What Is Reflexology? Reflexology is the holistic practice of applying pressure to specific areas of the hands, feet and ears to natural aid general wellness and pain relief. The idea behind reflexology is that specific areas, or zones, correspond to every area of the body, including limbs, glands and organs.
The hands feet and ears all have reflexes. With reflexology you apply pressure to these flexes to help generate healing and relief from tension. There are no outside agents such as lotions or oils used when practicing reflexology. This way the proper pressure can be applied, to the zone representing the area of the body in need of healing. This manipulation stimulates circulation and reduces tension.
Reflexology was originally a medical practice that was primarily used for stress reduction and alleviation of pain. Medicine shifted more toward the use of surgery and drugs for pain treatment, reducing reflexology’s role. However, it has been used by numerous cultures off and on throughout human history. It came to North America in the early 1900’s with Dr. William Fitzpatrick, and charts of reflex areas where developed by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham in the 1930’s.
When examining the reflexology chart, you will see that it mirrors the bodies functions on the hands and feet. The left foot is symbolic of the left side of the body and the right foot, the right side. With proper manipulation of these zones on the feet, it can assist in creating a positive physical change in the body.
By following the zone chart it is possible to use reflexology on a casual basis to help yourself and others to relax and minimize stress. In most cases if you are attempting to use reflexology for a more serious ailment it is better if you seek the assistants of a trained reflexologist.
Most of the benefits of reflexology are due to the reduction of stress. Generally the feet and hands set the tension level for the entire body. Applying pressure to points on the feet and hands, the stress signal gets interrupted and doesn’t make it to the brain. Reducing the signal helps to reset homeostasis. This in turn recalibrate the equilibrium, helping to improve the body’s natural function.
Over the years various forms of reflexology have been around. China began using reflexology over 5,000 years ago.Europe, Asia, North America and Africa all have a history of using reflexology. The Cherokee Indians passed a version of reflexology down through their ancestors. Japan currently uses a unique form of reflexology to help treat it’s people. Asia has had a resurgence of interest in reflexology in recent years.
Essential oils now play an important roll in many reflexology practices. Oils are applied areas of the hands and feet to address health conditions in particular organ regions. It is thought that the feet are particularly suited to receiving the both biochemical and energetic actions that essential oils provide.
What is reflexology purpose in today’s world? With the renewed interest in reflexology there has been many new studies being done. People through history have returned to the use of reflexology to help them through many health issues and stress. People sometimes prefer a natural method over traditional recognized medicine. It is because of this fact that reflexology has a long future ahead of it.
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