Reflexology. This word might sound familiar...but if you're not completely acquainted with the ancient healing method, keep reading!
About Foot Reflexology
When starting out with reflexology, the feet provide a great introduction as they are easily accessible in many positions. You might think that reflexology is just a fancy foot massage, but it's not! Since it involves a specific pressure technique, the sensitivity of the feet allows for feedback about any tender reflex areas, which is the body's way of telling us where it needs extra help. Of all the reflex maps, the one that exists on the feet most closely resembles the anatomical body, in proportion and general organ layout, like the chart below.
Reflexology is different from other forms of physical touch therapy. Unlike massage and acupressure, reflexology works with reflex points that elicit an automatic response through the nervous system. The reflex points correspond to every organ, gland and other body areas, which then try to correct any health imbalances.
What makes reflexology different, is that it is uniquely linked to the brain and its function of keeping the body in balance - in other words, homeostasis. If a system or organ is out of balance and the body has the resources to self correct, reflexology stimulates the body to start the healing process. In essence, reflexology provides a means for the body to focus on itself.
There are several full body reflex maps at different locations of the body. For example, each ear holds a map representing the entire body, whereas other reflex locations at the hands, feet, face, and scalp contain maps where the right side of the body is located on the right map and the left side of the body is located on the left map.
Reflexology works with any one of these map variations - and all are effective - but most reflexology therapists begin their reflex journey by learning foot reflexology, as it is the most well known form and is the easiest to learn.
One of the greatest benefits of reflexology is that it can be practiced on anyone of any age!
Where it Comes From
The origins of reflexology date back as far as Ancient Egypt, as a healing medium as shown in pictographs originating from 2500 to 2330 BC. One image, showing the practice of hand and foot manipulation, was discovered in the tomb of an Ancient Egyptian physician, at Ankmahor, in Saqquara, Egypt. The hieroglyphs on the image translate to "Do not let it be painful. I shall act so you praise me."
In the early 1900's an American physician named Dr. William Fitzgerald was studying a European healing practice called "zone therapy", in which the body is divided lengthwise into ten sections called zones, with each zone containing body parts that influence each other. He discovered while doing this that using pressure on different parts of the fingers could reduce pain or even cause numbing in another corresponding part of the body (he'd even use this method as an anaesthetic during small procedures!).
Following his work, Eunice Ingham proceeded to map out the body parts as "reflexes". She published her findings in a 1938 book called, "Stories the Feet Can Tell," which documented her clients' healing successes. As if picking up from the words on the ancient Egyptian pictograph, Ingham once quoted her unique perspective on reflexology: "Find the sore spot and work it out." Her nephew, Dwight Byers, became the founder of the International Institute of Reflexology.
How it Can Help
Reflexology's benefits are tremendous, but the three most commonly reported results are a deep sense of relaxation, increased circulation, and optimal balance. This happens because reflexology triggers the body to achieve homeostasis. Mounting bodies of evidence demonstrate reflexology's ability to relieve pain and inflammation, improve sleep, and even reduce post-surgical healing time.
Four (or Five?) Characteristics of Reflexology
Reflexology of all forms is known to be an important part of complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM), and it is a natural, preventative and effective therapy.
Complementary: Reflexology can be successfully used in conjunction with other treatments and therapies.
Natural: Reflexology encourages the body to enter into a natural healing state to deal with any imbalances. It's a non-invasive treatment for the entire body, meaning that all the work is done on the surface of the body in a comfortable and relaxing manner, and the client remains clothed throughout.
Preventative: Reflexology can help the body maintain its ideal balance and improve its self-corrective capacities. It will often catch and treat a problem in energy flow before it can manifest as a physical symptom.
Effective: It activates the "rest and repair" parasympathetic nervous system (for deep relaxation, improved digestion and better sleep), releases tension (and therefore easing muscle tonicity, inflammation and pain); and increases circulation of blood and lymph (affecting the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, lymph and hormones - and boosting the immune system). Reflexology helps improve health conditions and relieve uncomfortable symptoms.
And the fifth characteristic? It's amazing!
If you'd like to help others achieve their health goals, take a course with us to practice reflexology professionally, or just to practice on yourself, friends and family!
For more on our next Foot Reflexology courses, click here!
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