Is a complementary therapy, intended for use alongside conventional medical care and not as a replacement. It is the practice of stimulating nerves on the feet, hands and ears, to supposedly encourage a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or to try to improve general health. Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, moving on to the hands and/or ears where physical restraints (contraindications), such as verrucas or fractures, apply.
Reflexology practitioners do not advance a unified theory of their discipline. All practitioners believe that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that reflexology assists the self-healing process. Some practitioners believe these zones reflect energy (Qi), and that blockages of energy in the body are reflected through “grit” or “lumps” on the foot.
Reflexology does not seek to diagnose or cure medical conditions, instead practitioners focus on imbalances in the life energy or Qi of the body. There are concerns over the efficacy of this treatment, and about the safety of using such a therapy instead of conventional medicine, which have resulted in studies to investigate reflexology.

How does reflexology work?

There are many theories but in our approach we look at the nervous system as the explanation of reflexology’s working.
Pressure applied to the feet generates a signal through the peripheral nervous system. From there it enters the central nervous system where it is processed in various parts of the brain. It is then relayed to the internal organs to allocate the necessary adjustments in fuel and oxygen, Finally a response is fashioned that is sent onto the motor system.
This message is feed forward to adjust the body’s tone or overall tension level. If applied properly the tone will reset itself to a lower operating tempo. A lower operating tempo means a lessening of stress and less wear and tear on the body’s systems.

What happens when I go for treatment?

On the first visit, the reflexology practitioner will have a preliminary talk with you to determine your present and past health and lifestyle.
The reflexologist will then use their hands to apply pressure to the feet. The application and the effect of the therapy is unique to each person.
A professionally trained reflexologist can detect subtle changes in specific points on the feet, and by working on these points may affect the corresponding organ or system of the body.
A treatment session usually lasts for about one hour. A course of treatment may be recommended depending on your body’s needs.

Benefits of reflexology

In general terms the benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body’s equilibrium.
Whether reflexology can benefit certain conditions and diseases in still under investigation. Further scientific study need to be done in order to come to some definite benefits of reflexology in regard to illness and disease.
Reflexology is a complement to standard medical care. It should not be construed as medical advice. It should not be a replacement to medical help. Please use it wisely. We care about your safety.

Myths

There are many myths about reflexology. They can have harmful effects because, just like rumors, they always seem to have a willing audience. Here are some of the worst ones:

Myth: Reflexology is not safe for babies.

Fact: Not true. Reflexology is safe for EVERYONE! In fact, children love to have their feet worked on because they can experience the immediate and actual pleasure of it. Light pressure is used on the feet of infants, and has even been known to relieve colic. The techniques must be adapted to tiny feet. In general, babies enjoy and benefit from very light pressure on the bottoms of their feet.

Myth: Reflexology is not safe for pregnant women.

Fact: Not true. If the fear is of miscarriage, reflexology can only HELP the body seek its own equilibrium. A miscarriage is a reaction of the body, NOT a reaction to reflexology. Under no circumstances has reflexology ever been shown to have caused the body to do something it didn’t want to do.

Myth: Reflexology is not safe for diabetics.

Fact: Not true. Insulin shock is the result of improper treatment of diabetes. It is NOT the result of, nor does it have any connection with reflexology treatments. A person who is diabetic has a serious health problem which requires constant attention. Reflexology can and should be used with diabetics as well as with any ill person to help restore homeostasis.

Contraindications

As with any physical treatment, there are some conditions that could prevent a practitioner from treating a client.
Clients should avoid reflexology if they suffer from:

  • Recent or healing fractures
  • Unhealed wounds
  • Active gout

Clients should seek medical advice before a treatment in the case of the following:

  • Osteoarthritis affecting the ankle or foot
  • Severe circulation problems in the legs or feet
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Presence of a pacemaker
  • Unstable blood pressure
  • Cancer
  • Active infections
  • Syncope
  • Mental illness
  • Gallstones or kidney stones
  • Pregnancy
  • Epilepsy

Precautions

  • Avoid use for one hour after meals.
  • Within 30 minutes after massage, you should drink at least 500 cc (cubic centimeters) of warm water; in cases of kidney or heart disease, you should drink no more than 150 cc of water.
  • Do not apply heavy pressure to bones.
  • In case of serious heart conditions, diabetes, or kidney problems, use at any time should be restricted to under 10 minutes.
  • In case of epilepsy, heart conditions, or high blood pressure, a physician should be consulted.
  • If after use of the massage board for a period of time, do not feel alarmed if an ailment seems to worsen or the mouth feels dry. This is normal, especially in the case of inflammation or rheumatism and will pass shortly.

Sources: Wikipedia, Reflexology

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