By Eva Diva
Reflexology is a form of complementary therapy that involves treating the body through the feet. It is based on the premise that there are reflex areas in the feet that relate to all the body parts and that therefore the whole body can be treated through the feet.
The arrangement of these reflex areas is such that a map of the body is described on the foot, with the right foot corresponding to the right side of the body and the left foot to the left side of the body.
It is a practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilising specific thumb, finger and hand techniques. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work affects a physical change in the body.
A system of longitudinal energy zones is believed to provide the link between the reflex areas and the body parts.
The body is divided into ten zones, with each zone linking the fingers up to the head and down the body to the toes. During a reflexology treatment, massage using the side and tip of the thumb will be used on each of the reflex areas. A firm but not heavy pressure is applied to the area, then the pressure is held for a moment or so before being released.
If the part of the body corresponding to the reflex area is out of balance, a degree of tenderness will be felt in the foot when pressure is applied. In some areas there may be a sharp feeling and in others a slight pain.
Reclining position
Treatment to all of the reflex areas in both feet will take about one hour and during this time, the patient will be sitting in a comfortable, reclining position with the feet raised. Thus, an additional benefit of treatment is the relaxation effect.
However, a wide range of disorders can be helped by reflexology, including migraines, sinus congestion, backache, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, and circulatory problems.
Reflexology does not claim to cure all disorders, but there are many instances where treatment can be of great benefit. If the correct technique and pressure are used, treatment will not do any harm and there are few cases when reflexology treatment is not appropriate.
With regular treatment, it is possible in some instances for certain healing reactions to occur, such as streaming nose (if there is sinus congestion) or increased bowel and bladder activity.
Feel tired
These reactions will only be short-term and will occur only after the first few treatments. After treatment, many people feel tired, though others may feel quite energised, while others report how well they sleep.
For most conditions, a course of treatment is required, typically once a week for between three and six weeks. After three treatments, some response should be seen. In some cases there may already be great improvement, whereas in others it may take longer.
In many cases, people have a course of treatment from which they benefit and then decide to continue at intervals of, for example, every four or six weeks to maintain good health.
Reflexology treatment is suitable for people of both sexes and all ages. There are few who do not feel the benefits either on a physical or on an emotional level. However, it is worth a try for a general overall sense of wellbeing.
