Reflexotherapy

One theory is that reflexology is interacting with the central nervous system.      

This hypothesis is based on work performed in the 1890s by Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington. They began to demonstrate through eir studies that a neural connection occurs between the skin and the internal organs and that the entire nervous system adapts to the stimulus.      

The hypothesis is that the reflexologist's application of pressure to the feet, hands, or ears sends a soothing massage from the peripheral nerves in these extremities to the central nervous system, which in turn triggers the body to change the level of tension.     

This promotes overall health, takes the internal organs and their functions to an optimal state of operation, and increases the blood flow (which provides more oxygen and nutrients to the cells and enhances the elimination of waste).  It has a beneficial effect on circulatory, digestive,  endocrine, immune, and neuropeptide processes in the body.     

Another hypothesis that can also clarify how reflexology might provide pain relief is  the hypothesis of gate control or, more recently, the theory of pain neuromatrix.  

This theory indicates that pain is  a subjective sensation of the brain.  The brain does so in response to the subjective perception of pain. Still, it may also operate independently of the sensory feedback and cause pain in response to emotional or cognitive factors.  So things that affect your brain, such as your mood or external factors such as stress, can also influence your perception of pain.  

Based on this theory, reflexology can relieve pain by reducing stress and enhancing disposition.  Another hypothesis is that there is  "vital energy" in the human body.  When tension is not treated, it leads to energy accumulation,  which, in effect, creates bodily inefficiencies that can lead to illness.  Due to this theory, reflexology helps to keep the energy f wing.