Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil, cream or lotion based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change in the body. It is a complete and holistic treatment, done by applying pressure on the feet. Practitioners claim that it treats the whole system as opposed to the symptoms. Also called the zone therapy, reflexologists divide the body into zones that run from toes to brain through different parts of the body. According to reflexologist Sudha Rao, stress causes about 75% of health problems in people. Reflexology can be used to alleviate stress symptoms.
AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) is doing a research on the uses of reflexology to combat post operation trauma. Reflexology benefits can be gauged after one goes through a couple of sessions. Few things that one should know about reflexology:
Reflexology works on the principle that the feet, hands and ears are the microcosms of the entire body. By applying pressure to specific parts of the feet, it can help the body heal many ailments. Reflexology on the feet is more effective than on hands. It works on the existing imbalances in the system and improves the basic functioning of organs and glands.
Reflexology does not diagnose or medicate.
There are no side effects.
History of reflexology
Around the world and throughout history, reflexology has been rediscovered time and time again. Archeological evidence points to ancient reflexology medical practices in Egypt (2330 BCE), China (2704 BCE) and Japan (690 CE).
In the West, the concept of reflexology began to emerge in the 19th century with European and Russian research into the nervous system and reflex- think Pavlov. Reflex therapies were created as medical practices but were soon eclipsed by use of surgery and drugs. The ideas of reflex use for health improvement were carried on sporadically and brought to American in 1909 by Dr. William Fitzgerald, an eye-ear and nose specialist from Connecticut. Physiotherapist Eunice Ingham is credited with developing a system of reflex areas by 1938.
In the East, ancient Chinese techniques were re-discovered in the 1980Õs and have spread throughout Asia creating today's reflexology-rich environment with reflexology paths in parks and a thriving reflexology industry of practitioners, businesses and research.
Benefits of reflexology
Creates relaxation: From the moment the reflexologist Õs hands start their work, the relaxation begins as shown in research using EEG brain activity. All together, 24 studies demonstrate reflexology's relaxation effects.
Reduces pain: Pain reduction following reflexology work is documented in 27 studies including research showing impact on individuals of all ages and health states
Ameliorates health concerns: Research shows that reflexology work helps individuals of all ages with some 78 health concerns ranging from aggressive behavior Êin children to urinary concerns of the elderly.
Improves blood flow: Separate studies show that reflexology work increases blood flow to the feet, brain, kidneys and intestines.
Aids post-operative recovery: Reflexology work aids recovery after surgery as shown by several studies, reducing pain and lessening the use of post operative analgesics.
Impact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol; measurements by ECG, EEG, and MRI)
Enhances medical care: Reflexology helps where nothing else can for many: phantom limb pain sufferers, neuropathy patients, and hem dialysis patients to name a few.
Benefits mental health: Research demonstrates that reflexology can reduce depression (11 studies) and anxiety (9 studies).
Complements cancer care: Pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients following reflexology work as shown by16 studies from 7 countries.
Eases pregnancy, delivery and post-partum effects: Women who received reflexology experienced shorter labor times and used less analgesia. In addition, reflexology showed a positive impact on postpartum depression, anxiety, urination and bowel movements.
Different Methods
Reflexology, due to its profoundly relaxing nature, can bring relief directly to the area of the body where tension is held thereby easing and relieving symptoms. There are however numerous styles and approaches used in reflexology.
The Rwo Shur Method
Practised in many parts of Asia, this method of reflexology combines thumb-sliding and pressure techniques, incorporating the knuckles and sometimes small, wooden sticks. The pressure is firm and a cream is used to enhance flowing motion. A session usually lasts about 30 minutes with the focus being on stimulation rather than relaxation.
The Ingham Method
This is the most common of the reflexology methods practised around the world today. Pressure is applied by "thumb walking" whereby the thumb (or finger) bends and straightens whilst maintaining a constant pressure across the area of the foot being worked. The extent of pressure depends on the pain tolerance of the patient. The therapy focuses on relaxation and balancing the body systems. It is always holistic, working all reflexes in the one-hour session.
New Approaches
New approaches and techniques are rapidly evolving as therapists around the world develop and share their experiences and clinical findings. Increasingly, acupressure points (Acupuincture) and concepts relating to energy therapies are being used within a reflexology session.
Hand and ear reflexology, although not new, are being used more widely now in addition to foot reflexology. Many reflexologists will link reflexes together to encourage and balance energy flow.
Conclusion:
In Reflexology the foot is the basis of natural healing. Reflexology is based on the premise that your body's organs, internal and external parts of the body are all connected to specific areas of the foot and hand. By applying pressure to these specific reflex areas on your foot and hand the corresponding organs, nerves or body parts will become stimulated. This stimulation releases blocked energy pathways and therefore enables the body to heal. There are many benefits of reflexology the main 5 benefits are that reflexology is noninvasive and can be performed by you on yourself. Reflexology reduces stres and tension. Reflexology stimulates circulation and helps the body to detoxify. Reflexology is great for pain relief especially from headaches. Lastly reflexology benefits your body by helping your digestive system.