Reflexology is:
A powerful complementary medicine therapy based upon the principle that there are reflex areas in both the feet and hands that correspond to all the glands, organs and parts of the body. Reflexology takes into account all aspects of a persons’ being: not only body, but emotion, mind, and spirit as an entirety. It also has the ability to make everyone feel better by simply removing stress from the whole body and generating a sense of deep relaxation.
The human body is mapped on the feet, all of the body parts are interrelated, it is very important to care for your feet which affects the whole being.
Reflexology is an alternative medicine or pseudoscience done by using manual techniques and applying pressure to feet, hands, or ears at specific reflex points or zones. It brings about physiological and psychological normalization of the total body. The reflexology theory believes that the systematic zones and reflex areas on feet and hands reflects different parts of the body and work done on such areas will have physical effects to the body.
The History:
A widely held theory is that reflexology originated in prehistoric periods of China. There was also ancient documentations unearthed in Egypt with similar practices dated around 2000 B.C.. Reflexology was first introduced to the U.S. by William H. Fitzgerald, a ear, nose, and throat specialist, and Dr. Edwin Bowers in 1917. They believed that applying pressure on different areas of the body will have anesthetic effects. Later in the 1930s and 1940s, Eunice D. Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist modified and refined the theory. She mapped zones on feet ,which she believed reflects on various parts of the body. Her procedures and methods, later developed by Laura Norman, are widely used by modern reflexologists.
The Benefits:
Reflexology helps to balance all body systems. It stimulates blood circulation and other active healthy body functions and tunes our bodies to its finest harmony. Reflexology works particularly well on three specific levels – physiological, psychological and spiritual.
• Stimulates immune system
• Improves circulation
• Promotes metabolism
• Normalizes blood pressure (reduce high blood pressure)
• Reduces pain (post-surgical pain,Relief of constipation, nausea, anxiety, PMS, insomnia
• Promotes post-operation recovery
• Maintains a positive and balanced lifestyle
• Significant treatment to terminal diseases
How Reflexology Works:
The important step to a full understanding of reflexology techniques is an appreciation of the pressure points and zones and how they relate to the body. The following reflexology diagram shows the map of points and zones.
