Have you ever heard of Reflexology? Or that the nerve endings in our feet are connected to our body? Well, this practice goes beyond just foot massages. It’s all about finding our own better selves and our overall wellness.
Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary therapy. I’ve tried it, and I highly recommend it. That’s why, if you want to learn more about this practice, stay tuned—I’m going to tell you everything about it.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is basically a study of how one part of the human body relates to another part of the body. Reflexology practitioners rely on the reflexes map of the feet and hands to all the internal organs and other human body parts. They believe that by applying the appropriate pressure and massaging certain spots on the feet and hands, all other body parts could be energized and rejuvenated.
The idea behind this practice is not new – in fact, it was practiced as early as 2330 B.C. by the Egyptian culture. Reflexology as we know it today was first researched and developed by Eunice Ingham, the pioneer of this field. Her first book on the subject was published in 1938. And since 1942, Reflexology workshops have been conducted year-round.
It is an alternative therapy to the Western ones we are familiar with—a different way of understanding our body and how it functions. What’s interesting is that it not only addresses our physical ailments but also our mental ones. It’s fascinating to understand how our emotions impact our physical health as well. Reflexology helps us bring this to light.
How Does it Work?
This alternative therapy involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet. These points, known as reflex areas, correspond to different organs and systems in the body. The practice is based on the idea that by stimulating these points, energy flow can be restored and balance can be achieved in the body. It aims to promote relaxation, reduce stress, alleviate pain, and support overall health by encouraging the body’s natural healing processes. It is often used as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments for a holistic approach to well-being.
This is really important: the nature of reflexology doesn’t allow the treatment of specific conditions. Although, reflexology therapists are able to specialize, through experience and/or training, to work with specific client groups. Here are some of the main reflexology protocols that reflexology therapists may be trained in:
- Emotional Reflexology
- Fertility Reflexology
- Lymphatic Drainage Reflexology
- Maternity Reflexology
- Menopause Reflexology
- Oncology Reflexology
The Foot Map
When I first went to a reflexology session, I couldn’t believe what was happening in my body. Every point the therapist touched on my foot was reflected in organs and parts of my physical body. There were even areas that hurt a lot due to illnesses I have. At first, the sessions were tough because I was coming from an emotionally challenging time. But then, the discomfort faded, and everything started to improve.
It’s incredible how a massage on your toe, for example, can be felt in your neck. And the positive thing about this is that it can help you prevent illnesses, but it also helps you relax. Every point on our foot reflects a part of our body—from the stomach to our throat, mouth, colon, and all parts of our body.
“The reflexology map shows us the areas of the foot that correspond with both internal and external areas of the body. By working an area of the foot reflexology chart with our thumbs, we stimulate the corresponding organ, gland or other body parts”, says Gabriella Kovalenko.
Next, we present the famous “Foot Map,” the map of our feet that shows all the nerve endings connected to our body:
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What Are the Benefits of Reflexology?
I believe that seeking alternative therapies to achieve our well-being is an important step. I know that for a long time they were hidden and overlooked, and the fact that they’re starting to gain attention is something positive. Reflexology helps us prevent potential illnesses and emotional states. It also helps us maintain a balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, in a study funded by the National Cancer Institute, women with advanced breast cancer who received reflexology treatments showed improvement in a few symptoms, such as shortness of breath, but not others, such as nausea or pain. In this study, reflexology was safe even for the most fragile patients.
Benefits Frequently Experienced
- Stress reduction
- Relaxation
- Pain management
- Improved body function
- Sustained strength and increased wellness
How Do I Know if I Need Reflexology?
Reflexology helps to normalize body functions. A Reflexology session relaxes the stress that can affect your health. It is a non-invasive therapy, so anyone can try it. If you have any physical pain you’d like to address and Western medicine hasn’t worked for you, maybe reflexology is the right choice for you.
We’ve already discussed why a holistic approach to health matters. That is, thinking of our body, mind, and soul as part of the same system. That’s why, no matter what motivates you to try reflexology, it’s that call you should pay attention to.
Typical Session:
- Approximately 60 minutes.
- Only footwear is removed.
- Received in reclining chair or on massage table.
- Performed on feet (if it’s Feet Reflexology).
If you’d like to learn more, there are many evidence-based studies to substantiate the claims clients make of reflexology. Check them here.
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