The Art and Practice of Reflexology

Reflexology is the practice of foot and hand massage where it helps release stress, heals the body and allows it to regenerate. It is believed that reflexology works with the central nervous system.

The reflexology practitioner applies pressure to the feet, hands or ears that sends a calming message from the peripheral nerves in these extremities to the central nervous system. This sends signals the body to adjust downward the tension level. Reflexology enhances overall relaxation, brings internal organs and their systems into a state of optimum functioning and increases blood supply. Reflexology also has a positive effect on the circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, immune, neuropeptide systems.

The history of reflexology has evolved down through history since 2330 BCE in Egypt, 204 BCE in China and 690 CE in Japan. In the Western part of the world, the concept grew in the 19^th century based on research into the nervous system and how reflexes work.

There are many theories on how reflexology works. There are pressure sensors in the hand and in the feet that are part of our body’s reflexive response. Those reflexes are trained to react to danger when necessary. When there is danger our feet and hands tense as we prepare to fight to defend or run to save ourselves.

Reflexology is applied to only two parts of the body; the hands and the feet. Some think it is possible to apply reflexology to the ears, but this has not been proven to be as effective.

Reflexology is applied specifically to the hands and the feet using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques. The motion is done as a stretching motion as to relax the feet and hands. In the traditional method of reflexology, there are no creams, lotions or oils that are used.

There are charts that are followed when practicing reflexology. The feet and hands are highlighted on the charts. Left foot and hand reflects the left side of the body, and the right foot and hand depict the right side of the body. The spine runs down the inside of the feet and hand with reflex areas for the arm and shoulder that are reflected towards the outside of the foot or hand.

The toes and the fingers are the head and neck reflexes, the ball and the feet reflects the chest and upper back as well as the heart and lungs.

Reflexology is normally performed by a just about anyone knows correctly how to do it. Anyone from parents to doctors to cosmetologists to nurses can perform reflexology. Reflexology sessions last from 30 minutes to an hour. The only things that have to be removed are the shoes and socks. You will sit either on a lounge-type chair or lie on a table. At the end of the session, people report feeling more relaxed and upbeat.

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