Reflexology is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet. The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are “reflex” areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For example:
* The tips of the toes reflect the head
* The heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
* The liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot low back and intestines are towards the heel
He believed that certain areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body. This concept was furthered by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham into the modern practice of reflexology.
Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways.
Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of “zone therapy” in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930′s into what is now knows as reflexology.
A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress.
Most people find reflexology for the most part to be very relaxing.
Reflexology shouldn’t be painful. If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the reflexologist. He or she should work within your comfort zone.
Some areas may be tender or sore, and the reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.
If you’re ticklish, not to worry. The reflexologist applies firm pressure to the feet.
- Stress and stress-related conditions
- Tension headaches
- Digestive disorders
- Arthritis
- Insomnia
- Hormonal imbalances
- Sports injuries
- Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Digestive problems, such as constipation
- Back pain
Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.
Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.
Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.
A typical treatment is 45 minutes to 60 minutes long and begins with a consultation about your health and lifestyle.
You are then asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit comfortably in a reclining chair or on a massage table. Otherwise you remain fully clothed. The reflexologist will assess the feet and then stimulates various points to identify areas of tenderness or tension.
The reflexologist then uses brisk movements to warm the feet up. Then pressure is applied from the toes to the heel according to your comfort.
Lotion or oil may be used.
Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. They may even feel sleepy.
Occasionally, people feel nauseous, anxious, or tearful, but this is only temporary and is considered to be part of the healing process.
If you’re pregnant, talk with your doctor first and let the reflexologist know.
Be sure to give the reflexologist a complete and accurate health history.
If you have foot ulcers, injury, or blood vessel disease such as blood clots, consult your doctor before having reflexology.
Filed under: Health • Holistic / Natural Medicine
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Technical University of Berlin,Test Report No. B-99-062-MG on ‘Easing of pressure by the static anti-bedsore..South African Medical Journal (1995) ‘A lumbar body support (KBS 2000) alters lumbar muscle recruitment patterns in patients with acute-upon-chronic lower back pain’,Certificate from BACK CARE, UK (2005)Masters degree thesis (1998) ‘Physiological evaluation of sleep surfaces in healthy volunteers and patients with….Paper presented at the American Cardiac Society, Cape Town,…..
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Ogygoptynx is right: It’s moronic to kill beautiful, rare animals into extinction for recipes that don’t even work! Any kind of alternative medicine, including for China, works much better when it’s based on plant extracts ONLY! Phytotherapy/ Get with it! And stop killing endangered animals for their parts. So senseless!
Just one other point. Re your point: “I have little problem with conventional doctors practising CAM therapies, simply because I think they have the training to see where “real” medicine is needed, where the CAM approaches might be beneficial, and where CAM’s limits lie. For instance, people with chronic pain may well benefit from acupuncture – indeed my wife has sent a bunch of patients in that direction.” I would just like you to know that it was a feature of both my training and my practice to stress that the primary care person is always the GP – for the reasons mentioned above. We did not – as you rightly point out – receive the extensive training that GPs have, and are not in the business of providing primary care, any more than nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc. And, in any case, it would be rare for people to [...]