Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a method for activating the healing powers of the body. Whilst the art of reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, it wasn’t until 1913 that Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced reflexology to the West. Dr. Fitzgerald referred to it as ‘zone therapy’. He found that reflex areas on the hands and feet are linked to other areas and organs of the body in the same zone. In the 1930’s Eunice Ingham used zone therapy in her work with patients, she found that the feet were the most responsive areas for working the zones because they were extremely sensitive. Ingham then set about mapping the entire body onto the feet and discovered that applying pressure on various points of the feet had therapeutic effects including reduction of pain. This was the birth of reflexology as it is known today.

The benefits of Reflexology.

• Reduces stress and induces relaxation. When stress is not handled well the body’s defences break down and people become more prone to illness and disease. Reflexology helps to reduce stress by promoting deep relaxation for the patient. When manipulating the feet, the Reflexologist will stimulate over 7000 nerves, this encourages the opening of neural pathways, allowing optimal nerve function.
• Improves circulation. Stress and tension tighten the cardiovascular system and impair blood flow to all parts of the body. Reflexology reduces stress and tension, therefore allowing the efficient functioning of the cardiovascular vessels.
• Cleanses the body of toxins and impurities. Toxins and impurities need to be removed by the body, the lymph nodes, the kidneys, the colon and the skin all act as vehicles for this cleansing. Reflexology stimulates these functions, encouraging the body to clean itself efficiently.
• Balances the entire body. Homeostasis is the term used to describe the body’s dynamic state of balance. It is the stage at which all the parts of the body are working together, something that is essential for a healthy body. Reflexology helps to balance the body’s own systems and allows them to work together synergistically.

Reflexology does not claim to diagnose or cure specific medical problems, but it is diagnostic of nervous dysfunction in the body. Therapists believe that reflexology works with energy flows, so that the body’s own healing mechanisms can do their work. People often report feeling healthier after reflexology sessions, and that their symptoms of ill health have been greatly reduced, reflexology however, has merely allowed the body to heal itself. Since reflexology treats the entire body, and not just specific symptoms of ill health, almost everyone can benefit from sessions.

Reflexology has been shown to be effective for:

· Back pain

· Migraines

· Infertility

· Arthritis

· Sleep disorders

· Hormonal imbalances

· Digestive disorders

· Injury recovery

· Stress-related conditions

How does Reflexology work?

Reflexology states that there are ten energy zones that run the length of the body from head to toe. There are five on each side of the body ending in each foot and running down the arms into the fingers. All parts of the body lie along one or more of these zones. Stimulating a zone in the foot affects the entire zone throughout the body. Working the kidney reflex area on the foot will revitalize and balance the entire zone and improve kidney function.

Why the feet?

· The feet are the perfect mini map of the entire body. All of the organs, glands, and body parts represented in the foot are laid out in the same arrangement as in the body. For example; the inside curves of the foot correspond to the natural curves of the spine and the toes represent the head.

· The feet are particularly sensitive, much more so than the hands. This is partly because of the huge numbers of nerve endings in them, but also because the feet are generally kept covered and protected.

· The feet are farthest from the heart, where circulation tends to stagnate. People with poor circulation often have swollen and sore hands and feet. It is good to stimulate and encourage blood flow to the feet.

· Gravity actually pulls toxins downwards. Uric acid and calcium crystals can build up on the feet. The kneading process of reflexology can actually break up these deposits and improve circulation. These newly released toxins are carried away in the blood, temporarily increasing toxicity in the circulatory system. Therefore more water must be consumed to speed up elimination after treatment.

HOW TO FIND THE BEST REFLEXOLOGIST FOR YOU?

Its imperative that you choose a practitioner that has experience in treating patients suffering from your condition.

For example, if you are suffering from a sports related injury then it is appropriate to seek out the help of a practitioner who has extensive knowledge in this area. They may have specialist training or have worked in a clinic treating sports professionals i.e. a back pain clinic, or sports injury centre.

An experienced therapist will never be offended if you ask about their background, client base and qualifications etc.

Choosing a practitioner based on personal recommendation is always a super way to proceed.

But remember….All practitioners, regardless of the therapy involved, are like new suits……sometimes you have to try a few on before you get the perfect fit!