How Reflexology Improves Oxygen Saturation

I’ve mentioned previously that one of the benefits of reflexology is that it improves oxygen saturation levels. What exactly does this mean, and what is the importance of good oxygen saturation levels?

Your blood oxygen level is a measure of how much oxygen your red blood cells are carrying throughout your body. This measurement of blood oxygen is called your oxygen saturation level.

If oxygen saturation levels are too low, one may experience the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Confusion

• Headaches

• Rapid heart beat

Some of the conditions that cause low oxygen saturation levels are:

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome

• Asthma

• Collapsed lung

• Anemia

• Congenital heart defects

• Heart disease

• Pulmonary embolism

The above conditions prevent the lungs from inhaling enough air (oxygen), and exhaling carbon dioxide. Blood disorders and problems with circulation may prevent blood from picking up enough oxygen and transporting it throughout the body.

Reflexology is able to improve circulation, and thus oxygen saturation levels, because as the muscles relax, blood vessels relax allowing more blood to flow. If more blood is flowing, more oxygen is carried to the trillions of cells in the body. In addition, the diaphragm (which is also a muscle) is relaxed, allowing the lungs to expand and take in more oxygen.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, considering adding reflexology as part of your treatment plan, and relax into a better breath !