Reflexology therapy is a complementary therapy that has been used by some practitioners to treat children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The therapy involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet and hands, which are believed to correspond to specific organs and systems in the body. Practitioners of reflexology believe that this technique can help to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and promote relaxation, which may be beneficial for children with ASD who experience anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms. Some parents and practitioners report that the therapy can be helpful for improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation in children with ASD

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a gentle method for helping bring the body back into balance. It dates back to many ancient cultures. Like the concept of “chi” or “life energy” from acupuncture, the paradigm of reflexology specifies there are 10 zones of energy that run the length of the body which are then subdivided into 5 zones on each foot (or hand). Stimulating any point in one of the zones on the feet by applying pressure with the thumbs and fingers can effect a positive change in the same zone in the body.

Reflexology involves the manual stimulation of “reflex” points on the hands or feet that correspond somatotpically to specific areas and organs of the body. This means all organs, glands and body parts are represented in the foot and are laid out in the same configuration as they are in the body. The areas of the feet where these representations are found are called reflexes. Although the actual mechanism that controls the 10 zones and reflexes is not yet understood, recent brain research provides tantalizing clues. Information from our internal organs is mapped in an area of the brain known as the insula. There are sense receptors on the skin that activate with gentle touch that also travels to the insula. Thus, when we touch someone gently, our touch mixes with the information from our internal organs in the insula. Perhaps this is the neurological mechanism through which reflexology has such a profound healing effect on the body.

The Science of Stress

Reflexology helps the body enter into a deep state of relaxation. Our special needs children often need help to unwind from their stressful days. Everyday life can be challenging for our special needs children. It can be stressful to try to keep up with peers in class, to follow directions, and to write neatly, and to eat foods that don’t feel good in our mouths. Quite often our special needs kids are able to “hold it together” in school and then “lose it” when they are safe at home with mom. We need to help our kids calm down in a gentle way, to help their nervous systems shift into a more calm state. This calm state is when the parasympathetic nervous system is in the lead. We’ve all heard of the “fight or flight” response. When we become frightened or feel threatened our emotions send a message to our bodies that we have to either “fight” the perceived threat or run away from it. Our autonomic nervous system is triggered by our fearful emotions to engage the sympathetic nervous system’s flight/flight response. This state physiologically prepares the body for defensive action: heart and respiration rate increase and as a result, shut down digestion so more oxygen travels to the limbs to prepare for battle or flight.

Scientific Research

Adler, E., Mathews-Smith, G., Hendry, I. (2003). How effective is reflexology when practiced by parents as an adjunct to standard medical treatment in childhood idiopathic constipation? Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Volume 42, Issue 5, p. E55.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology as an adjunct to standard medical treatment for childhood idiopathic constipation when practiced by parents. The study included 52 children with constipation, half of whom received reflexology treatment from their parents in addition to standard medical treatment, while the other half received only standard medical treatment. The results showed that the group that received reflexology treatment had a significantly greater reduction in constipation symptoms than the group that received only standard medical treatment.

Bishop, E., McKinnon, E., Weir, E., Brown, D. (2003). Reflexology and the management of encopresis and chronic constipation. Pediatric Nursing. 15.3.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology in the management of encopresis and chronic constipation. The study included 19 children with encopresis and chronic constipation who received reflexology treatment twice a week for six weeks. The results showed that reflexology treatment led to significant improvements in bowel function, including decreased constipation and increased bowel movements.

Blakeslee, S., Blakeslee, M. (2007). The Body has a Mind of Its Own: How Body Maps in Your Brain Help You Do (Almost) Everything Better. Random House: New York.

This book explores the concept of body maps in the brain and how they relate to sensory perception and motor function. The authors argue that these body maps can be manipulated through techniques such as reflexology, which can help to improve overall well-being and physical performance.

Oleson, T., Flocco, W. (1993). Randomized controlled study of premenstrual symptoms treated with ear, hand, and foot reflexology. Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vol. 82, NO. 6, pp. 906-911.

This study investigated the effectiveness of reflexology in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study included 35 women who were randomly assigned to receive reflexology treatment on either their ear, hand, or foot, or to a control group that received only a foot massage. The results showed that reflexology treatment led to significant reductions in PMS symptoms compared to the control group.

Norman, L. (1998). Feet First: A Guide to Foot Reflexology. Simon & Schuster: New York.

This book provides a guide to foot reflexology, including techniques for mapping the feet and using reflexology to improve overall health and well-being. The book includes descriptions of various reflexology points on the feet and how they relate to different organs and systems in the body, as well as instructions for performing reflexology on oneself or others.