This is a fascinating article from The Guardian which talks about the fact that we are not generally treated holistically when we seek help for ailments such as chronic pain or depression. It outlines how considering the whole person and everything that is going on in their lives or has happened to them in the past, we would be better suited to treat these things. In other words, considering how the mind influences the body.
I am interested from a reflexology point of view as we always consider the whole picture when we treat a client and this article reiterates the benefits of doing this. It is also interesting that research has shown that by providing a small window of positivity, this can allow the feeling to grow instead of perpetuating negative thoughts or behaviours preventing a downward spiral. Medication is given as an example (anti-depressants) but equally, reflexology can improve mood therefore may have a positive effect too.
I hope you find it as interesting as I did.
NB: Reflexology, or any holistic complementary therapy should be used in conjunction with rather than instead of conventional medicine.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jan/26/the-mindbody-revolution-how-the-division-between-mental-and-physical-illness-fails-us-all