Reflexology is a holistic modality which focuses primarily
on the feet and hands. The 
practice
is based on the theory that there are "reflex" areas on the
feet and hands which correspond to specific organs, glands,
and other important parts of the body.
By applying
pressure to these "reflex" areas on the feet and
hands, congestion is
cleared from the energetic pathways, which allows for
healing and rejuvination. Reflexology may increase
circulation, reduce pain, and enhance the body's healing
cycle.
A typical
session lasts up to one hour. Some areas may be tender (a
sign of congestion), but reflexology is not painful. Your
session will be relaxing overall.
Reflexology is a respected modality recognized by the
National Center for Alternative Medicine (NCAM) and the
American Nurses Association (ANA). It is offered by both the
Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic, two prestigious
leaders in the medical field.
Because
of its non-invasive detoxifying and calming effects,
Reflexology is being embraced by cancer centers and centers
for alternative medicine nation-wide. This healing technique
is being practiced in hospitals, maternity wards, spas,
holistic practices, elderly facilities, hospice, and homes
daily.
*PLEASE NOTIFY
YOUR PRACTITIONER IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR HAVE FOOT ULCERS OR
BLOOD CLOTS.
What maladies can be lessened or relieved utilizing
Reflexology?
Each person is biochemically as well as physiologically
different and responds to Reflexology in his or her own
unique way. For this reason, effects are difficult to
quantify in scientific studies; however, they always prove
beneficial with variable outcomes. Reflexology has been
reported to have impacted the following maladies:
|
·
Angina
·
Ankle Sprain
·
Arrhythmia
·
Arthritis
·
Asthma
·
Aterial Fibrillation
·
Bedwetting
·
Biliary Tract Disease
·
Birth Process
·
Blood Circulation
·
Blood Fat
·
Blood Flow
·
Blood Flow – Inner Organs
·
Blood Oxygen Level
·
Blood Pressure
·
Blood Uric Acid
·
Breast Cancer
·
Breast Feeding
·
Breech Birth
·
Bronchitis
·
Cancer
·
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
·
Cardiopathy
·
Cataracts
·
Central Nervous System
·
Cerebral Cell Death
·
Cerebral Infarction
·
Cerebral Palsy
·
Cerebral Thrombotic Sequelae
·
Cerebral Vascular Thrombosis
·
Chemotherapy
·
Chest Pain
·
Chronic Disorders
·
Climacterium Syndrome
·
Cloasma
·
Colic
·
Colitis
·
Coma
·
Common Cold
·
Concussion
·
Constipation
·
Cortisol
·
Deafness
·
Dementia
·
Diabetes
·
Hordeolum (Styes)
·
Hypertension
·
Hypothryoidism |
·
Infant Neck Trouble
·
Infertility
·
Insomnia
·
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
·
Diarrhea
·
Digestion
·
Drowsiness
·
Drug Addictions
·
Dysmenorrhea
·
Ear Disorders
·
Eczema
·
Epilepsy
·
Facial Chloasma
·
Facial Palsy
·
Free Radicals
·
Gallbladder
·
Gallstones
·
Gastritis
·
Glaucoma
·
Glioma
·
Gonitis (Knee)
·
Gout
·
Gynecological Diseases
·
Gynecological Surgery
·
Handicapped Children
·
Headache
·
Heart Disease Menstruation
·
Menuiere’s Syndrome
·
Migraine
·
Motion Sickness
·
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
·
Muscular Dystrophy
·
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
·
Myasthenia Gravis
·
Myopia
·
Nasal Nerve Block
·
Neonatal Vomiting
·
Nephrotic Syndrome (Kidneys)
·
Neuromusculoskeletal Dysfunction
·
Neurosism
·
Hepatitis B
·
Hernia
·
Herpes
·
Hiccup
·
Kidney Stones
·
Labor
·
Large Intestine
·
Leg Circulation
·
Liver Disease
·
Lumbago |
·
Lumbar Pain Lumbar Sprain
·
Lumbar Vertebrae
·
Lupus
·
Male Sexual Dysfunction
·
Malignant Leg Ulcer
·
Malignant Tumor
·
Mammary Gland
·
Menopause
·
Obesity
·
Opium Addiction
·
Oral Conditions
·
Pain Relief
·
Paralysis
·
Parkinson’s Disease
·
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
·
Pneumonia
·
Prostate
·
Pseudomyopia
·
Psoriasis
·
Psychosis
·
Reflux Esophagitis
·
Respiratory Tract Infection
·
Retardation
·
Rhinitis (Nose)
·
Robinson’s Syndrome (Ears)
·
Sciatica
·
Shoulder Pain
·
Sleep Disorders
·
Soft Tissue Injury
·
Spondylitis –Ankylosing (Spine)
·
Spondylopathy (Spine)
·
Spondylosis (Spine)
·
Sports Recovery Time
·
Sterility
·
Substance Abuse2
·
Tachycardia (Heart)
·
Tennis Elbow
·
Thrombocylopenic Purpura
·
Tinnitus (Ears)
·
Toothache
·
Urinary Bladder
·
Urinary Incontinence
·
Urinary Problems
·
Urinary Retention
·
Vectorial Reflexology
·
Vision Problems
·
Whiplash |
Who Benefits from Reflexology?
No matter what your health status or stage of life,
Reflexology is a balancing modality promotes well-being and
overall health.
The only
contraindications are as follows:
·
*Pregnancy
·
Possible
blood clots
·
Sores or
lacerations on the foot and ankles
·
Large or
knotted varicose veins on the foot and ankles
During pregnancy, digestion is often disrupted and weight
gain may cause discomfort in the hips, feet, and legs.
Reflexology can help ease discomfort by:
-
Reducing swelling in the lower extremities
-
Promoting relaxation
-
Reducing tension in the muscles
-
Relieving digestive issues and constipation
-
Alleviating morning sickness and heartburn
Although
Reflexology can be especially beneficial during pregnancy
and throughout childbirth, it is important to know the
specific location of any point which may induce
contractions. The bottom line is, only a practitioner with
advanced training should apply this modality to someone who
is pregnant.
Children generally enjoy their sessions and require
only half the time to work the circuit, because their bodies
are quicker to respond. Babies are especially wonderful
subjects because the physiological effects are so quickly
manifested. Colic, upset stomach, fussiness, and teething
are just some examples of maladies which may be lessened or
alleviated by Reflexology.
Children
benefit in many ways from this modality, including less
frequent bedwetting. A 1990 Australian study showed that 70%
of patients receiving a minimum of two Reflexology sessions
per week experienced less urination in volume and less
incidence of bedwetting. However, most patients said that
the effect was only noticeable after the tenth session.
According
to a report from the School of Nursing, Division of Science
& Design, University of Canberra, Australia, nurses at the
school conducted an empirical study on the use of foot
reflexology. Their findings were that just ten minutes of
regular Reflexology in cancer patients provided relief from
pain, nausea, and anxiety.
A study
reported by Bauneholm School of Reflexology in Denmark found
that reflexology is beneficial for various prostate problems
commonly suffered by older man.
Research
at the School of Nursing, East Carolina University,
Greenville, North Carolina recorded that (foot) Reflexology
alleviated anxiety and pain in patients with breast and lung
cancer. Their study notes a significant decrease in anxiety
in the breast or lung cancer patients and a significant
decrease in pain in the breast cancer patients.
Another
benefit of reflexology may be in treating MS. In a study
published in Hodder Arnold Journal, 71 MS patients were
randomly assigned to 2 groups in a study to see if
reflexology could help MS patients. As a result, the study
concluded that reflexology treatment was of benefit in
alleviating motor, sensory and urinary symptoms in MS
patients.
In her
Masters dissertation trial, nurse H. Hodgson tracked twelve
British tumor patients to examine the effect of Reflexology
versus foot massage. “…this study would suggest that the
provision of reflexology for palliative patients within the
general setting could be beneficial. Not only did the
patients in this study enjoy the intervention, they were
also ‘relaxed,’ ‘comforted’ and achieved relief from some of
their symptoms. Furthermore they demonstrated an improvement
in their quality of life.” (Hodgson, H., “Does reflexology
impact on cancer patients’ quality of life?”, Nursing
Standard (England). 14, 31, 33-38)
In a
study conducted by National Board of Health Council, Denmark
(1995) regarding 220 patients with chronic headaches and
migraine headaches charted over a period of three months 16%
of the patients reported that they were cured, 65% said that
reflexology had helped, and, 18% said their condition were
unchanged.
There is
countless data out there about the effects of Reflexology,
but the bottom line is that it is a non-invasive holistic
modality which is healing throughout every stage of our
lives. The wonderful part is that in a basic Reflexology
session, we are stimulating every organ, gland, and system
to detoxify and heal itself naturally.
