Understanding Reflexology & The Health Benefits
Today my friends, I would like to discuss an alternative treatment that is used for many health conditions and that is Reflexology. This holistic form of medicine origin started over 5,000 years ago and has progressed into a very beneficial therapy that treats a person without any pain or discomfort.
History of Reflexology:
Reflexology was introduced to the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872–1942), an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and Dr. Edwin Bowers. Fitzgerald claimed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on other areas of the body.
Reflexology was modified in the 1930s and 1940s by Eunice D. Ingham (1889–1974), a nurse and physiotherapist. Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the entire body into “reflexes” on the feet. It was at this time that “zone therapy” was renamed reflexology.
Reflexologists in the United States and the United Kingdom often study Ingham’s theories first, although there are also more recently created methods.
What is Reflexology?:
Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumbs and fingers to stimulate more than 7,200 nerve endings in each foot, which correspond to all parts of the body, including organs and glands. Some reflexologists also work the hands and ears.
When done by a skilled practitioner, reflexology is a deeply relaxing treatment with benefits that can be felt throughout the body. The therapist will use various techniques that include holds, finger pressure, kneading, rotation and rubbing. Many times an oil or lotion will be used to help stimulate and to allow the therapists to work more effectively.
Normally session last between 30-60 minutes and you can be treated in a reclining reflexology chair or a massage table. People of all ages can benefit from reflexology treatments. We all suffer from stress and this treatment has been long known to promote relaxation. It also can be a great help with at relieving normal day-to-day aches and pains, especially as you get older. Treatments can be once a week, in extreme cases twice a week, or what you feel is necessary for your body to stay in balance.
Some massage therapists will incorporate reflexology into their massage sessions which can give extra stress and relaxation, or pain benefits to some individuals.
How does Reflexology Work?:
Reflexology is used to prevent, rather than cure and is used to relieve a range of ailments by stimulating the appropriate region that eliminates energy blockages that produce pain or disease in related areas.
It can relieve stress and tension within the body and can improve circulation, lymphatic flow, works to unblock nerve impulse pathways which helps to benefit the body to heal itself by restoring balance to the vital energies.
According to Shelly Hess, author of “The Professional Reflexology Handbook, “Reflexology works to discover how the soft tissue organs and the entire skeletal system are functioning. Through trained fingers, the reflexologists can detect early warning signs that the body is struggling and can then help restore the internal system to better balance.”
What are the Health Benefits of Reflexology?:
It has been know to help relief migraines and headaches, arthritis, high blood pressure, backache and sciatica, stress, allergies and sinus problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, constipation and digestive disorders, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, hormonal imbalances and sports injuries. It is also known for it ability to detox toxins from the body.
I believe Reflexology can be a very beneficial treatment for many individuals. I have tried reflexology and have found it to be beneficial. My suggestion would be before seeking any reflexology treatment that you should ask what kind of specific training or certification the therapist has in reflexology. Any massage therapist or esthetician, who are both licensed to work on the body, can legally give you “reflexology” even though they’ve had minimal training. If you desire the full benefit of just reflexology then it’s probably better to get treatment from someone who has been though a specific reflexology training and certification program.
Quote of the Day: If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten! – Origin Unknown
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Thanks for posting Marla, I have never tried reflexology but would really like to.
Your welcome Cathy, I have used different techniques of reflexology and have found so very positive benefits. Thanks for reading my article, Marla
There's definately a lot to know about this issue. I love all of the points you made.
Thanks for reading my blog. Please come back and check for updates.