What is Reflexology?
As the name implies Reflexology activates the body’s reflexes. Mostly this is focused on the feet. as Reflexologists apply a form of very specific and skilled foot “massage”.
This “massage” technique stimulates the nerve endings in the feet and sends signals along the nerve pathways to the central nervous system where they are processed and filtered to the corresponding part of the body or organ being worked on.
By clearing the nerve pathways of congestion it may help restore the free flow of ‘energy circulation’ within and around the body. This realigns mind body and spirit to a state of wellbeing and harmony. Reflexology is a natural non invasive and holistic therapy that is well established and respected in the field of complementary medicine. It is also now being increasingly used alongside treatments in conventional medicine.
Reflexology has a long history originally dating back to Ancient Egypt, India and China. Reflexology was introduced to the modern Western world as “Zone Therapy” by Dr William Fitzgerald (USA) in 1913, and further developed by the pioneer of Reflexology Eunice Ingham (USA) in 1930 (For further information see HISTORY OF REFLEXOLOGY section).
Reflexology helps restore balance and well-being by activating the body’s own healing processes.
THE FEET ARE A MIRROR OF THE BODY
How does reflexology work?
Reflexologists believe that the feet are the mirror of the human body. Different parts of the feet are thought to correspond to different organs, glands, and other key areas of the body.
Reflexologists feel the patient’s feet with their fingers and thumbs. Energy blockages and tensions in the reflex arc can be felt by the skilled Reflexologist. This is usually a pleasant sensation for the client, though it can sometimes locate tender areas. In turn this signifies the need for further reflex work. The Reflexologist then applies gentle but firm pressure with fingers and thumbs to ease areas of tension and alleviate congestion.
The effects are felt not only on the foot, but more importantly in the corresponding major bodily organ. In this way the foot can be used to remotely activate healing processes in other vital bodily organs. Reflexology can help to re-balance the systems of the body as well as reproduction issues.
This therapy may bring relief from a wide range of illness, and has been shown to be effective for:
- INFERTILITY
- HORMONAL IMBALANCES
- MIGRAINE
- STRESS RELATED CONDITIONS
- SLEEP DISORDERS
- BACK PAIN
- DIGESTIVE DISORDERS
- ARTHRITIS
(Source of Information: ASSOCIATION OF REFLEXOLOGISTS March 2006)
How I work with reflexology
As in any other area of knowledge, there are a number of different theories and schools of thought as to how it works.
See for example:
- Booth, L. (2000) Vertical Reflexology Piatkus (Publishers) Ltd
- Dougans, I (1996) Complete Illustrated Guide to Reflexology Element Books Ltd
- Dougans, I (2005) Reflexology, the 5 elements and their 12 meridians Thorsons
- Stormer, C(1995) Language of the Feet, What feet can tell you Bookpoint Ltd Abingdon Oxon
- Williamson, J (1999) Precision Reflexology ISBN 1-85642-176-7 Available from Amazon
Here are some of my own views:
I apply a skilled treatment to the feet so that all organs, glands, and systems of the body are covered, including the hormone and reproductive areas regarding infertility cases.
For Fertility Reflexology this obviously becomes the central focus of my work.
Most importantly I use my intuitive skills to tune into the whole person so that the most effective reflexology technique and other complementary treatments can be blended to best suit my client’s needs
I believe I am able to channel a healing energy to various parts of the body while working on the feet. This helps to amplify the treatment, and has a profound effect on the mind body and spirit.
My training, experience, and intuitive perceptions enable me to identify those parts of the body most in need of balancing. By tapping into the meridians (energy pathways of the body - *see chart) reflexology offers gentle but powerful treatment.
I always apply a gentle touch as I believe the treatment reaches a deeper level if my client is completely relaxed and free of stress.
‘The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious’…..……Albert Einstein