What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a science
that deals with the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands that
correspond to all the glands, organs and parts of the body. Through proper
stimulation of these reflexes, the body's natural healing processes are
enhanced.
What Does Reflexology Do?
Reflexology treatments help to relieve tension and stress,
improve blood and nerve supply, and encourage the unblocking of energy
pathways.
When we relax, stress hormones decrease, immunity improves, blood pressure normalizes, oxygen levels increase, digestion improves, sleep improves and we are left with a general sense of well-being . With this improved environment the body is better able to maintain or move toward wellness and good health.
A
Brief History of Reflexology
The practice is ancient, and can be traced back to 2300 B.C., based on
hieroglyphics found in the physician's tomb at Saqqara Egypt.
Dr. William H. Fitzgerald developed a technique in the early 1900's known as
"zone therapy." He discovered that the application of pressure on the zones not
only relieved pain but, in the majority of cases, also relieved the underlying
cause as well. The same result is experienced through Reflexology today, which
is based partially on the Zone Theory.
Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist in the 1930's, went on develop detailed maps
of the feet that show the relationship between the reflex areas and other body
parts. Diagrams based on her work are still in use by reflexologists.
In a few
countries, reflexology has been recognized by the national government and
either has already been integrated into the national health care system, or is
in the process of being integrated. These countries are China, Denmark
and, most recently, the United
Kingdom. As a consequence, reflexology is
used in these countries alongside Allopathic Medicine, and in China it is
used together with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
What you can expect in a Reflexology
session?
You will sit comfortably in a specially designed chair, or on a comfortable
massage table. After you remove your
shoes and socks, you will lie back and relax. With soft music and lighting this is
your special time to let go of stress.
Each
session addresses all of the reflex areas, so the entire body is treated
through the feet.
Some
areas of the feet may experience tenderness, which is usually worked out by the
end of a session. Traditionally these areas are worked repeatedly until the tenderness abates. Using Polarity, the areas can be cleared with good result and without discomfort.
A reflexology session lasts about
45 minutes to 1 hour. If time is limited, much can be accomplished in 30 minutes.
