How Revs® Help SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is not just “feeling a bit low in winter” — it’s a biological mood and energy disorder driven by changes in light, hormones, sleep rhythms, and nervous-system regulation. Reflexology happens to hit all of those systems at once, which is why many people feel noticeably better in winter when they wear Revs® reflexology shoes or have reflexology sessions regularly.

Here’s how Revs® and Reflexology helps:

1. It resets the serotonin–melatonin cycle

In winter, low daylight causes:

Serotonin to drop (mood, motivation)
Melatonin to rise (sleepiness, heaviness)

That’s why SAD makes you feel tired, flat, foggy and unmotivated.

Reflexology stimulates the hypothalamus and pineal gland via nerve pathways in the feet, which:

Raises serotonin
Normalises melatonin
Improves circadian rhythm

This helps your brain stop thinking it’s permanently “night time”.

2. It activates the vagus nerve (your mood switch)

People with SAD often have a suppressed parasympathetic nervous system and an overactive stress response.

Reflexology:

Activates the vagus nerve
Lowers cortisol
Improves emotional regulation

This reduces:

Anxiety
Emotional numbness
Overwhelm

and brings back a sense of inner stability, not just “calm”.

3. It boosts dopamine & motivation

Reflex points linked to - Adrenal glands, Pituitary Gland and the Brain increase dopamine release when stimulated.

4. It improves sleep quality

SAD is strongly linked to fragmented, unrefreshing sleep. Reflexology increases:

Deep sleep
REM sleep
Night-time body temperature drop

Better sleep → better emotional processing → less depression.

5. It warms the body & improves circulation

Winter SAD is partly a cold-body syndrome:

Slower circulation
Cold hands/feet
Low metabolic rate

Reflexology increases blood flow and thyroid-adrenal signalling, helping your body feel warmer and more alive, which directly improves mood.

Why Revs® shoes help SAD all day long

By wearing Revs® you are getting the benefits of the reflexology massage and stimulation on your feet at any time of any day. You have the gift of this therapy whenever you want, you can wear them all day every day if you feel the need. This way you will get:

Constant vagus nerve stimulation
Dopamine & serotonin nudges
Circulation support
Posture & movement activation

Reflexology is part of a holistic approach to treating SAD. Add in light therapy and vitamin D. Working on your nervous system and hormone rhythm is key to improving your symptoms.

Alongside wearing Revs®, if you have time, you can also add in a 3-minute reflexology routine we have specifically designed for Seasonal Affective Disorder — it targets the three things winter disrupts most: light perception, mood chemistry, and energy.

1. Brain & light-response zone

(This helps your brain stop thinking it’s always night-time)

Where:
The tips of all your toes

How:

Gently squeeze and roll each toe
5–10 seconds per toe
Do both feet

This stimulates the hypothalamus and pineal gland, helping regulate melatonin and serotonin.

2. Pituitary gland (mood & hormone control)

This is your master gland, the master mood switch.

Where:
Centre of the big toe pad

How:

Press and hold
10 seconds
Release
Repeat 3 times on each foot

This helps rebalance dopamine, serotonin and cortisol.

3. Solar plexus (anxiety + emotional heaviness)

Where:
Middle of the foot, just below the ball (small dip)

How:

Press firmly
Breathe slowly
Hold 10 seconds
Repeat 3 times per foot

This switches on the vagus nerve and reduces winter stress and numbness.

4. Adrenal glands (motivation & energy)

Where:
Inside edge of foot, just below the ball under the big toe

How:

Massage in small circles
30 seconds each foot

This brings back drive and alertness.

5. Kidney point (deep winter fatigue)

Where:
Centre of the sole, just above the arch

How:

Press and rub for 30 seconds each foot

This supports your energy reserves.

SAD can be hugely debilitating for some people, if all it takes is to wear a pair of Revs® then we suggest giving them a go! During winter, wear Revs® as slippers or buy the insoles which are also great for wearing in your work or every day shoe so you can get the benefits all year round.

Posted on February 06, 2026