Reflexology
Offered by Phyllis Mann

See also Massage and Shiatsu/Acupressure.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the thoughtful, deliberate, and caring touch from a practitioner to another person's hand or feet. Hands and feet have thousands of nerves that lead to areas all over the body. Pressure on certain points on hands and feet affects other parts of the body. Reflexology deals with the entire body, not just a specific part.

Reflexology helps energy flow more efficiently throughout the body. Everyone's experience is unique. Some people feel tingling and sensation in areas of their body that they have not felt in a long time. Some people feel the effects of reflexology on a physical, emotional or spiritual level.

Reflexology is a good introduction to massage for people who do not feel comfortable receiving a full-body massage. It is appropriate for all stages of pregnancy.

How Can Reflexology Be Helpful?

The body ultimately has the ability to heal itself. Following disease, stress, or injury, the body is imbalanced. Vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body's healthy equilibrium and encourage natural healing.

A reflexologist uses the hands only to apply gentle pressure to the feet. The application and the effect of the therapy is unique to each person. Sensitive, trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet, and by working on these points the reflexologist can restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination is improved. This gentle therapy aids the body in self-healing, often overcoming a lifetime of misuse.

What are the Benefits of Reflexology?

The therapy brings relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, and is suitable for all ages. Most people benefit from treatment, since reflexology treats the whole person, not the symptoms of disease. An increasing number of people are using this safe, natural therapy as a way of restoring harmony to the body.

Specific benefits are

Increase in circulation
Pain reduction
Relaxation
Reduction of swelling
Help with digestion
Stress reduction
Improvement of PMS or menopause symptoms
Energizing
Normalization of gland and organ functions
Happy feet and hands

What is a Reflexology Treatment Like?

On your first visit there is a preliminary interview with the practitioner, to learn how your body is feeling and functioning. The reflexologist then begins to work on your feet, or hands if necessary, noting problem areas. There may be temporary discomfort in some places, which is an indication of imbalance or dysfunction in a certain part of the body. Usually, the sensation is pleasant and soothing.

Usually a treatment session lasts for about an hour. A course of treatment varies in length depending on your body's needs and your goals. Your reflexologist will discuss this with you at the first session. After the first treatment or two your body may respond in a very definite way: you may have a feeling of harmony, well-being and relaxation. On the other hand, you may feel emotional, lethargic, or queasy, but this would be temporary. It is, however, vital information for you to share with your reflexologist, as it shows how your body is responding to treatment. Reflexology will stimulate your body's own healing mechanisms.

History

The ancient art of reflexology has been known for centuries. It was first practiced by the early Chinese, Indian, and Egyptian healers.

In 1913 Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American surgeon, found that reflex areas on the feet and hands are linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone. He introduced an early form of reflexology to the USA, explaining that pressing on certain parts of the body could have an anesthetic effect on a related area. He divided the body into ten equal zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He taught that pressure on one part of a zone could affect everything else in that zone.

Eunice Ingham, a therapist in the 1930's, further developed the idea of zone therapy into what is known today as modern reflexology. She observed that dysfunction, tension, or pain in any part of the foot mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. Therefore, when one treats the big toes there is a related effect in the head, and treating the entire foot can have a relaxing and healing effect on the whole body.