Many people are enjoying the benefits of reflexology. Find out about the history, theory and benefits of this calming and soothing technique.
Reflexology is the practice of using soothing and calming pressure and massage to the feet and hands. The central theory to reflexology is that specific areas in the feet and hands correspond to explicit areas and organs of the body. Stimulation of these areas is believed to relieve stress in that area of the body and promote harmony and balance, restoring the person to health.
The Theory of Reflexology
Reflexology utilizes a systematic map of the hands and feet to target the areas to be worked. Each foot and hand is associated with a vertical half on the body. For example, the liver is located on the right side of the body, so the reflex for the liver is located in the right foot. This principle closely parallels what is known from biologic study of the human nervous system in Western medicine.
Pressure sensors in the body’s feet and hands are a part of the reflex system that makes the stress adapting ‘fight or flight’ response to danger possible. Feet that are primed to flee and hands that are poised for fight communicate a stressor to the body’s internal organs. The adrenal glands respond to the danger by pumping out chemicals and hormones that make the human body better equipped to meet the challenge. Reflexology targets this reflex network that is continually primed for the fight or flight response by the everyday stress of our hectic lives. Pressure is applied to these areas using the fingers, and hands. A feeling of calm and peace is communicated to the internal organs interrupting the ‘flight or fight’ response thus restoring the chemical and hormonal balance of the body. This allows the internal organs to rest.
The History of Reflexology
The origins of reflexology date to ancient times. There are pictures depicting reflexology on the tombs of the Pharos and on statues of Buddha in India and China. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine is one of the oldest written works that mentions reflexology. In addition, it is believed that Marco Polo translated a Chinese work into Italian and introduced reflexology to Europe. Published work on Zone Therapy-a forerunner of modern reflexology- was published in Europe in 1582.
Benefits of Reflexology
Conditions for which reflexology has been employed include but are not limited to: migraine headache, hypertension, pain including myofascial pain, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and anxiety disorders. Persons who should not use reflexology include persons who have had the recent removal of malignancies, and persons who have any type of wound to the foot. Persons who have altered sensation in the feet should use reflexology with extreme caution as pain can be a symptom of injury and pain sensations may not be perceived as well as those of a normal individual.
Although scientific studies involving reflexology are few, many people have been helped by the technique. It is a non-invasive approach that has led to reduced sick leave and absenteeism in Denmark. Reflexology is becoming more popular both as a preventative measure and as a complement to other forms of medicine.
Please note: This information is for educational purposes only. The information in this article is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.