Reflexology

What is reflexology?

With its roots believed to date from ancient Egypt, reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to reflex areas on the feet or hands to bring about a state of deep relaxation and to stimulate the body's own healing processes.

It is a safe, natural therapy for all ages that can boost energy, help the immune system and create a stronger body and calmer mind. Did you know that when you apply reflexology, you stimulate 7,000 nerves in the feet?

How does it work?

The theory underlying reflexology is that the organs, the nerves, glands and other parts of the body are connected to reflex points on the feet and hands. These areas are found on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands, as well as on the top and sides of the feet and hands.

By stimulating these areas using a compression technique and a form of massage with your thumbs, fingers and hands, you can create a direct response in a related body area.

For example, by working on the head reflex (which is found on the big toe) you can activate the body's own healing processes to help alleviate headaches. The right foot and hands represent the right side of the body, while the left foot and hand represent the left side.

The feet are most commonly worked on because practitioners feel they are normally more responsive to treatment than hands. As they contain a larger treatment area, the reflex points are easier to identify and the feet are more sensitive to treatment because they are usually covered by shoes.

What doesn't it do?

Reflexology is not a therapy used to diagnose illness. It is not a medical treatment and does not cure - only the body can do that. Instead it facilitates healing within the body.

Get in the zone

Zone therapy is the foundation of modern reflexology, whereby reflexologists apply pressure to, or massage-specific areas of the feet or hands stimulating circulation and nerve impulses to promote healing throughout the zones of the body.

The body is divided into ten longitudinal zones that provide a simple numbering sequence. Each toe falls into one zone and there are five zones in each foot. Zones are distributed up the body like slices, and when you work on the feet you are automatically working through the whole body.

Within these zones, energy runs up and down between all parts of the body. This energy connection should be free-flowing so that all parts of the body - organs, muscles, nerves, glands and blood supply - work in harmony and at the the optimum level for good health.

If there is a block of the body's energy, it will have an effect on any organ or part of the body within that particular zone. If a reflexologist finds sensitivity in one spot of the feet or hands, this indicates an imbalance in the entire length of that zone.

Reflexology and foot circulation

Stress, tension, poor posture and badly fitting shoes all restrict blood flow, creating a sluggish circulatory and lymphatic system. This could mean an infection such as athlete's foot or a foot or a leg ulcer may take weeks to clear.

When blood flow or lymphatic circulation is poor, it is hard for oxygen-rich blood, nutrients and white blood cells to reach various areas of the foot to fight infection, digest germs and remove toxins. Regular reflexology can help to develop healthy feet as well as improve overall body circulation.

Reflexology and the skeleton

It can help the distribution and absorption of Vitamin D and minerals into the bones, to promote a healthy skeleton. It can also ease aching joints associated with arthritis, improving mobility and helping to heal fractures.

The 12 benefits of reflexology

• Encourages the body to heal disorders
• Relieves the effects of stress
• Improves the immune system
• Assists post-operative recovery
• Encourages better circulation
• Improves bowel movements
• Eliminates waste products from the body
• Relieves pain
• Clears the body of toxins
• Improves nerve stimulation
• Promotes general relaxation
• Creates stronger bonds with children

Source - Daily Mail