Brain supporting reflexology (Limbic and Glymphatic)
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The aim of brain reflexology techniques is to promote correct/improved brain function. Limbic reflexology focuses on neurotransmission within the brain. The limbic system is responsible for processing and regulating emotion, memory, sexual drive, learning, behaviour, motivation, and our sense of smell. I have undergone specialist training in this approach devised by Hamish Edgar. "It is based on sound medical science, and finds its rationale, and is informed by, up-to-date research in neuroscience with the efficacy of the treatments being evidenced by the use of widely accepted outcome measures" (1). Neuroscience research is used to plan clients treatments.
The glymphatic reflexology is concerned with how the brain cleans itself and was devised by Touchpoint, Denmark (2). 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 support clients who suffer with a wide variety of ailments or conditions. |
Glymphatic Reflexology - encouraging brain cleansing (A Touchpoint Technique, 2)
This form of reflexology has been developed by Touchpoint to support the brains' natural cleansing through stimulating the reflexes on the feet, using a gentle flowing movement (2). 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.
1. Limbic Reflexology https://limbicreflexology.com/about-limbic-reflexology/
2. The Dishwasher in your brain. Touchpoint Denmark. https://int.touchpoint.dk/tptv.asp?play=198
This form of reflexology has been developed by Touchpoint to support the brains' natural cleansing through stimulating the reflexes on the feet, using a gentle flowing movement (2). 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.
1. Limbic Reflexology https://limbicreflexology.com/about-limbic-reflexology/
2. The Dishwasher in your brain. Touchpoint Denmark. https://int.touchpoint.dk/tptv.asp?play=198
