What is Reflexology
Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears, which correspond to every gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.
These reflexes are “reflections” of body areas. The physical image of the body is mapped onto hands, ears, and feet in a logical, anatomical pattern. Like perfect microcosms - or holographic units - of the body, the foot, hand and ear contain the information of the whole body or organism.
How Does Reflexology Work?
Reflexology is highly effective in reducing stress and pain throughout the body by putting the client into a deeply relaxed state. In this state, the function of the nervous system shifts mainly into its optimal parasympathetic (involuntary) mode. When the body is in this state of relaxation, it has the ability to re-establish its balance and consequently its self-healing potential.
There are approximately 7,200 nerve endings on the bottom of each foot, which have connections through the sciatic nerve to the spinal cord and brain. By alleviating blockage by breaking up uric and lactic acid crystals deposits in the feet, the crystals are released into the bloodstream and eliminated through the urinary system. This relieves the congestion in the body and the body functions flow smoothly, ultimately allowing the body systems to achieve refined internal peace and balance.
The feet are under constant physical pressure. Tension and stress through friction and repeated trauma seem to cause blockages that impinge on muscles and nerves.
A reflexology session breaks up deposits of toxic by products (such as lactic acid and uric acid crystals caused by ineffective elimination of metabolic by products). Scar tissue, pooling of lymph fluid, corns, and calluses can also create internal and external “blockages” defined as “physical obstructions”/ Among other sensations such as swelling, and softness and hardness of muscle tone, these may also be felt as sandy or gritty area under the skin and may interfere with natural flow of the body’s electromagnetic energy.
Reflexology also releases endorphins which are chemical messengers, similar to morphine. They produce a calming and euphoric sensation. They also suppress pain by blocking transmission of pain from one neuron to another. Pain signals travel through nerve pathways to the spinal cord beginning a complicated reflex action. From there they go to the thalamus where the sensations of heat, cold, pain and touch are recognized. The thalamus forwards the impulses to the cerebral cortex where the intensity of pain is felt. The brain then sends the signal back through the spinal cord to release endorphins.
Gate Control Theory
According to the commonly known “Gate Control Theory” the nervous system can only respond to a limited amount of sensory information at one time. When the system becomes overloaded, it short circuits, closing the gate and reducing the amount of sensory information available for processing. Reflexology encourages the brain to produce more endorphins. The pressure also acts to confuse the body with too many sensations to which it must respond., forcing the body to close the pain gates. This interrupts the pain cycle, eases pain, and helps the body to relax.
History
Approximately 2,330 B.C. early 6th Dynasty.
It was widely believed that Reflexology has ancient origins along with the Oriental practices of shiatsu and acupuncture. Some researchers believe that Reflexology is over 5,500 years old. It is speculated that it was known thousands of years ago in India, and was brought to China and Japan by Buddhist Monks. Monks and priests have often been involved in healing in every culture, but especially in the Far East. Similarly, in North America the Inca's are believed to have practiced Reflexology on the feet.
Dr. William H. Fitzgerald
Dr. William H. Fitzgerald was a nose and throat specialist and is currently hailed as the "Rediscovery of Reflexology". In 1913 he discovered that pressure, when applied to certain points on the body, relieves pain and improves the functions of certain organs. Dr. Fitzgerald further developed the practice of Reflexology by introducing it into modern Western society. He used the name "Zone Therapy" and Reflexology was known by that name until the early 1960's. Dr. Fitzgerald brought his findings to attention while he was head of the Nose and Throat Department of St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut.
Eunice Ingham
Eunice Ingham, is known as the "Mother of Reflexology". She initially worked with Dr. Fitzgerald as a physical therapist, also practiced Zone Therapy and helped develop it. Eunice Ingham is recognized for naming Reflexology, as we know it today. She was also devoted to promoting Reflexology by educating lay people in North America. She traveled widely for over 30 years giving Reflexology information seminars. She published anatomical charts and her two books: "Stories the Feet Can Tell" (1938) and "Stories the Feet Have Told" (1951).
Zones of the Body and Foot Chart
Reflexology identifies 10 vertical zones of the body, which link one part of the body to another. Five of these are located on the right side of the body and five are located on the left. Each zone travels the length of the body from the toes, fingers and top of the head.
There are 10 vertical zones on the feet, five on either foot. Generally, the right side of the body is related to the right foot and the left side of the body is related to the left foot. Occasionally there are some people who show a crossover of sensation.
Hering's Law of Cure
Hering's Law of Cure states that all cure starts from within out, from the head down, and in reverse order as the symptoms have appeared.
Benefits of Reflexology
Reflexology can be used for all ages
It is a holistic non-invasive therapy
Reduces stress, tension, and anxiety
Increases blood and lymphatic flow
Improves oxygen and normalizes glandular function
Cleanses the body of toxins
Improves emotional imbalances
Enhances all other treatments such as shiatsu, massage, acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments
Reflexology helps the body to heal faster after surgery
Reflexology increases the attention span
What To Expect
Reflexologists do not diagnose, prescribe or treat for specific conditions and should not be used as a substitute for necessary medical treatment. They treat the whole person often working together with other medical and complementary therapies to achieve the best results for the client.
Technique should be firm but not painful taking into consideration that tenderness and tension usually denote congestion in the area and corresponding part of the body.
Depending on the focus of the session the number of sessions will vary. For a health problem, expect to commit to a series of 10 sessions before assessing
results.
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