Reflexology Helps Your Body To Heal Itself!
Foot Reflexology Can Reveal The State Of Our Health. And Often The Problems, We Experience In Our Feet Will Relate To The Problems Of Our Body!
Its stated that the “state of our health lies in the feet” tense, tight feet could mean that we are holding stress and tension in our body and a limp, while weak feet could mean a loss of muscle tone in our body and poor posture. Reflexology works on your emotional, mental and physical being. Take caring of your feet means good health, if you have not had a foot massage or reflexology session, you are missing out!
A foot and hand reflexology session can be added to your massage either as an “addon” or included in your massage session. Just be sure to let our front desk or your massage therapist know that you want this wonderful treatment.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology massage is practiced the world over; therefore, different types exist. The basic massage techniques include applying pressure to the hands and feet. Based on zones, certain places on the feet and hands contain reflexes that are directly related to different parts of the body. Reflexes in the left foot or hand represent the left side of the body and the right foot or hand corresponds to the right side of the body.
Pressure is applied to specific zones using the thumbs, fingers and hands. No lotions or creams are used. As an alternative healing method, reflexology massage techniques can relieve pain and tension as well as improving circulation. Reflexology just like stress is cumulative and as your body continues to take on more and more stress this creates wear and tear on your muscles, organs and your emotional well-being. Reflexology when applied to the sensory receptors of your hands and feet, breaks up this pattern of stress prompting a general relaxation response throughout your whole body.
Imagine walking outside barefooted and stepping on a sharp nail! Your body’s response to this would be to “reflexively” pull back from that sharp object and every organ and muscle in your body would have tighten-up to protect itself. Do you think your body’s sensory organs would remember this experience? Yes it does! The next time you go outside, you may put on a pair of shoes. Reflexology works in much the same way. Everyday the sensory organs of your feet and hands are gathering new information receiving regular reflexology sessions provides an opportunity for a positive stimulus.
The Origins of Reflexology Massage
Reflexology massage is not a new practice. There is evidence supporting the theory that the method was used as early as 2330 BCE in Egypt. This includes hieroglyphics found in ancient Egypt. Although it is not known if the methods practiced were similar to the ones that are used today, many archaeological findings suggest that the massage techniques were based on the same principles.
What are the Benefits of Reflexology?
Studies have been conducted on the use of reflexology massage and the benefits shown include:
Increased relaxation
A reduction in pain
An improvement in health problems
Improved blood flow
Assists with recovery after surgery
Reduces depression and anxiety
Relieves the side effects of cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy
In addition, massage techniques have shown to be beneficial for a number of conditions. Allergies, arthritis, asthma, hay fever, insomnia and muscle tension are just a few. Stress reduction is one of the most advantageous benefits.
Reflexology for Pain and Stress Reduction
According to the American Medical Association, stress is one of the main causes of “more than 60% of all human illness and disease.” Stress causes the body to become more vulnerable to illness. When stress is experienced, mental and physical health is affected.
Physical symptoms can include aches and pains, dizziness, rapid heart beat and increased susceptibility to colds and viruses. Depression, irritability and moodiness are emotional responses to stress. Reflexology massage can alleviate the stress that causes these problems. Tests conducted have shown that reflexology massage promoted the release of endorphins.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters. So if you are suffering from a painful condition, reflexology can reduce the pain symptoms by stimulating this natural painkiller. Endorphins are produced the by pituitary gland and are known to be 10 times more powerful than morphine for pain.
A typical reflexology session is from 30 minutes to an hour. A reflexologist will use their thumbs, fingers and hands to apply pressure to various areas of the feet and hands. A feeling of relaxation is a good indication of the effectiveness of the method.
Reference:
“Complete Reflexology for Life” Barbara Kunz