Reflexology
Reflexology involves massage of the feet or sometimes the hands, and this has shown to have benefits on other areas of the body.
Reflexology has been shown to provide an energy boost.
Reflexology is performed by practitioners who usually practice on the feet and effects are visible after as low as two sessions.
In rare cases a client may experience a "healing crisis", which may include headaches, nausea and sinus congestion. This is considered by practitioners to be a result of the body clearing its toxins.
History
Reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years in Asia. It was introduced into the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872-1942), an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and accompanied by Dr. Edwin Bowers. At the time, he showed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on another area.
Reflexology was further developed by Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974), a nurse and physiotherapist, in the 1930s and 1940s. Ingham found that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and then mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that "zone therapy" was renamed reflexology, and found to be effective for more than just pain reduction.
Benefits
Short term
During treatment:
1. Feelings of relaxation, comfort, or wellbeing Client may sigh, yawn, or fall asleep - this is often described as surprisingly refreshing.
2. Tiredness.
3. "Tingling" sensations.
4. Reduced body temperature as a result of relaxation.
According to the theories of reflexology, the tingling and tiredness are due to release of built-up toxins and clearing of energy blockages in the body.
After treatment:
1. Reduced stress.
2. Feelings of deep relaxation.
3. Circulation.
4. Induced homeostasis, or the body "being in a dynamic state of balance".
5. Revitalized personal energy.
6. In rare cases a client may experience a "healing crisis", which may include headaches, nausea and sinus congestion. This is considered by practitioners to be a result of the body clearing its toxins, and is unlikely to be disabling or to last more than twenty-four hours. Reflexologists believe this experience is a positive cleansing process, and reassure the client.
Long-term
1. Immune system boost through reduced stress Stress can drain the immune system, leading to more frequent cases of illness and infection. Stress can also cause tension, which can cause neck and shoulder stiffness and headaches. Regular relaxation can help prevent stress and improve the overall functioning of the immune system.
2. Feeling of increased energy.
It is claimed that reflexology opens pathways to renew ourselves and boost our energy level, immediately after treatment and for several days afterwards. It could keep us free from the feeling of lacking motivation, tiredness, and inability to concentrate. Reflexology advocates say that reflexology not only relieves symptoms, but also acts on improvements of our body as a whole.
Citations
Wikipedia,
The Home of Reflexology, Association of Reflexologists,
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