REFLEXOLOGY..WHAT IS IT?

REFLEXOLOGY

“What is Holistic?” states that Reflexology is an ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure-point massage (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body. The science of Reflexology has been around for thousands of years. It is based on the premise that there are reflexes in our hands, feet and ears that relate to every organ and part of our body. By stimulating these reflexes with pressure and manipulation, nerve function and blood supply may be improved, which may alleviate stress and other health problems. Reflexology is based on the belief that each part of the body is interconnected through the nervous system to the hands and feet. Stimulating specific reflex points in the feet can bring needed nutrients to poorly functioning areas of the body. This can help restore balance throughout the body. 

THE MAP

A  reflexology map exists for the feet. Each foot represents a vertical half of the body: The left foot refers to the left side of the body and all organs, valves, etc. . The right foot refers to the right side of the body and all organs .

For example, the liver is on the right side of the body, and therefore the  reflex area is on the right foot.

When receiving hand reflexology, a person may experience a minor pain or some unusual sensation they have never felt before, either in their hand or somewhere in their body and if the sensation is in the hand, the person will want to know what that part of the hand represents in the body. A quick look at the “map” will provide an answer.

PRECAUTIONS

1. Persons with foot fractures, unhealed wounds, or active gout in the foot. osteoarthritis that involves the foot or ankle, or those with vascular disease of the legs or feet, open wounds.      
2. Clients who report current thrombosis or embolism (which is an obstruction of the pulmonary artery or a branch of it by a free-floating blood clot or embolus) should not receive reflexology therapy. Since reflexology improves circulation, it could potentially cause a clot to move towards the heart or brain.
3. For women in early pregnancy (the first 6 weeks) Caution should be exercised during pregnancy because stimulation may cause contractions.         

NOTE: Always consult your physician before receiving  any or taken any treatment.

THEORIES

Reflexology helps release stress, which in turn helps the body heal and regenerate itself.

Reflexology works with the central nervous system,  there is a neurological relationship between the skin and the internal organs, and that the whole nervous system adjusts to a stimulus.

Pressure is applied to feet, hands, or ears sends a calming message from the peripheral nerves in these extremities to the central nervous system, which in turn signals the body to adjust the tension level. This enhances overall relaxation, brings internal organs and their systems into a state of optimum functioning, and brings additional oxygen and nutrients to cells and enhances waste removal It positively affects the circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, immune, and neuropeptide systems in the body. (my notes in school)

Pain is a subjective experience created by your brain. The brain does this in response to the sensory experience of pain, but it can also work independently of sensory input and create pain in response to emotional or cognitive factors. Thus things that influence the brain, such as your mood or external factors like stress can also affect your experience of pain, Reflexology may reduce pain by reducing stressand improving mood. (my notes in school)

The human body creates a "vital energy" . If stress is not placed under control, it can lead to congestion of energy, which in turn causes bodily inefficiencies, which can lead to illness. Reflexology helps keep the energy flowing.



Zone Theory?

The body is divided into 10 vertical zones. Each zone corresponds to fingers and toes all the way up to the top of the head. What do you mean?  if you are standing up with your hands on your thighs (palms facing down) the thumbs and great toe would be zone 1. On either side of the body, the index finger and second toe would be zone 2, etc.

Every organ, valve, muscle, etc. that lies within a zone can be accessed via a point or area on the feet or hands. What do you mean?  Working between toes 2 and 3, or fingers 2 and 3, the eye point is found. These pathways between pressure points and other parts of the body are thought to be connected via the nervous system

The zones are similar to, but not the same as meredians found in Chinese medicine