Stress, anxiety, burnout

​​

The stress response is also known as the “fight, flight, or freeze” reaction.
When the brain perceives danger, it triggers a series of immediate physiological responses to help the body react: release of adrenaline, muscle tension, accelerated heartbeat and breathing, increased blood pressure, slowed digestion, perspiration, hypervigilance, and negative thoughts — often focused on the worst possible outcome.

These survival mechanisms are useful in the short term, but when they persist, they drain both body and mind. Over time, sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, irritability, or even burnout can appear, as the body and mind struggle to recover.

​

Slow down, breathe, recenter.

​

The simple act of touching and massaging the feet already provides an immediate sense of relaxation and support. This activates the natural “rest and digest” response, signaling to the body that it is in a safe space, ready to recover. Endorphins — the body’s natural feel-good hormones — are released; digestion and elimination regain their rhythm, and the nervous system comes back into balance.

In reflexology, the foot map refers to specific zones linked to the parasympathetic nervous system — responsible for rest, digestion, and healing. The brain, for example, corresponds to the big toe, an essential center for hormonal regulation. The diaphragm, which encourages calm breathing, is located just above the arch of the foot, near the zones connected to the digestive system.

​

It’s important to remember that many emotional and physical symptoms are connected to stress. Reflexology offers gentle, valuable support to ease tension, restore nervous balance, and prevent the effects of exhaustion and overwhelm.