Reflexology

Reflexology - An Effectual Alternative Treatment And Home Remedy

Introduction:

“Reflexology is an alternative therapy” that is performed to promote healing and revive the body’s balance as well as stimulates the lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, endocrine and immunity systems. A reflexologist applies pressure to a reflex point, which initiates a signal through the nervous system for the body to heal.

Origin:

The actual origin of Reflexology is unknown, but facts divulge that it was used in Egypt around 2300 B.C. It was also a prevalent practice in China, India and Japan at that time. This therapy was employed by Native Americans in conjunction with other medicinal treatments. This form of treatment got integrated into Western healthcare as an alternative remedy in the 20th century when Eunice Ingham mapped the reflex points or zones network based on the pragmatic evidence in the 1930s.

Belief:

Reflexologists believe that by massaging and arousing specific reflex points the circulation of the oxygen and nutrients get distributed evenly all over the body. This also helps in eliminating toxic materials and purges the body from harmful waste products, thereby enhancing energy and overall wellbeing.

How Does Reflexology Work:

Reflexology operates on the theory that by applying pressure to specific reflex points on the hand and/or foot, the body’s balance can be reinstated. This bodily action takes place by transporting messages via the 7,200 nerves that forms in the reflex points in the feet. The therapy aims to recondition the nerves to convey signals to different parts of the body. It seeks to influence the body to mend and cure itself.

How Is It Performed:

The patient is made to feel relaxed while various parts of his feet or hands are pressed. The reflexologist touches and massages those areas for a specific amount of time to transfer signals to the body to calm a particular body part or organ. This increases the lymphatic, nerve and blood supply to that region, which aids healing in that area of the body.

The therapy sessions last approximately 45 minutes or an hour and due to the benefit and popularity of this technique, it is now offered at health centers and spas.

Reflexology Maps:

A vital tool used by the reflexologist is a map that reveals all the reflex points on the feet as well as their corresponding body parts. For instance, the ball and toes of the foot correspond with the top section of the body, which includes the brain, head, ears, vertebrae and thyroid gland. Applying pressure in the head reflex region may assist a patient with a headache. A simplistic account of the map is that moving from the toes towards the heel is the same as moving from the upper portion of the body to the lower.

Scientific Evidence:

There are very few scientific evidences to support claims for illnesses that reflexology can help. However, Doctors admit that massaging the foot muscles encourages free circulation of blood which in turn helps to dispense oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and exterminate waste products.

Famous People Who Used/Uses Reflexology:

Famous personalities who have used this age old technique are Cleopatra and Marc Antony, Regis Phillbin, Jackie Chan and James Hetfield, guitarist and lead singer of Metallica. It was also reported by a British tabloid that Princess Diana underwent regular sessions of Reflexology.

Reflexology As Alternative Treatment And Home Remedy:

• Eases The Stress - When tensed our body become more vulnerable to infections and diseases. American Medical Association states that around 85% of sickness is contributed by stress. Reflexology decreases strain and helps the body regain its balance and allows self-healing. So, when the reflexology massage begins, the sense of relaxation seeps in.

• Arouses Nerve Function – the therapy inspires more than 7,000 nerves of the feet and supports the opening as well as clearing of neural pathways. The therapy disrupts pain along the path and eases the pain.

• Enhances Blood Circulation - Blood needs to circulate freely to the whole body to transmit nutrients and oxygen to the cells and get rid of the metabolic wastes and toxins. Several studies confirm that reflexology augments blood circulation to the feet, kidneys, brain and intestine because it aids to relax the overall body that includes cardiovascular system and thus it helps to pump blood easily and naturally.

• Offers Better Immune Power - Reflexology triggers the lymphatic system and by doing so it reduces the threat for illness. It also eradicates toxins and prompts the production of endorphins, resulting in a hike in immunity power and sense of wellbeing.

• Boost The Energy Level – the therapy regenerates energy all through the body by invigorating and comforting energy pathways.

• Helps Post-operative Recovery – the therapy helps in fast recovery post surgery by decreasing pain and assist in minimizing the use of analgesic.

• Helps In Pregnancy And Delivery – pregnant ladies who received this therapy had to undergo shorter labor time as compared to others. Additionally, there is a constructive impact on post-partum nervousness, depression, urination and bowel movements.

This soothing massage may offer relief from a huge variety of both chronic and acute conditions. Reflexology has proven to be effectual in situation such as:

Allergies, asthma, arthritis, back pains, hypertension, acid reflux, constipation, bowel disorders, eczema, chest congestion, stiff shoulder, menstrual cramps, gynecological issues, insomnia, muscle pull, knee pains, neck strain, hormonal imbalance, respiratory disorders, sinus, thyroid problems, stress and many more.

Reflexology acts effectively in conjunction with the mainstream medicines that are meant for several diseases.

Side Effects:

Reflexology is usually esteemed to be a secure healing method; however, in some situations people have experienced cold or flu-like symptoms. Yawning, fatigue, runny nose caused by sinus congestion or mucus secretion as the bronchial channel clears, feeling lightheaded, tingling or pins and needles sensation in the feet are some of the common side effects. However, these side effects typically imply that the body is positively responding to the therapy.

Side effects generally do not persist for more than 24 hours, but in rare cases, individuals may experience mild uneasiness for a few days. Side effects are at times worse after the second treatment when pressure is reapplied to the tender points.

However, if the symptoms begin to worsen or if you observe a new symptom, report them to your physician as well as reflexologist immediately.

Who Should Avoid Reflexology:

Cancer patients whose cancer spreads to the bones develop an augmented risk of fracture when pressure is applied on region weakened due to cancer. Pregnant women should not receive this therapy during the initial three months of pregnancy. Besides, individuals who have low platelet counts must avoid this treatment, as they are more likely to be bruised due to pressure.

To conclude, Reflexology has gained immense reputation all over the world and when performed accurately it can be extremely beneficial.