What is Reflexology? 

Reflexology is a type of massage that uses specialized techniques which apply pressure to the feet and hands. The premise of reflexology is that the feet and hands have specific zone and reflex areas that portray an image of the body. By targeting these areas, such work will cause a physical change to the body. The tips of the toes represent the head. The ball of the foot represents the chest and the heart. The arch of the foot represents the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. And finally the heel of the foot represents the lower back and intestines. The benefits of reflexology tend to deal with the reduction of stress in the human body. Hands and feet set the tension level for the rest of the body and reflexology can help to interrupt any stress signal and help the body achieve homeostasis. The other benefits of reflexology include relaxation, pain reduction, improvement of blood flow, rejuvenation of hands and feet, and the enhancement of medical care. For the best results, reflexology treatments are recommended on a daily basis.

History of Reflexology

Archeological evidence shows that reflexology originated in Egypt and was practiced in countries such as China, and Japan.  Reflexology came to the West in the 19^th century.  This type of massage has been practiced for more than 1000 years.   Around 1900, Ivan Pavlov won a Nobel Prize for his research on reflexology.  He found that the stimulation of one part of the body can stimulate the rest of the body. 

According to Wikipedia, “Reflexology (zone therapy) is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.” Reflexologists can agree on a common consensus that pressing on parts of the foot affects different body areas therefore improving health.  In the western hemisphere, reflexology began in the 19^th century but its long been around in Egypt, China, and Japan, dating back BCE.  Reflexology bases its principles surrounding the nervous system, that applying pressure to hands and feet causes either a “flight or fight” response which in turn affects internal organs.

Techniques

Therapists use specific thumb, finger, or hand techniques to apply the treatment, and no lotions or oils are used traditionally.  To promote relaxation as in traditional massage, stretching and movements techniques may be applied.  The feet and hands correspond to bodily regions on the same side.  The spine is reflected by the inside of the hands and feet.  The arm and shoulder regions correspond to the outer region of the hands and feet.  The toes and fingers reflect hand/neck areas.  The lungs, upper back, heart, and chest are represented by the balls of the feet.  Reflexology offers a helpful reduction of stress levels.  Whether or not it can treat certain diseases or conditions is still undecided and results depend on the consistency of treatment applied.

Although popular for thousands of years around the world, reflexology only became popular in the Western world during the 1930’s. The basis of reflexology is applying pressure to points on the feet and hands as well. These points are chosen because they are said to connect and stimulate a response to various organs throughout the body. Reflexology points work to send signals in the body to help issues with the nervous system while also releasing endorphins to decrease pain in areas.

What to expect

Reflexology is used more as a complementary therapy to conventional medicine. It works well as a post operative therapy and the sessions last anywhere from forty-five to sixty minutes. A client will remain fully clothed although it is required to remove shoes and socks. Reflexology is performed while the client is sitting in a comfortable chair or on a massage table, if available. The reflexologist will warm up the feet before beginning the session; they may use oil or lotion on the feet and the therapy is generally painless. There may be some areas on the feet or hands that are tender or sore but when more pressure is applied, that soreness will decrease.

Benefits

The benefits of reflexology include increased circulation and decreased pain. The sessions are very soothing to the feet and hands. It is very important for a client seeking reflexology to give the therapist a complete and accurate health history. If a client has any vessel or foot injury or if pregnant, it is advised to get a written approval from a primary care physician.

References Cited in this Article

www.aboutreflexology.com

www.reflexology-research.com

Massage therapy is well known for its health and relaxation benefits, and because of these benefits, it may also be known for its overall beauty benefits as well. Many people think of beauty regimes and treatments along the lines of botox, chemical peels and plastic surgery, and while some of the treatments do offer positive effects from the damage of the main cause of aging, free radicals, much of what massage therapy has to offer are natural body benefits from within the body with results that can be seen on the outside.

Effects of Massage Therapy

In general, all of the effects of massage therapy are positive health and wellness benefits that people will feel during the massage, immediately following the massage and for days or weeks to follow. Some of the more specific physiological effects that would be closely related to helping improve body beauty with massage would be increased circulation, which helps to deliver more nutrients and oxygen to organs and tissues, improvement of the elasticity and condition of the skin, reduction of swelling and adhesions as well as reduction of overall weariness and fatigue, which can lead to improved sleep at night with a more restful feeling in the morning.

Calming

Massage therapy is used to help calm the feelings of anxiety and depression. The power of human touch by itself is enough to cause healing and relaxation throughout the body. Continued massage sessions can leave a client with more radiant skin, better facial tone to help eliminate discoloration under the eyes and better circulation in the limbs to help fight against vein damage. With routine visits to a licensed massage therapist these benefits will result in a person experiencing a constant and long lasting positive beauty effect on the body as well as many other health benefits and an overall increase in physical and mental well being.

References Cited in this Article

www.massagetherapy.com

www.naturalnews.com