Reflexology for Children and Teenagers by Kim Bidmead

How reflexology is beneficial for Children and Teenagers for their physical, emotional and mental well-being.

These days children and teenagers are now under more pressure than ever to perform well and achieve. This places their physical, mental and emotional health under constant duress. Not only this, the ever-increasing (but not always truly known or understood) peer pressures perpetuated and propagated by social media are – rightly or wrongly – a reality that simply adds to anxieties that today’s youngsters suffer all too often. With exam season currently weighing heavily upon them, this time of year is especially difficult.  

With such pressure on them, it is essential that they are able to find ways to either release stress or reduce anxieties. Reflexology has been extensively studied as an aid and treatment for the purpose of reducing stress and anxiety, for both children and adults alike. It’s the perfect antidote to stress and can help improve cognitive function.  

Like most adults, children and teenagers enjoy reflexology and react positively to the many benefits it can bring. It calms and relaxes them; helps amplify joy and happiness; calms fears and bewilderment; all of which are emotions that are part of growing up.

Unlike conventional medicines, which mostly cause the body to become weak to defend and heal itself, reflexology can help the body to heal, making it strong and resistant to infections and diseases and therefore being less dependent on medication.

Reflexology can also be an effective sleep aid and can combat insomnia. It can also help improve concentration at school or college and therefore be a positive influence on childrens’ schooling. It has been shown to balance the organs and body systems and reinforce the body’s defences by boosting the immune system. Furthermore, it can help reduce headaches and migraines.

But just as importantly, a reflexology treatment allows that little quiet space and time just for them, where they can completely switch off, or talk, or a bit of both!  They only need to take off their shoes!

This is Ella (age 10), who received reflexology sessions to help with her concentration at school and anxiety. On her first session, Ella felt a little nervous but soon began to relax while her feet were being massaged. By the end of the first session Ella was in a state of calm, with glazed eyes!  By applying controlled pressure to specific points and areas, on the feet, more than 7,000 nerve endings on her reflex points were being stimulated. Each reflex point on the foot corresponds to a particular organ, system or structure in the body. The aim of reflexology is to restore, balance and maintain a healthy body and mind.

Ella’s mother stated that after receiving the reflexology sessions, Ella’s demeanour and behaviour was definitely calmer and she appeared to be happier and of a more cheerful disposition.