What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a natural therapy that applies finger pressure to the various reflex points of the feet. Its ideology dates back 5,000 years to ancient civilizations in Egypt and China, where it was believed that reflex points in the feet are interconnected to the different organs and glands of our system.

While Acupuncture works with the qi energy lines, Reflexology is based off the concept of the zone therapy. There is no special skill needed to understand zone therapy.

These zone areas are like energy pathways in the feet. Each part corresponds to the five longitudinal zones of the right side and left side of the body with equal proportions.

Think of it this way: the big toe down to the tip of the feet is zone 1, the index toe and down is zone 2, the middle toe and down is zone 3, and so on and so forth up to the 5th toe for the 5th zone. Therefore, the left big toe corresponds to the left brain, and the left index toe corresponds to the left eye and organs within zone 2. Putting pressure on these zone areas promotes health for their corresponding organs and glands.

The massage therapist may use various techniques to deeply relax and massage the feet, such as finger pressure, holding, rubbing, kneading, and rotation. She may also use special tools like wooden rollers, sticks, wooden stars, and wooden slippers with flat pointy features.

Reflexology is a non-invasive approach and a great alternative for those massage enthusiasts who do not like taking their clothes off. There are no oils needed and no sticky lotions. In fact, it is very much respected throughout the world of medicine.

How Does It Work?

Like any other holistic massage, the patient needs to be assessed before treatment. Typically, the session may last more than 45 minutes, perhaps up to an hour. The therapist will first ask you to take off your socks and shoes and sit comfortably in a reclining massage chair or table.

Depending on what you prefer, the therapist may apply oils or lotions for a smooth and easy massage. He may start the therapy by relaxing tense zone areas with gentle pressing, rubbing, and kneading. Once muscles are relaxed and tensions are released, the therapist will start to apply pressure to effected areas. At times, it may hurt a bit, but this is part of the process. If you feel uncomfortable, simply tell your therapist and he will adjust the pressure.

More time may be needed for areas where you need the most help. This may cause pain, but it is only temporary. The more these areas are kneaded and pressed, the more tender the tissue becomes. Brisk movements may also be applied to various points of the feet. Many will find this relaxing and relieving. Some may even fall asleep during the session.

There is no exact duration as to how long you should see your reflexology therapist. Normally, 1-3 times per week is most beneficial. Once a month is appropriate for those who are simply looking for relaxation.

Benefits of Reflexology

Reflexology is a holistic approach that has many unique health benefits, the most evident being its ability to relax and sooth the senses. When the right pressure points are stimulated feel-good hormones are released, which improves blood circulation, increases oxygenation to the cells, and release toxins from the tissues.

Likewise, reflexology massages can stimulate more than 7,000 nerves in the feet. This closes up the limbic system, which is responsible for pain, emotional stress, and tension. Reflexology also stimulates the lymphatic system, which is responsible for fighting infections and diseases. Other ailments that reflexology can help with are allergies, arthritis, back pains, constipation, eczema, frozen shoulder, hay fever, insomnia, knee problems, muscle tension, respiratory problems, sinusitis, thyroid disorders, and more.

Precautions of Reflexology

Though reflexology is a holistic approach to relieving both emotional and physical stress, not everyone gains from it. Those with infectious skin diseases or rashes cannot participate in reflexology massage.

Patients with heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and kidney problems may need to ask their physician's approval before going through reflexology treatment. The same holds true for pregnant women, as some trigger points in the feet can cause miscarriage or induce contractions and preterm labor.  Other precautions apply to those who have blood clots, foot ulcers, injury and fractures.

Reflexology is more than a natural and holistic treatment. In fact, unlike other medical approaches, it does not have any side effects. As our ancient ancestors may have believed, reflexology is an effective option for pain relief and the improvement of ailments.

Eugene Wood
Licensed Massage Therapist
http://www.eugenewoodmassage.com