Brain supporting reflexology (Limbic and Glymphatic)
The aim of brain reflexology techniques is to promote correct/improved brain function. Limbic reflexology focuses upon neurotransmission within the brain, whilst glymphatic reflexology is concerned with how the brain cleans itself. As the image shows, different areas of the brain are important for diverse aspects of our health and wellbeing. Therefore, inclusion of limbic and/or glymphatic reflexology can benefit clients with a wide variety of ailments or conditions. These approaches can help clients brain function, reduce or prevent brain inflammation, regulate hormonal function, assist those with problematic or limited sleep, support clients with neurodegenerative conditions and mobility issues. |
Glymphatic Reflexology - encouraging brain cleansing (A Touchpoint Technique)
This form of reflexology has been developed to aid the brain through stimulating the reflexes on the feet, using a gentle flowing movement. Focusing on:
1. The glymphatic system - a recently discovered system of channels that surround blood vessels which promote removal of fluid containing waste materials from the central nervous system,
2. The 4 ventricles within the brain - these produce, transport and excrete cerebrospinal fluid. This CSF cushions and supports the central nervous system and is essential in brain cleaning,
3. The subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane (SLYM) - identified in January 2023 (research published in journal 'Science') a 4th membrane in the brain in addition to the previously known 3. The SLYM divides the subarachnoid space and actively transports fluid and other substances across the membrane for brain cleaning, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adc8810
4. The main hormone glands - these are affected by the fluid flow within the brain due to their proximity to the ventricles - this includes the thalamus (important for all senses except smell, sleep, consciousness, learning and memory), the pineal gland (role in sleep and dreams), the hypothalamus (vital for homeostasis, managing hormones and autonomic nervous system) and the pituitary (has many vital functions including growth, metabolism and hormonal control),
5. Sleep via the pineal gland and suprachiasmatic nucleus - both are situated near the ventricles. The suprachiasmatic nucleus is a pacemaker for sleep, sleep rhythms and also influences the pineal gland. In addition, studies show that the glymphatic fluid cleaning movement occurs more during deep delta wave sleep, and to get effective brain cleansing in this way we need 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Through encouraging brain 'cleansing' using foot reflexology, the natural functions of the brain can be promoted and stimulated.
This form of reflexology has been developed to aid the brain through stimulating the reflexes on the feet, using a gentle flowing movement. Focusing on:
1. The glymphatic system - a recently discovered system of channels that surround blood vessels which promote removal of fluid containing waste materials from the central nervous system,
2. The 4 ventricles within the brain - these produce, transport and excrete cerebrospinal fluid. This CSF cushions and supports the central nervous system and is essential in brain cleaning,
3. The subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane (SLYM) - identified in January 2023 (research published in journal 'Science') a 4th membrane in the brain in addition to the previously known 3. The SLYM divides the subarachnoid space and actively transports fluid and other substances across the membrane for brain cleaning, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adc8810
4. The main hormone glands - these are affected by the fluid flow within the brain due to their proximity to the ventricles - this includes the thalamus (important for all senses except smell, sleep, consciousness, learning and memory), the pineal gland (role in sleep and dreams), the hypothalamus (vital for homeostasis, managing hormones and autonomic nervous system) and the pituitary (has many vital functions including growth, metabolism and hormonal control),
5. Sleep via the pineal gland and suprachiasmatic nucleus - both are situated near the ventricles. The suprachiasmatic nucleus is a pacemaker for sleep, sleep rhythms and also influences the pineal gland. In addition, studies show that the glymphatic fluid cleaning movement occurs more during deep delta wave sleep, and to get effective brain cleansing in this way we need 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Through encouraging brain 'cleansing' using foot reflexology, the natural functions of the brain can be promoted and stimulated.