What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is More Than a Foot Massage...
Reflexology should not be confused with massage. While they each have their own strength, they are two different modalities. Both involve the use of the hands to apply their techniques...the goal with both modalities is to enhance the well being of the client...but Reflexology is more than a foot massage and is often recommended by medical doctors,osteopathic physicians, podiatrists, and chiropractors.
Did you know each foot is made up of:
28 bones , 19 muscles, 107 ligaments, 31 tendons,30 joints
12,000 sweat glands, 3 arches, yards and yards of blood vessels
and approximately 7,200 nerve reflexes?
While the feet are the largest mass of energy in the whole body, they are also farthest away from the heart. When circulation stagnates, toxins such as uric acid become trapped and calcium crystals form. Reflexology easily detects these very sensitive areas in the feet and works to break up this "congestion" so circulation is improved and can help the body begin to normalize itself.
How Reflexology Works?
Reflexology is a natural, non-invasive healing art that is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears that correspond to every part of the body. The physical image of the body is mapped onto the feet in a logical, anatomical pattern: the toes represent the head, the ball of the foot corresponds to the internal organs and the heel of the foot corresponds to the pelvic region in our body.
Similar maps of reflexes are found on the ears or the hands as well. Through application of pressure on these reflexes - with hands only-Reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation, opens the flow in blocked nerves and helps promote the natural functioning and healing of the body. Reflexology does not diagnose or prescribe. The whole body is treated rather than a specific condition.
Essentially, Reflexology helps to balance the physical, mental and emotional aspects of your whole body. If an organ or gland is under active or overactive, Reflexology can help return it to a normal level.
How Can Reflexology Help You?
The body has the ability to heal itself. Following illness, stress, injury or disease, it is in a state of "imbalance" and vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. When one part of the body is not functioning well, the effect is felt throughout the entire system. Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body's natural balance and encourage healing.
For each person, the application and the effect of the therapy are unique. Sensitive,well trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet and by working on these points the Reflexologist can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased and circulation and elimination are improved. This gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself at its own pace, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse.
Benefits of Reflexology
The following systems are enhanced by Reflexology:
- Cardiovascular
- Urinary
- Digestive
- Nervous
- Lymphatic
- Muscular
- Skeletal
- Endocrine
- Reproductive
Reflexology:
- Induces a deep sense of relaxation
- Relieves stress and tension
- Encourages the body to heal itself
- Improves circulation
- Balances blood pressure
- Creates an incredible feeling of well-being
- Gives more confidence
- Deepens sleep and reduces insomnia
- Eases aches and pains by relaxing the musculature
- Improves mobility of joints
- Eases headaches
- Detoxifies and cleanses the body of impurities and toxins
- Balances hormones
- Improves condition and tone of the skin
- Relieves indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive orders
- Slows and deepens breathing
- Encourages expulsion of mucus
- Helps urinary problems such as cystitis
- Prevents illnesses from occurring
- Stimulates mental function and helps concentration
- Calms overactivity or stimulates underactivity in any part of the body
- Increases healing and reduce recovery time
- Stimulates metabolism
What Happens in a Reflexology Session?
The client is in a comfortable position in a zero gravity chair. The Reflexologist will work on the feet and the session usually lasts for 60 minutes. Many times the client will feel more relaxed than they have felt in a long time. Many clients state they sleep much deeper for about a week after a session. It is encouraged to drink alot of water after your treatment and if possible to soak in epsom salts as this assists in the treatment.
Beginning with the right side , all reflex points on both sides are stimulated as the body is considered to be a whole unit.
If this is your first treatment it will generally take an additional 20 minutes as you will need to complete a Health Record which is kept confidential.
Reflexology is safe for everyone, although pressure and length of session may vary for babies, the aged or the extremely ill.
