Reflexology is a complementary therapy working on reflex points on the feet and hands which correspond to every organ and system in the body. This brings about relaxation and promotes good physical,mental and emotional health by encouraging the body's own healing processes and restoring its natural balance.
The origin of reflexology cannot be traced to any one civilisation and evidence suggests that primitive forms of reflexology existed in ancient Egypt,India and china some 5,000 year ago. A painting found in a tomb in Egypt as far back at 2330 BC shows a reflexology treatment being performed.
Theory of reflexology
When the reflexes on the feet are worked an involuntary response is elicited in organs and glands connected by energy pathways to these specific reflexes. A chain reaction is set in motion causing physiological changes to occur throughout all the body systems.
Reduces stress levels and induces deep relaxation: It is now generally accepted that approximately 70% of disorders are related to stress and nervous tension. As this is now an accepted part of modern living, we need to manage our stress levels.
Revitalises Energy: By relaxing and opening up the energy pathways, reflexology revitalizes the body and supplies it with energy on all levels.
Balances the whole system; body,mind & spirit (the ultimate goal). The smooth running of all systems of the body is vital for physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Reflexology helps to normalize all body systems by balancing out areas of under and over activity and bringing about a dynamic state of balance.
Is Preventative health care: Environmental and social factors all have an affect on our immune system. When our energy levels are low we feel stressed and are therefore open to opportunistic infections, coughs and colds.
Improves Nerve function: Every part of the body is operated by messages carried back and forth along neural pathways that make up our nervous system. There are over 7,000 nerve endings in the feet and stimulation of the sensory nerve endings sends information to the spinal cord and the brain, which in turn send instructions to organs and muscles.
Improves circulation: The blood carries nutrients and oxygen to all the cells and removes waste products and toxins. During this process blood vessels contract and relax so their resilience is most important for proper functionality. Stress and tension tightens up the cardiovascular system and restricts the blood flow. Circulation becomes sluggish causing amongst other things high and low blood pressure.
Cleanses the body of toxins and impurities: The body cleanses itself mainly through the lymphatic system, excretory and perspiration. If these are sluggish, toxins and waste matter will build up. The state of relaxation created by reflexology will aid the body to eliminate properly.
Aids pain control: The body produces its own pain killers known as endorphins. These are produced by the pituitary gland and can inhibit the transmission of pain signals through the spinal cord. Reflexology encourages the release of endorphins.
Suitable for all ages: In the main men and women of all ages can benefit, also teenagers, children and babies. Reflexology will not interfere with conventional medication, it is in fact complementary being used in hospitals(surgical and trauma units) and hospices.
Who can benefit from reflexology?
Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. After having completed a course of reflexology treatment for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments in order to maintain health and well-being.
Many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress.
Articles which may be of interest
Daily Mail - Reflexology helped combat bouts of extreme insomnia click here to read
Fab after Fifty - How reflexology can help you through the menopause click here to read
Reflexology for runners click here to read
Silversurfers - Putting pain on the back foot click here to read
Dailymail - Reflexology may be as effective as painkillers for conditions such as back ache and arthritis click here to read
Telegraph - Reflexology as effective as pain killers click here to read
How stress affects the body click here to read
Netdoctor - health benefits of reflexology click here to read
The physiological and Biochemical outcomes associated with a reflexology treatment - evidence based complimentary and alternative medicine click here to read
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