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Reflexology
Reflexology focuses on applying pressure and massage to pressure points in the hands and feet, to heal various parts of the body. There are meridian lines that travel through the human body and the pressure points in the feet and hands associate with various organ systems. By massaging and triggering the pressure points in the feet and hands, the associated organs are cleared of blocked "chi" energy and healing can begin.
Reflexology is an excellent whole body system and can be used as a curative or preventative measure. It is particularly useful for:
- Most chronic and acute illnesses
- Asthma
- Sinusitis
- Circulatory disorders
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- PMT
- Menstrual problems
- Migraine
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Wound healing
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Emotional disorders
- Stress and related disorders
How does it work?
Reflexology involves stimulating, massaging and applying pressure to points on the hands or feet that correspond to various systems and organs throughout the body, to stimulate the body's own healing system. The points are called reflex points and each point corresponds to a different body part or function.
Reflexologists believe that the body is divided into ten vertical zones or channels, five on the left and five on the right. Each zone runs from the head to the reflex areas on the hands and feet and from the front through to the back of the body.
All body parts within any zone are linked by the nerve pathways and are mirrored in the corresponding reflex zone on the hands or feet.
By applying pressure to a reflex point the therapist can stimulate or rebalance the energy, called Chi in Eastern disciplines, in the related zone and release vital energy that might be blocked somewhere in that zone.
Experiences
The practitioner will initially ask you about your past and present health and your lifestyle.
Most practitioners prefer to work on the foot, but the hand may be used if preferable to the patient.
If using the feet, you will be asked to take off your footwear and relax on a reclining chair or couch with your feet raised.
The practitioner will examine your feet for indications of existing or potential health problems. He or she will stimulate the reflex points all over your foot, watching for any signs of pain or tenderness. This is caused by crystalline deposits beneath the skin and indicates to the practitioner imbalance in the corresponding area of the body. The greater the tenderness, the greater the imbalance.
Massage of the tender areas is then undertaken, to break down the deposits beneath the skin and restore free energy flow.
Ticklishness is not usually a problem.
Side effects
There may be a healing crisis such as a cough or a rash. Practitioners believe this occurs when the body's natural healing mechanisms remove toxins.
Duration and number of sessions
A treatment usually lasts 45 - 60 minutes.
Treatment varies according to the problem, its severity and how long you have had it, but may be weekly over several months.
Many people continue to have treatment after the original problem is solved, in order to keep the body balanced.
Safety issues
- Safe for every age group.
- Safe for every level of health.
- You should make the therapist aware of any existing medical condition.
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