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Reflexology is a healing modality which is based on the premise that there are reflex areas on the hands, feet, and ears, which relate to all of the organs, glands, and areas of the body. When these reflex areas are properly stimulated, the body can begin to achieve better health, harmony, and natural balance.
The science of reflexology is holistic, treating the whole individual - body, mind, and spirit. Imbalances in one aspect can affect the health of our entire being.
Benefits of Reflexology
Clients may benefit from reflexology in the following ways:
- Relaxation & reduced stress
- Improved blood, nerve, lymph supply
- Release of toxins
- Pain reduction
- Revitalized energy levels
- Emotional release
- Helping the body toward homeostasis
Contraindications
A reflexologist may not be able to work with you due to certain health problems you may have.
Examples of General Contraindications:
- Unregulated blood pressure
- Untreated diabetes
- Unstable pregnancy
- Serious illness or injury
- Epilepsy or similar conditions
- Serious heart or kidney conditions
- Pitting edema/undiagnosed swelling
Examples of Local Contraindications:
- Open wounds, infections, or sores
- Bacterial or viral infections such as Athlete’s Foot, fungal infections, warts
- Varicose veins on the feet
- Sprains or strains
History
There is archaeological evidence that footwork to promote better health was practiced by the ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian civilizations as long ago as 2500 BC.
European physicians, Dr. Adamus and Dr. A’tatis published a book on Zone therapy in 1582.
Nineteenth century physicians Dr. Bell, Dr. Ivan Pavlou, and Dr. Alfons Cornelius used zone therapy and pressure points.
Research continued into the nature of reflex responses during the early 20th century.
One well-known practitioner, Dr. William Fitzgerald found that the body could be divided into ten zones running from the head to the toes, five on each side of the body. Areas of discomfort could indicate a problem at the site itself, somewhere else in the zone, or of a specific gland, organ or body part falling in that zone. Dr. Fitzgerald developed the theory of Zone Therapy.
In the 1930s a physiotherapist named Eunice Ingham, who worked with Dr. Fitzgerald, defined the reflex areas more specifically. She introduced special techniques for applying pressure and holding the feet or hands while working the reflexes.
She traveled throughout the United States giving workshops. Her techniques of working the hands and feet are in use throughout the world for reflexology today.
Many modern reflexologists incorporate the study of meridian theory from Traditional Chinese Medicine in their work. They see a similar clearing of energy blockages and stimulation throughout the body in the two modalities.
Children, the elderly, and the very ill can also benefit from reflexology. It is given for a shorter time, with less pressure, and may be given more often.
Generally, pregnant women should be given reflexology only by a trained reflexologist as certain areas should not be stimulated.
What Happens During a Session
- An information form is filled out by the client
- The reflexologist evaluates the client’s feet and stance, hands, or ears
- The client is made comfortable on a massage table or reclining chair
- A reflexology session is given to hands, feet, or ears
- The session is discussed, plans for self-care and/or further visits are made
The initial visit may take about 20 minutes for the evaluation and 60 minutes for the reflexology session. Subsequent visits may take less time as progress is noted.
A session is generally pleasant and soothing. It is non-invasive yet stimulates all the body’s systems. After the session most people feel at ease and relaxed. Some may feel sleepy, while others feel energized.
With all modalities that move the body’s energy such as massage, acupressure, and reflexology there may be some effects that the client will notice. They may include a change in energy level, sleep pattern, or emotional state; headache, sinus drainage, joint aches, or flu-like symptoms. These are a part of the natural healing and balancing process and should go away within a day or so. Sometimes the problem may feel worse for a while and peak just before getting better.
Increased water intake will usually help reduce these symptoms.
A reflexologist does not prescribe or adjust medication, diagnose a specific disease or condition, or treat for a specific condition.
Reflexology is not a foot, hand, or ear massage. It is a specialized technique using pressure on specific reflex points, which correspond to all the body’s parts.
Reflexology is not a substitute for medical care. It is intended as a complementary therapy to other treatments for a person's mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well being.
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