Definition of Reflexology
Benefits of Reflexology
How Does Reflexology Work?
History of Reflexology
Reflexology Foot Exercises
Definition of Reflexology
Reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet, hands and ears, which correspond to all body parts. The physical act of applying specific pressures using thumb, finger and hand techniques result in stress reduction that causes a physiological change in the body.
Massage works from the outside in, reflexology works from the inside out.
The American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) defines reflexology as a non-invasive, complementary modality involving thumb and finger techniques to apply alternating pressure to reflexes shown on reflex maps of the body located on the feet, hands, and outer ears.
Some Benefits as reported through studies and/or client testimonials:
- Stress Reduction
- Deep Relaxation
- Increased Circulation
- Pain Reduction or Elimination
- Accelerated Self-healing
- Restored Healthy Internal Balance
- Revitalized Energy
- Increased Sense of Well-being
- Stimulates creativity and productivity
- Reduces or prevents foot pain
- Cleanses the body of toxins and impurities
- Lowers high blood pressure
- Helps resolve fertility issues
Reflexology is a non-invasive natural therapy that relaxes the body and is essentially harmless. On rare occasions, release of toxins as a result of the body's natural healing process may result in symptoms such as perspiration, nausea, diarrhea, or headaches, however these symptoms are temporary and not serious. If a person is highly toxic (drug or alcohol use or chemo treatment) the reflexologist should be informed, then treatment can be varied so the client does not have discomfort from massive detoxification.
How does it work?
There are many theories about how Reflexology works, but the most commonly held belief is that Reflexology acts to relax those reflexes that in turn are connected to various parts of the body, improving lymphatic drainage and circulation as well as relaxing muscles and stimulating nerve connections. It has been documented that stress causes up to or more than 75% of all illness, by relaxing the client Reflexology prevents and heals damage from stress.
Reflexology works with Zones and it is believed that by "clearing" the zones in the foot, hands and/or ears with reflexology you allow energy flow to any blocked area and healing occurs.
Nerve ending can become calcified and therefore dysfunctional. Through reflexology you can "break up" this calcification and reestablish communication in the body.
Reflexology also works through communication of the nervous system. There are over 7200 nerve ending in each foot, stimulating these nerves has a huge impact on the entire body. By applying calm, healing touch to the feet, hands and ears the entire body can relax and be soothed.
History
The practice of Reflexology may have a long history stemming from the distant past. For instance, in Egypt, in the physician's tomb (2300 BC) there can be found a pictograph, which may be evidence of Reflexology being applied. In Asia, several examples also have been cited including a statue of the Buddha's foot depicting a map of corresponding areas of the body.
Modern Reflexology is based on the work of two American physicians, Dr. William Fitzgerald and Dr. Joe Shelby Riley of the 1920's. Together they experimented with dividing the foot into vertical and horizontal planes and linking sections to body areas. Eunice D. Ingham, a physiotherapist, worked closely with Dr's Fitzgerald and Riley and developed their knowledge into a usable therapy and reflexology map. Eunice Ingham was responsible for teaching groups of people her method of Reflexology in the late 1930's through the early 70's. She started a grassroots following of individuals helping others with Reflexology in the US, and you can still learn her original work at the International Institute of Reflexology.
Foot Exercises
The 4 Most important ways to move your foot are:
- Ankle circles slowly rotate the ankle in both directions 10-15 times. Ankle circles stretch and strengthen all the major muscles that move your foot and will release tension from over use, standing, exercise, and lack of use (sitting).
- Point and flex slowly point your foot as much as you can, gently hold this extreme for 2 seconds, release and flex your foot as much as you can, again hold at this point for 2 second and repeat 10-15 times per foot. If you find yourself starting to cramp gently ease off and reverse movement and the next round do not go to such an extreme.
- Inversion and eversion slowly rotate the arch of the foot towards your head hold this movement for 2 seconds and reverse so the arch faces away. I like to call this one "conducting the orchestra" as the movement in the foot resembles arm movements used in conducting. Again repeat this exercise 10-15 times and if your foot is starting to cramp gently ease off and reverse the movement.
- Calf Stretching the easiest calf stretch leaning against the wall put one leg back until you have a nice stretch in your calf muscles. Another option could be holding on to the railing of the stairs drop the back half of the foot off the stair and allow calf muscles to stretch hold for 10 second then raise up on to your tippy toes to reset the muscles and slowly drop down again into a stretch. Repeat this process slowly moving in and out of active stretch 5-10 times. An easy way to integrate this into your daily life is to stretch while brushing teeth or cooking or when walking do a couple of stretches on the stairs or at the curb while waiting for the light.
If you experience cramping in any or all of these stretches this is an indication that the muscles in your feet are weak and need exercise. Please reduce the number of repetitions you do of each exercise and instead cut out 2 minutes 4-6 times a day to do spend 30 seconds doing each one 3-5 times each.
If you are experiencing Plantar Fasciitis please do the first three exercises in bed before stepping on the foot, this will wake up the plantar fascia and make your first steps less painful. Please also do the calf stretches as many times a day as you can remember.