Foot Reflexology

Foot Reflexology is based on the ancient [time-tested] principles that all the organs and glands in our body are connected to reflex points on foot. Pressure point techniques are used to focus on these reflex points, to release blocked energy channels and stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities, the perfect therapy for general wellness. The foot represents the body: as divided into ten reflex zones, like a mirror image of the body. In the reflexology chart, you can see that each reflex zone corresponds to a part of the body. Specific manipulation and pressure of reflex points reduces and eliminates blockages in the corresponding glands or organs and therefore restores a healthy balance.

About Reflexology

Reflex techniques can be a good treatment choice for people who want to keep their clothes on during a massage. It is also a good choice if you are pressed for time and don’t want to get oil on your body or in your hair. You should ask what kind of specific training or certification the therapist has in reflexology. Any massage therapist or aestheticism, who are both licensed to work on the body, can legally give you “reflexology therapy” even though they’ve had minimal training. It’s better to get reflexology from someone who has been though a specific reflexology training and certification program. Reflexology was first developed in the United States in the early 20th century, and was called “zone therapy” in its earliest incarnations. It is based on the theory that the body is divided into ten zones running longitudinally from head to toe — five on each side of the body. Practitioners believe that pressure on reflex points on the foot or hand will affect body organs in the same zone. In recent years, reflexology practitioners have begun to incorporate the acupressure techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine (T.C.M.) into their work. Although reflexology is based on the theory of “zones” instead of T.C.M.’s theory of “meridians” or energy pathways, both treatments are based on the principle that working on specific points can bring about a therapeutic effect in other parts of the body.

Why dose Reflexology works?

Reflexology works as the pressure techniques applied to the feet or hands interact as a part of the body’s nervous system creating: relaxation, improved circulation, exercise of the nervous system and the benefits of touch. Pressure sensors in the feet and hands are a part of the body’s reflexive response that makes possible the “fight or flight” reaction to danger. Feet ready to flee and hands ready to fight communicate with the body’s internal organs-think adrenal glands and adrenal… to make possible either eventuality. The sudden adrenal surge that enables a person to lift a car is an example of this coordinated activity. The perception of pressure by the feet and hands taps into the reflex network that makes possible our every move. Reflexology, consistently applied, provides an exercise of these pressure sensors and thus a conditioning of the internal organs to which they are inextricably tied. Reflexology, viewed as both a natural and complementary therapy, is based on the premise that there are “trigger points” or “pressure sensors” located in the feet, hands, ears and face that “reflect” or mirror and correspond with all body parts. By applying alternating pressure to these reflex points the reflexologist can activate the inner healing powers of the body so that it can begin to naturally restore itself to its own healthy balance, or homeostasis. The art of reflex foot massage must not be confused with basic foot massage or body massage in general. It is believed reflexology can be effective in helping to reduce the effects and or symptoms of stress, back pain, anxiety, migraines, infertility, lack of sleep, restlessness or being overworked and other physiological changes in the body.

Benefits?

Experts estimate that upwards of 90% of disease is stress-related. Nothing ages us faster, internally & externally than high stress. Reflexology is an effective tool for managing stress as it helps:

• Decrease anxiety
• Enhance sleep quality
• Create greater energy
• Improve concentration
• Increase blood circulation
• Reduce fatigue
• Relax the mind & body to help counter-act stress levels.