Compiled by Rachael E. Huber, B.S.,
Cert.Ref.
What is Reflexology?
The art of working specific areas of the feet, and sometimes hands or ears that
relieves stress and pain of the body. It is like acupressure, but is practiced
only on the feet, hands and.or ears.
How does it work ?
Reflexology uses the manipulations
of gentle massage as well as more direct stimulation of certain specific points
of the feet, hands and ears to stimulate the body's natural healing power. It
is often used to alleviate tension which gives rise to crystalline deposits
under the skin which may interfere with the natural flow of the body's energy.
By applying pressure on specific areas of the feet or hands, a reflexologist
can stimulate corresponding organs or glands. For instance, pressure is applied
to the big toe to affect the pituitary gland and the four other toes are
stimulated to affect to the brain, sinuses, eyes and ears. Because internal
organs like the lungs and the kidneys can not be directly massaged,
reflexologists believe that the foot, hand and ear reflexes are an appropriate
alternative. The nerve endings on the hands, ears and feet send messages to the
brain, that in turn produces endorphins, the body's own pain killers. Then the
endorphins are sent through the blood stream to the related area of the
body. The theory that specific spots on
these areas correspond to internal organs or organ systems of the human body is
terms “reiteration,” and a mounting quantity of research results appears
to confirm its validity.
How does reflexology feel?
Wonderful, fully relaxing, as if
your whole body has been relieved. There can be a feeling of
"tingling" and "warmth" in related parts of the body. This
is caused by the increased circulation of the blood due to the nerve ending
stimulation. Expect a deep wonderful sleep after a reflexology treatment.
How long does such relief last?
Minutes, hours, weeks or months, or
forever. . . the length of time of relief varies. The production of
internally-generated natural pain killers is only temporary, but with every
Reflexology session, the body tends generally to enjoy longer and longer
periods of relief. It all depends on the individual’s physiology.
How often should one receive reflexology therapy?
Follow-up plans and visits are tailored to the individual client's needs, and vary depending on circumstances. While some clients are encouraged to return weekly for a determined amount of time, others may need twice weekly apointments or onyl return as deemed necessary by them.
Is reflexology different than a Massage?
Emphatically, yes. A Reflexologist does not massage, but
rather works the specific reflex points to relieve the Stress and Pain of the
body.
Is this a medical treatment?
No. The American Medical
Association has stated that "Seventy-five percent of all illnesses are due
to stress." Reflexology is a form of Stress Management. Relieve the stress
and the body will respond. If the cause can be eliminated, then most of the
related conditions should be successfully eliminated.
What does a reflexologist do in a session?
A reflexologist aims to provide a
healing "environment" for a client. Prior to the session, the client's
medical history is discussed. After an inspection of the feet, the
reflexologist will individually massage each foot, ear and/or each hand. The
bottom, top and sides of the feet and/or hands and various part of the outer
ear receive a thorough massage. By taking into account the needs of a client, a
reflexologist will vary the amounts of pressure on different areas of the foot
and hand. Natural, organic lubricants may be rubbed on the feet during the
reflexology session. The entire process requires approximately 45 minutes
to an hour.
As the reflex areas of your feet, hands or ears are stimulated you
may from time to time experience pin-prick-like sensations. These sensations
result from sensitivity that frequently reflects the presence of tension in the
corresponding part of the body.
If it is not comfortable for you,
you should ask the person who is doing the reflexology to decrease the amount
of pressure that they are using. It is important that you are comfortable with
the stimulation, as relaxation is the primary goal of reflexology, and you need
to feel comfortable in order to relax in your session.
Who can receive reflexology sessions?
Anyone can benefit from
reflexology, including children, the elderly and the ill. Reflexology is safe
and drug-free, so many can begin reflexology sessions as soon as they
wish, barring the existence of any medical contraindications, and providing that a woman is not in her last trimester of pregnancy.
Are there specific sessions for different types
of clients?
Generally, a reflexologist will
administer lighter and shorter sessions on seniors, pregnant women, the sick
and children. However, it is recommended that these same types of clients
receive reflexology more frequently.
Is reflexology something new?
Not at all! Evidence shows that reflexology was practiced by
ancient Egyptian physicians over 4000 years ago. It is also believed that reflexology was an integral part of
ancient Indian, European, North American Native and Oriental folklore healing
practices. Like many other recently revived forms of folklore knowledge,
reflexology is a valuable contribution to the modern person's health care.{see
History }
Does reflexology diagnose?
NO. Reflexology identifies where
stress and tension is located in the body. This can be a valuable assistance to
the diagnosis process, but it is not sufficient by itself. If a reflexology
recipient has identified other symptoms that coincide with the stress and
tension identified by reflexology, and then they should consult a licensed
health care provider such as a naturopathic doctor or a medical doctor for a
diagnosis. If a reflexology recipient
is not aware of any other symptoms that corroborate with the stress and tension
identified by reflexology, then the person should recognize that the stress and
tension will be alleviated to some degree by reflexology stimulation.
Therefore, to some extent their stress is being taken care of. It is their
choice whether to continue receiving reflexology in order to alleviate the
stress and tension, and/or whether to seek out other therapies to assist. Reflexologists are not – in most jurisdictions
- licensed health care providers and hencce are legally not allowed to diagnose.
Does reflexology treat disease?
No. Reflexologists do not work with a treatment orientation,
rather they are oriented to revitalizing the whole body and hence supporting
the body in it's own healing process. Reflexology is used primarily to relieve
stress and tension and produce deep therapeutic relaxation. Medical doctors
agree that over three fourths of our health problems can be linked to nervous
and physical tension. By reducing stress and tension, reflexology improves
blood and lymph circulation, strengthens the functioning of the immune system,
improves assimilation of nutrition and elimination of toxins, and calms the
nervous system. In these ways, reflexology facilitates the body's natural
healing processes and thereby enhances the body's health and vitality.see
research
Can reflexology do me any serious harm?
No. Reflexology is essentially harmless. The therapeutic
relaxation that reflexology produces facilitates the body's release of toxins.
On very rare occasions this release of toxins may bring about perspiration, a
nauseous feeling, a headache, or a bad taste in the mouth. These minor
discomforts are evidence of the body's healing process, are very temporary and
are not serious. Should you experience any discomfort after a reflexology
session that is not temporary, then you should assume that its cause is
independent of the reflexology and take the appropriate remedial actions. Most
people enjoy pleasant relaxed and/or energized feelings after a reflexology
session.
How can I learn more about reflexology?
The most valuable learning about reflexology is to experience it
- if you have not already. Public librariies frequently have a selection of
reflexology books and videos on reflexology. Natural food stores, massage
supply stores, spiritual bookstores and bookstores with "Health" or
"Alternate Health" sections can all be helpful resources. Numerous
reflexology associations (a number of these are listed on my “links” page) exist
to promote reflexology and can be helpful for discovering your local resources.
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