Reflexology
Practiced in diverse cultures for centuries, Reflexology, a method of touch therapy, is a universally acclaimed healing art and science. For either preventative care or in response to physical or emotional distress, a reflexology session acts as a catalyst to aid the body towards its own natural healing process.
Dating back to 2330 BC, the first record of Reflexology is found in an Egyptian physician's tomb. Traces of 'foot work" also appear in other cultures such as China, India and Europe going back thousands of years indicating no one culture having invented it. Researches believe that the art is well over 5, 500 years old. Today's methods are based on the work of Dr. William Fitzgerald who studied the art of "pressure therapy in Europe and pioneered "Zone Therapy" in the USA and that of Eunice Ingham who systematized and popularized the therapy in the 1930's. Research is ongoing proving its benefits.
Reflexology is based on the premise that there are reflex points in the hands, feet and ears corresponding via nerve pathways of the nervous system (Western Medicine) and/or meridians (Eastern Medicine) to every part, organ and gland of the body. According to the American Journal of Medicine, stress is known to cause over 80% of all illnesses. Reflexology reduces stress automatically during a session, causing chemical changes to occur at the cellular level throughout the body. Through systematic pressure and stimulation of these reflexes, the body is assisted to return to natural functioning. In the process endorphins (natural pain-killers) are released, para-sympathetic relaxation of the nervous system takes place, increased blood and lymphatic circulation results in increases in oxygen and immune levels all of which helps to restore balance to all the systems of the body.
Reflexologists do not diagnose, prescribe or treat for specific
conditions and should not be used as a substitute for necessary medical
treatment. They treat the whole person often working together with other medical
and complementary therapies to achieve the best results for the client.
Technique should be firm but not painful taking into
consideration that tenderness and tension usually denote congestion in the area
and corresponding part of the body.
Sessions usually last 45 minutes to 1 hour
Depending on the focus of the session the number of sessions will
vary. For a health problem, expect to commit to a series of sessions before
assessing results. It is not required to have a condition to benefit from
reflexology: it's a wonderful way to feel better and gain a sense of health and
well-being. People usually feel a sense of inner calm and more energy following
as a result of their sessions.