Therapies
Reflexology
What
is Reflexology?
Reflexology
(sometimes called zone therapy) is a therapy in which the nerve endings
primarily in the feet are stimulated by specific massage techniques to
effect changes in another part of the body and thereby create health and
help overcome disease.
Although there is scriptural
evidence to suggest that reflexology was being practised as far back as
ancient Egypt, the science of reflexology used today was founded by Dr
William Fitzgerald, an American ear nose and throat surgeon. He noticed that
pressure on specific areas of the body produced a anaesthetising effect on a
related area. Developing his theory, he divided the body into ten equal
zones which ended in the feet and hands.
In the 1930's a massage
therapist called Eunice Ingham refined Dr Fitzgerald's zones and developed
what is now known as 'reflexology'. She observed that congestion or tension
in any part of the foot mirrored congestion or tension in a related part of
the body. Therefore, treating the areas of the feet could have a relaxing
and healing effect on different organs and tissues inside the body.
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How
does it work?
Reflexology is
sometimes known as Zone Therapy as the body is divided into different zones
represented by a point in the foot or hand. Nerve endings are imbedded in
the feet and hands that then travel to the spinal cord and to various parts
of the body. Stimulating these nerve endings thereby helps promote
relaxation, improve circulation, stimulate vital organs in the body and
encourage the body's natural healing processes. Unlike conventional
medicine, reflexology works on the underlying problems within the body and
works through the body's nervous system. Sometimes lactic acid can be felt
in the foot in the form of little crystals. This is a sediment due to poor
eating or lack of exercise and can be crushed and reabsorbed into the body
thereby allowing the lymph system to eliminate the waste product.
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What
does treatment involve?
Reflexology
treatments can take up to an hour or more and usually about six weekly
sessions are recommended for optimum results. A trained reflexologist will,
like other professionals in complementary healthcare, take a detailed case
history on your first visit. You will be asked to remove your shoes and
socks and sit on a treatment couch or special reclining chair. The general
appearance of your foot will be examined as any sores or corns cannot
receive pressure.
The treatment involves light,
but firm, compression massage to the soles and uppers of your feet possibly
using talc but never oil. As the reflex points are very small the
reflexologist has to be very precise. It is possible that there will be
quite a dramatic reaction to the first treatment in various forms such as
increased bowel movements, cold type symptoms or skin problems. This is a
very healthy sign which tells you that the treatment has encouraged the
release of harmful toxins from the body. During treatment some areas of the
foot may feel a little tender and these will correlate with the problem
areas in the body. Some reflexologists will show you how to treat a certain
disorder at home by showing you the exact areas to press.
Refloxology should not be
used if the patient is pregnant, has diabetes or a heart problem, but if you
do receive treatment, you will find that reflexology is typically a very
pleasant, relaxing and rejuvenating therapy. Don't worry if you have
ticklish feet, the treatment is very precise and quite firm.
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What
can it help?
Reflexology
can treat nearly all health problems. Although all reflex areas will be
massaged, the therapist will pay specific attention to the actual problem
area. So, for migraines, strokes, multiple sclerosis, etc. pressure will be
applied to the reflex point in the foot or hand that relates to the head and
the connecting areas. In this way the reflexologist will treat all disorders
according to where in the body they occur, for example, neck, back and hip
problems, sciatica and arthritis will be treated in the musculoskeletal area
and angina, high blood pressure and any circulatory problems will be treated
in the heart reflex area and so on.
Reflexology will not fix problems such as broken bones or hernias but if
used regularly it will enhance any other treatments you are receiving by
keeping the circulation stimulated and the lymph system active. You should
also experience feelings of vitality and well-being after reflexology
treatment which encourages the healing process throughout the body.
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