Reflexology

Massage and bodywork are alternative procedures, non-invasive at that, which have proved to be highly effective in treating many ills. While massage is something that most people know about, not many are familiar with various types of bodywork. Thus, this article aims to educate you about one such type of bodywork known as Reflexology.

Understanding Reflexology

Reflexology is an alternative therapeutic art and a kind of bodywork that focuses on a person's hands and feet. The fundamental belief of reflexology is that there are certain points on every person's feet and hands, which correspond to all parts of the human body. All your body organs (heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, colon, spleen, gall bladder, tonsils etc) and the different parts of the body (head, neck, shoulder, joints, breasts, hip, waist, eyes, and ears) are reflected in your feet and hands.

The organs which are on the right side of the body are represented on the right foot, whereas those which are on the left side of the body are represented on the left foot. Although reflexology is also done on the hands, the feet are the main focus of this therapy.

In reflexology, pressure is applied to the point on the feet, which corresponds to the specific body part that needs healing. With the increased pressure, these parts get stimulated and there is increased activity and blood flow to these regions. The natural balance of the body is re-established, thus bringing about total healing.

A Brief History of Reflexology

People, when they hear about reflexology are often prompted to ask if it is a new method of healing. It is not.

The history of reflexology can be traced as far back as Ancient Egypt. There are hieroglyphics discovered from the tombs of ancient Egyptians, which contain evidence of a type of healing method very similar to reflexology as we know it in today's times. The art of reflexology has also been practiced in China and India for many centuries.

But modern day reflexology may not have evolved from this ancient therapeutic art. Present day reflexology is an off-shoot of the "zone therapy" which was developed by Dr. William Fitzgerald in 1913.

Dr Fitzgerald developed his zone therapy as a means to alleviate the pain his patients were suffering from. He realized that by applying pressure to certain zones in the body (tongue, palate, pharynx, hands, feet etc); the suffering in other corresponding zones could be reduced. He also noticed that not just the pain and the symptoms of the illness, but the basic cause of the problem could also be treated with his zone therapy.

In 1930, a therapist named Eunice D. Ingham, enthralled by Dr. Fitzgerald's zone therapy, started developing her own foot therapy. In the course of her interaction with patients, she discovered that the reflexes in a person's feet were like a chart of their entire body. Thus, because of her work on foot reflexes, modern day reflexology was born.

Visit to a Reflexologist

Here is what an initial visit to a reflexologist is typically like:

• The practitioner of reflexology will first take you through your past medical history and also your present medical problems. Once they have a complete understanding of your health issues, they will start your reflexology session.
   

• You will be seated comfortably and will have to present your bare feet to the reflexologist. Reflexology works only by applying pressure to your feet with the practitioners hands and does not make use of any instruments or devices, thus being completely safe.
   

• The reflexologist will then start applying pressure to the different reflexes in your feet. When they touch a point that corresponds to the injured spot, you may experience some tenderness and discomfort.
   

• The reflexologist knows by the tension in your feet where he needs to concentrate his massaging actions. Each individual is treated differently as every person has individual health needs.
   

• A session usually lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, after which the patient should feel relaxed and calm.
   

• The reflexologist will tell you how many sessions you need to go through so as to correct whatever it is that ails you.

Some Reflexology Tips

Although reflexology is a very safe art and one does not experience any ill effects after a session; there are certain tips that you should keep in mind regarding a reflexology session. These are:

• Drinking 500cc of lukewarm water after a reflexology session is advisable as it aids the healing process. However, if you have any heart problems or are suffering from any kidney disease, you should restrict your water intake to 150 cc.
   

• Do not start a reflexology session immediately after eating. You should wait for at least one hour after eating before you begin reflexology treatment.
   

• If you suffer from hypertension or epilepsy, you should undergo reflexology only after taking the advice of your doctor.

Therapeutic Uses of Reflexology

Reflexology can cure many ailments ranging from mild to severe. Specifically, reflexology may be beneficial in treating the following conditions:

1) Digestive System Disorders: Reflexology is beneficial in treating indigestion, anorexia, ulcers, flatulence, stomach ache, diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, hernia, and food poisoning.

2) Immune System Problems: Inflammatory disorders, cancerous tumours, allergies, and hay fever.

3) Skin Diseases: Eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dermatitis.

4) Health concerns of the Nervous System: anxiety, epilepsy, migraines, and neck problems.

5) Circulatory System Disorders: Heart diseases, anaemia, low blood circulation, hypertension, and lymphomas.

6) Joint Diseases: These include pain in the hip joints, knee joints, elbow joints, and neck joints.

7) Illnesses of the Respiratory System: Reflexology can be used to treat asthma, sore throats, dry nose problems, and bronchitis.

8) During Pregnancy: See Here

In addition to the above, reflexology has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of other health problems such as sports injuries, infertility, for pain relief, to reduce stress and tension, and also to correct hormonal imbalances.

Thus, apart from treating various health problems, reflexology can be made a part of your lifestyle and can help to bring about improved physical condition and fitness, in much the same manner as daily exercise and healthy nutrition.