* REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY, WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS

Reflexology is a form of natural, holistic therapy that treats the feet/hands to balance the whole body

The feet and hands are like mini-maps of the body’s anatomy, so any body systems can be accessed and stimulated by treating them.

Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet relating to all parts of the body.

A reflex is when a stimulation at one point brings about a response in another point or area.

In reflexology, by using special pressure techniques to stimulate the points on the feet and hands, imbalances in the tissues, organs and systems of the body can be both detected and treated to restore balance and well-being.

Reflexology is NOT a foot massage

Reflexology uses massage techniques, but unlike massage, reflexology works with the feet as anatomical “maps” of the whole body. By applying pressure to one part of the foot, the reflexologist aims to benefit not only the feet but also the rest of the body.

Reflexology is NOT a medical treatment

Reflexology helps maintain and restore health. The reflexologist can detect imbalances in the body by working the feet, then works on the problem areas accordingly to help correct them.

However, reflexology is not a cure; more a helping hand for the body’s self-healing. Reflexologists are not trained to be able to diagnose diseases but to assess imbalances of energy flow.

Reflexology is a natural therapy

Reflexology uses only the techniques of human therapeutic touch and interaction to bring about its results. It seeks to work with the body’s natural healing efforts.

Reflexology is a holistic therapy

Holistic medicine recognizes that a person is not just a physical entity or merely a “living machine”; being holistic means taking account of a variety of factors when understanding a person’s health or disease: emotions, mental attitudes and lifestyle.

Reflexology, as other complementary disciplines, follows the idea that disease does not just happen at the physical level but at the psychological, emotional, mental and spiritual level too and so the person must be understood and treated as a whole.

The holistic approach treats the person not the disease.

WHAT DOES REFLEXOLOGY DO?

Reflexology activates definite physical and psychological responses.

Physical

• It relieves stress and tension and has a deeply relaxing effect on the whole person, and since it has been estimated that about 75% of diseases is stress related, this is a major contribution to the return of health.
• Removes congestion in energy pathways, allowing it to flow more freely, improving neural efficiency (approximately 7000 nerves are stimulated by reflexology).
• Improves blood and lymph circulation. Good circulation is of most importance in nourishing cells and eliminating waste from the body.
• Helps normalize organ and gland function. Deep relaxation aids the parasympathetic nervous system in its job balancing the activity of the sympathetic system. When the parasympathetic system is dominant the following organ functions are improved:

-The digestive system functions optimally, and hence energy is absorbed by the body.

-The vessels to the heart are dilated; hence it receives optimum blood supply.

-Bile production from the liver is increased and motility and tone of the muscles of the stomach and intestines are increased, improving digestion and elimination.

-Secretion of enzymes of the pancreas and insulin are released

Psychological

• Reflexology enhances the receiver’s sense of well-being. Giving reflexology conveys a sense of caring; feeling cared for, a person responds with an enhanced sense of security and self-esteem which allows them to grow and develop healthily to engage in healthy relationships.
• Revitalizes energy at every level.
• Improves mental alertness and attention span.
• Stimulates creativity and productivity.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM REFLEXOLOGY?

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. After having completed a course of reflexology treatment a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments in order to maintain health and well-being.

While many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress, at the same time many doctors, consultants and other health care professionals recognize reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy.

Reflexology should never be used instead of orthodox medicine. The advice of a doctor should always be sought for persistent health problems.