Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Reflexology is known to promote balance, circulation and relaxation. It works through the nervous, electrical, magnetic and chemical systems of the body promoting homeostasis for Mind, Body and Soul.
In reflexology, the practitioner uses specific thumb and finger techniques to access points on the feet (hands and ears) that in turn provoke a response/reflex in the body. These points have been mapped on the feet in the past by many different cultures. The United States’ own Eunice Ingham is known as the founder of foot reflexology because of her thorough work in mapping these reflexes. There are various theories about how and why reflexology works. The further our study takes us into the workings of the body the more ‘a-ha’s’ we experience in our understanding of this miracle we call life.
It has been shown that many people experience great benefits from reflexology. This gentle therapy encourages the body to treat itself at its own pace, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse. Reflexology works on the causes of our dis-ease, not the symptoms. One may have a session hoping for certain results only to find release and renewal in other areas first.
As a holistic complement in today’s health care, reflexology is believed to:
- Sooth nerve endings
- Promote relaxation and reduce stress
- Promote balance and normal body functioning
- Promote pain control
- Cleanse toxins from the body
- Improve circulation
- Improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells
- Improve chemical function
- Promote a sense of well being.
From a practical, immediate standpoint, reflexology has a lot to offer people suffering from feet/hand problems. The stretching, flexibility techniques and thumb/finger movements can bring relief from many problems. Many diabetic people benefit from regular work on their feet – to help the numbness and poor circulation they may experience. The elderly may gain greater stability as reflexology can loosen tight feet and provide a sense of connection to the ground.
Not only are we stimulating the physical body to heal itself, we are opening portals to the mental and emotional life that allow the individual to release old outdated, and possibly harmful patterns and make room for new and healthy ways. All this happens over time and the reflexology practitioner follows the unique map laid out on each person. Each session ‘finds’ new sensitivities as we work together to peel back the layers of the proverbial ‘onion’. The reflexologist serves as a facilitator as each person does his/her own work.