The Use of Pillows in Alternative Therapies, Such as Reflexology or Acupressure

Pillows are often overlooked, but they play an important role in our lives – they help us to relax, provide comfort, and can help support our bodies when we need them most. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable pillow for your bedroom or the best travel pillow, there is a product to suit everyone.

But did you know they can be used in alternative therapies to support our health and well-being even further? Alternative therapies work alongside or instead of traditional medicine and are often used as a way of improving aches and pains, as well as illnesses. Some of the most common types of alternative therapy are acupressure, reflexology, and aromatherapy, and they all play different roles when it comes to our well-being. Pillows are used to aid these practices and mean you can reap the benefits that come along with them from the comfort of your own home. Read on to find out more!

Acupressure pillows

This type of alternative therapy is not so different to acupuncture. Acupressure consists of a trained therapist or professional pressing various points to help create a flow of energy – when this is done, it can help relieve issues like chronic aches and pains, as well as digestive issues. Various areas on the body are pressed using fingers or knuckles to help aid various ailments. So, where do pillows come into this? There are products that you can buy that allow you to experience the feeling of acupressure from the comfort of your own home. For example, pillows and mats can be used to relieve back pain, and feature acupressure points that are pressed into your body, to help increase circulation, so you can benefit from a release of endorphins. Blood flow helps to soothe and promote the healing of injuries, whilst also allowing relief of debilitating tension.

Reflexology pillows

This type of therapy, also sometimes known as zone therapy also involves using pressure on the hands, feet, and ears, with a therapist’s fingers, thumbs, and hands. It’s based on the idea that there are reflex zones and points on the hands and feet that are related to every part of the body – which a therapist can work on to help relieve any issues. There are a few benefits that come with trying this alternative therapy, like increased relaxation, enhanced nerve function, and increased circulation. Pillows can also help you with this type of therapy. You can choose pillows that stimulate various reflexology zones around the body – you can use them on your feet to activate blood flow or use them to support and relieve back pain.

Aromatherapy pillows

This type of alternative therapy is based on using essential oils and aromas to help you boost your general well-being and target various issues that you may be suffering from. For example, you can choose oils to add to your pillow that help you to drift off more easily and helps you to relax. You could choose a scent that is known for its ability to help soothe headaches, and anxiety, and even scents that can help ease digestion. The most common scented oils that are used in these alternative therapy pillows are lavender, rose, lemon grass, and peppermint. If you like the sound of adding a sweet-scented, essential oil pillow to your bedroom, make sure you do some research before making your decision for the best results.