or for more information, contact Christel at 908-806-0266 or [email protected].