Reflexology is a wonderful tool in relieving stress and improving ones overall circulation.  Reflexology has been around for thousands of years and has continued to become popular around the world. Reflexology has continued to help many people to rejuvenate their body while relieving painful feet, backs, arms or hands. 

Chinese Massage Techniques

Reflexology was developed initially in China, as the Chinese believe in using the pressure points within the body to release stress and promote relaxation.  Reflexology works just as many other Chinese massage techniques.  Small amounts of pressure are applied to the pressure points within the feet, hands and body.  These pressure points help the body to remove any toxins while reducing one’s stress. 

Reflexology session

Reflexology session can typically last up to one hour or longer depending on the underlying issues.  Your massage therapist will recommend a good time frame to fit your specific needs.  Not all massage therapy clinics offer reflexology techniques.  It’s important to ask spas, local health clubs, chiropractic offices or doctors for a good recommendation.  Massage therapists that practice reflexology generally have to partake in additional training through a massage therapy school as this is a very specialized massage.  Your massage therapist may also recommend several reflexology sessions.  In most cases a client may feel lasting relief if they continue their Reflexology massage therapy sessions. 

Talk to your therapist

It’s also important to let your massage therapist know when too much pressure is applied, as you should never be in complete discomfort.  Putting too much pressure on the pressure points can cause you to have a lot of soreness and discomfort.

Northwestern College

Northwestern College, located in Chicago, IL and several other suburban areas, offers an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Massage Therapy.  The program focuses on health-care and business related topics, as well as general education classes to provide a versatile curriculum.  You will gain a deeper understanding of massage methods and the physiological outcome of receiving a massage.  Some massage techniques you will learn include Swedish Massage, Scalp Massage, Reflexology, Chair Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Therapeutic Massage and many more.  The staff at Northwestern is dedicated to providing you with the best education about the massage industry to prepare you for your future career.  Also, there are several business classes that will teach you the protocols of business so you can learn how to run your own company. 

Careers and Accreditation

Massage therapy is growing rapidly throughout the nation, making the career in demand.  Massage therapists can find careers in sports medicine centers, rehabilitation centers, orthopedic clinics, fitness centers, spas, and physical therapy departments.  It is very common that massage therapists will start their own business and build a client base of their own.  Also, it’s common that massage therapists will work another job, or even work part-time hours.  Northwestern College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and belongs to the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 

Online massage therapy courses are self-paced and convenient for individuals who want to complete their training and education.  Universal Class, an online institution, offers a 6-month course in massage therapy training.  One class that students will have to take is Massage and Reflexology, a course designed to teach massage techniques.  Students will learn the types of massage therapy, massage techniques, ethics, and how to set up a massage business.  Instructors will provide tips on massage marketing tactics and becoming a successful massage therapist.  Students will learn how Reflexology differs from other types of massages and how to properly use it on clients to improve their overall health and well-being.  Instructors will also show students how to perform a Hot-Stone Massage, Foot Massage, Back Massage, and eight relaxation techniques.  This course is great for students who want to upgrade their skills in the massage therapy field. 

Universal Class: Massage 101

This course is designed to teach students everything there is to know about massage therapy and how to perform different techniques.  Students will learn the history of massage, types of massage, ethics, and massage marketing techniques.  The course is divided into sixteen different lessons.  Students will learn the basics of a Hot-Stone Massage, Foot Massage, and a Back Massage.  Instructors will also introduce basic anatomy and physiology.  This is an efficient introductory class proven to teach students all they need to know about the basics of massage therapy. 

What to Expect

Students aspiring to obtain a massage therapy degree should look over all of the prerequisites for the program.  Massage therapy programs can be demanding because of the amount of classes and training required.  Students will have to take various courses in anatomy, physiology, clinical analysis, movement therapies, spa and aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, reflexology, essential oils, and sports massage.  These are just some of the courses that are required in order to graduate.  Students will practice their techniques during clinicals, when they have the opportunity to give patients or fellow students different types of massages.  Remember that each program has different requirements and it is important to review different aspects of each school before enrolling.

After Graduation

All students are expected to complete each course and attain a CPR Certification.  Students will have to acquire 60 credit hours and average a 2.0 grade point average to obtain an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences.  After graduation, students will have to take a National Certification Examination to become a certified massage therapist.  In some states, massage therapists are required to have a license to practice massage therapy.  Students can apply to take the test to become a Licensed Massage Therapist.  Student’s should partake in as much as education as possible to create more job opportunities for themselves.  Techniques within massage therapy are always expanding and it’s good for massage therapists to stay up to date with new changes in the field.  After completing all required education and training, individuals can go on to work in spas, salons, resorts, physical therapy and rehabilitation programs, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.  Also, once students are licensed, they can open their own practice, where they can possibly earn up $65 an hour.    

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