What is Reflexology you might ask? Have you ever experience this amazing and alternative treatment, involving the physical act of applying pressure to your feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion? Well, as a Holistic Health Consultant and a firm believer of alternative medicine for healing the body, mind and soul, this is an experience one should try at least once in a lifetime.
Reflexology is not used to diagnose or cure health conditions, but to complement treatments like anxiety, asthma, cancer-treatment, diabetes, headaches, kidney function, PMS, sinusitis and cardiovascular ailments. It is based on the understanding that the human body is divisible into energy zones corresponding with sensitive areas of the feet. Today, reflexology is a very popular treatment in holistic medicine. Reflexology describes ten discrete energy pathways in the body, quite similar to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Throughout the body, energy runs, delivering energy which is life force to all the areas and organ, the pathways end in energy terminals in the feet, where they are examined by palpitation (pressure) of the therapist ‘s fingers. The areas of the feet requiring work, are identified at the time of examination by both the patient, who finds the pressure at times can be uncomfortable. Blockage in the feet can be attributed because of inner tension, anxiety, anger, depression and other negative emotions.
Reflexologist believes that reflex points correspond to different body organs and the general health of an individual. For example, the practitioner believes that a specific spot in the arch of the foot corresponds to the bladder point. When the reflexologist uses thumbs or fingers to apply pressure in the area, it affects bladder functioning. Specific points on the feet, hands and ears, correspond to specific organs and body system. The reflexologist access these points on the area of the feet, hands (bottom sides, and top) and the ear (both inside as far as the finger can reach and outside) to affect organs and system throughout the entire body.
Maps of reflex points are used to represent how the body systems correspond to one another. The reflexology map for the feet represent each foot a vertical half of the body. The left foot correspond to the left side of the body and all organs, valves found on this side of the body. The right foot corresponds to the right side of the body and all organs found there. For example, the liver is on the right side of the body, and corresponding reflex area is on the right foot. The reflexologist perform a general integrated session, or may focus on specific problems on the feet, hands or ears. Reflexology is quite similar to Acupuncture and Acupressure in that it works with the body’s vital energy throughout the stimulation of points on the body.
The American Reflexology Certification Board, offers certification in reflexology. You can contact the American Reflexology Certification Board for a list of nationally certified practitioner. Many people who have received treatment by a reflexologist have credited it for restoring balance and harmony in the body, and releasing tension. It helps to calm the emotion and put you in a relax state of mind. It also helps to increase energy after a session. A first time session with the practitioner includes, conducting a brief health history, checking to see if reflexology might work for you. They also address that reflexology does not treat specific illness and is not a substitute for medical treatment. The treatment session last between 30-60min, depending on your specific health issues. The reflexologist might work on your feet, or the hands or the ears.
If you have never tried a session with a reflexologist, take a chance, and begin using alternative medicine to complement your medical ailments at your next doctor’s visit.
