There Are Many Benefits of Reflexology

by Cindy Browne

Reflexology is a very interesting type of alternative medicine. Do you have aches and pains that drain you daily? If so you may find the various techniques to be very helpful. The zones that are pinpointed with reflexology include the ears, hands, and feet. However, most of the time it takes place on the feet because there are many more areas there to work with.

If you have attempted reflexology before in the hands without results, I encourage you to try again with your feet. They have more sensations associated with them and you will find that you can feel more from this process than with the hands or the ears. Having the right amount of pressure applied to the area will affect the results you get as well.

Sometimes people find that using various essential oils in conjunction with reflexology can give them even better results than they got before. Make sure you use the right essential oils that are parallel to the results you want from the reflexology. There is plenty of information about this online and in books.

Have you ever gotten your feet rubbed and felt immediately in a better mood? Maybe it rejuvenated you and gave you more energy than you have had in a very long time. These are common results of reflexology that you can benefit from. If the techniques are done by someone that has studied the various points on the body then you can get relief for a variety of ailments.

Do you suffer from chronic headaches? Maybe you have tried a variety of treatments without any results. Reflexology techniques may offer you the freedom from them that you have been longing for. This is due to the pressure points on the body being connected to various receptors in the body and the brain.

It is very interesting to look at a reflexology chart as it shows you the areas of the feet that are attached to other parts of the body. You can find the areas that you need to get some benefits from. There are home study courses that teach you the basics of reflexology if you are interested in experimenting with it at home.

Even though many individuals will tell you that they have never found such relief before reflexology, the medical community remains quite skeptical of it. Many experts believe it is merely a concept of mind of matter - if you want the reflexology to work then you will get the desired benefits from it.

Even so, you will notice there are more and more people out there practicing reflexology. Take your time to ask about their qualifications. You want someone that has completed the required classes in order to administer it. However, since reflexology isn't readily accepted in the medical community there are very few licensing requirements for it.

As with other sources of alternative medicine, you will have to discover for yourself if reflexology can offer what you are looking for or not. If you have been dealing with various ailments for a while though why not give it a try? You just may find it is a very natural and very affordable way for you to feel your very best once again.

All About Reflexology

by John Robben

Reflexology massage consists of acupressure and other massages techniques on the body. The more concentrated areas would be the hands, ears, and feet. Even though it focuses on those areas it has the capability to provide relief to the entire body. It uses the technique of pressing, squeezing the hands, ears, and feet to provide the ultimate goal of full relief to the body. Reflexology was created by an ears, nose, and throat specialist named William H. Fitzgerald and Dr. Bowers in the 1800s. The benefits of reflexology involves:

• Relieving pain and stiffness caused from overexertion • Increase blood circulation • Brings balance back to the body • Relieving stress, migraines, headaches, arthritis, fibromyalgia, sinusitis, asthma, constipation, and infertility.

Additional benefits of reflexology is that once the body is cleansed it allow the body to flow full of energy and has a strong healing affect on the body too. Reflexology is also known for helping with digestion, respiratory problems, sinus issues, and problems with adequate circulation in the body.

Reflexology relieves sinus and allergy headaches, this is done by applying some massage oil and massage the top of each finger at the first joint except for the thumb, apply a light amount of pressure and the pain will slowly subside. This can be done on other areas of the body such as the feet. It is very important to consult with a licensed medical physician before trying any of these treatments and therapies to ensure full safety.

Tips with Reflexology

It is important to note that Reflexology does have its restrictions to note such as not starting a reflexology session until an hour after eating. After a session, you must drink water to get rid of all the toxins in the body as this will help with preventing lactic and uric acids from developing any further in the body. Do not shower or bath until one hour has passed from the foot reflexology massage as the cold may make the body vulnerable and weaken the immune system. Also do not wash your hands, feet, or hands after the massage until at least an hour has past. Also note that the Reflexology massage sessions should not last longer than 45 minutes per day.

The primary goal of reflexology is balance out the body and provide a natural therapy that provides therapy through pressure applications. At times during a massage there may be some tenderness or sensitivity in a particular area but it was subside in a few days.

Reflexology has been noted that it is best to not attempt this type of massage if you have foot infections lesions, wounds, or burns, are pregnant, have a contagious or infectious disease, deep vein thrombosis, and if you use strong pain medication such as morphine, then reflexology is not considered a therapy to use. It is important to see your medical physician for further counsel before attempting to use any of these treatments.

Reflexology For Stress Relief

by Brenda Williams

Reflexology is based on the Chinese belief that a vital energy, called chi, flows through the body along paths known as meridians. As long as this energy flows smoothly, the body is in balance. If the flow becomes blocked for whatever reason, the body is out of balance and becomes stressed. Reflexology is a tool in which certain movements are implemented to restore the energy balance.

According to reflexology, all the organs and parts of the body are mapped on the feet and hands. The left side of the body is mapped on the left hand and foot while the right side of the body is reflected on the right hand and foot. Applying pressure to the zones of the feet and hands will result in a physical change in the body.

Kevin and Barbara Kunz, international authorities in the field of reflexology, take the basic premise a little further. According to their theory, when the body is stressed, it enters a "fight or flight" state. This brings about an adrenal surge that enables the body to respond effectively to a sudden emergency.

However, the flight will be done with the feet and the hands will be used to fight. There are nerve sensors in the feet and hands, which communicate the individual's choice to the other parts of the body. Reflexology can manipulate the various nerve endings to interrupt the stress signals and effect relaxation thereby reducing the stress.

Practitioners of reflexology first use a series of touch techniques to assess signs of stress by judging the patient's sensitivity to the practitioner's touch. This allows the reflexologist to determine the areas of stress and implement the techniques that will provide relief to these areas. These techniques all involve the use of the finger, thumb and hand to apply pressure to the designated areas.

Unlike other forms of massage therapy, oils and creams are not used. The patient usually sits in a chair and removes only socks and shoes. Sessions are scheduled in time increments of thirty minutes to an hour. Both feet will be treated using pressure, stretch and movements. A reflexology treatment is usually applied to the entire foot. Reflexology differs from ordinary foot massage in that it works through the nervous system applying the techniques to the reflex points in the hands and feet.

When the session is completed, the patient should feel relaxed. How long one can remain in this state of relaxation depends on the effectiveness of the session.

One does have to be careful in the choice of a practitioner. There are many schools available, which offer short classes that do not deliver all the information a qualified practitioner should know.

There is a Reflexology Association of America, which certifies practitioners after they have passed a comprehensive exam. They maintain a list of certified practitioners which can be accessed from their website. The association is also active in research and education.

At this time there is considerable controversy as to whether reflexology is useful in treating other forms of disease. Consequently, several research studies have been and are now being conducted. But the benefits of reflexology is easing stress have already been documented and one can safely employ it for that purpose.

The Benefits of Foot Reflexology

by Sam Benton

Reflexology has been defined as: A natural healing art, founded on the basis that there are reflexes in our feet and hands which correspond to every part of our body. By applying pressure and stimulating the feet or hands, there is an increase in circulation, promoting specific bodily and muscular functions. Reflexology with a full range of pressure sensors at its disposal, utilizes the same body system of fight or flight to relax the body.

Reflexology additionally known as zone therapy is the practice of using pressure points in strategic areas of the body namely, hands, ears, and feet to aid in the maintenance of general well being. Practitioners often map out the numerous reflex or pressure points necessary to the body's well being with the aid of a reflexology chart.

For practitioners of reflexology, reflexology charts are invaluable college & study aids for students and professionals alike. A good Foot Reflexology Chart should be laminated for repeated use in study and practical applications, such as educating your client, or for class discussion and should include the latest information for the most commonly used foot reflexology pressure points for healing and balancing. Reflexology has been demonstrated to relieve the symptoms of many conditions including back problems, knee problems, asthma, muscle tension, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, menstrual problems, menopause, osteoporosis, pregnancy, arthritis and bowel and urinary conditions.

Having a reflexology chart as a quick reference to the body's various pressure points can be invaluable. By using a reflexology chart the practitioner is sure to locate the most suitable pressure point for the corresponding organ or system in the body that is necessary to be stimulated or messaged back to health.

A helpful reminder to finish, reflexology is a wonderful therapy for the relief of many ailments and conditions; however it does not replace the expertise of a professional. Always consult a qualified medical practitioner if you have any doubts about your suitability for any therapy.