Reflexology
Reflexology (zone therapy) is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging or applying pressure to parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.[citation needed] A 2009 systematic review of randomised controlled trials concluded that the latest available evidence does not show convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition. The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as: "A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.
Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.
Special Features of Foot Reflexology
Treatment is Safe: No question of harmful effects of overdoing and under doing. It causes only normalization.
Treatment is simple: Easy to learn. It involves no laboratory or elaborate equipment.
Free from side effects: No drugs are used in Foot Reflexology.
Gives lasting cure: A lasting cure can be achieved only if the cause of problem is eliminated and not suppressed.
Diagnostic value: The signals received at the reflex points about ailing parts of the body can be of assistance in diagnosis.
Compatible: with other forms of Holoistic treatment.
Economical: Self administration or by one of the family members will cost little.
Preventive treatment: Can be helpful as preventive treatment and to avoid relapse.
What can Reflexology treat?
Reflexology is often used in conjunction with other forms of medical treatment. It can be performed on everyone from infants to the elderly. It can also be used to enhance health as well as treat very sick individuals. It is also safe during pregnancy, before and after surgery.
Specific conditions which benefit from reflexology include:
Allergies, restless leg syndrome, back pain, bladder infections, bronchitis, childbirth, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, constipation, diarrhea, ear infections, female health problems, fever, gastritis, hay fever, headaches, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual cramps and stress. Most conditions can be treated by reflexology in that it is stimulating the body’s system to heal itself.
General benefits of reflexology include:
- Relaxation
- Pain Reduction
- Amelioration of symptoms for health concers
- Rejuvenation of tired feet
- Improvement in blood flow
- Imapct on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol; measurement by ECG, EEG, and MRI)
- Beneficial for post-operative recovery and pain reduction
- Enhancement of medical care (e. g. cancer, phantom limb pain, and hemodialyasis patients)
- Adjunct to mentol health care (e. g. depression, anxiety, Post traumatic stress disorder)
- Complement to cancer care (pain, nausea, vomiting and anxiety)
- Easier birthing/delivery/post-partum recovery.
ZONE THEORY
As may be seen in the illustration, the first zone starts from thumb and through the arms go to the middle of the head and down to the big toe through the middle of the body. Similarly, each finger or toe represents a zone.
According to zone therapy, all body parts in the same zone are said to be linked through energy flow and if there is any congestion in that part of zone, the whole zone gets affected.
What happens during a reflexology session ?
The reflexologist will probably ask you about your medical history and about your diet, exercise and general health. The reflexologist will take detailed notes about your lifestyle before looking at your feet; they will then make notes on the colour, look and feel of your feet.
Reflexologist will then 'work' the entire area of both feet, some may work the hands. The young or elderly will generally be given shorter treatments but more often so the body systems are not over stimulated. Sometimes on a first visit the session will be shorter as the reflexologist doesn't want to over stimulate the body and each session after will usually be 30-45 minutes.
During the session you may feel different sensations in your feet, it may feel like a sharp pain or your feet may feel very sensitive. Sensitivity varies from person to person and from treatment to treatment. But generally the session will be calming and comforting; it will not tickle since it is a firm pressure to the feet. The practitioner will adjust the pressure to suit.
How do I get best results with reflexology?
For best results techniques are applied consistently. We have been impressed with the results of reflexology work from China and India. Think of morning, noon and night application for a long term health concern.
Applying reflexology daily is suggested for best results. This requires self help and family help as well as the guidance of practitioners. The reflexologist can provide you with a relaxing experience and quality work as well as educate you in how to do it yourself. You and your family can provide the quantity of reflexology work to frequently break up the stress patterns in your feet and hands.
Build reflexology into your life. It is easy to do reflexology while doing other activities. Put a foot roller under your desk or work your hands while waiting for the kids at school. Be creative but be consistent. Five minutes a day is worth more than an hour once in a while.
