Reflexology is an art, a science and an effective form of therapeutic foot massage. It is a science because it is based on physiological and neurological studies, and is an art because it depends on how skillfully the practitioner applies his or her knowledge and on the nature of the dynamics which occur between the practitioner and the recipient.
Reflexology is a holistic healing technique derived from the word “holos” which means whole and as such aims to treat the individual three fold: body, mind and spirit. In the practice of reflexology, the therapists do not isolate a disease or symptom but work on the whole person with the purpose of inducing a state of balance and harmony.
While for some, reflexology can be a massage for the feet that just plain feels great - especially when we are experiencing tired, achy feet, but the art of reflexology must not be confused with a basic foot massage. It is a pressure technique which works on precise reflex points of the feet. This is based on the premise that reflex areas on the feet correspond with all body parts. Pressure is applied to these reflex areas using specific thumb and finger techniques. This causes physiological changes to take place in the body, as the body's own healing potential is stimulated. The most important step towards homeostasis is to reduce tension and induce relaxation. Relaxation is the first step to normalization. When the body is relaxed, healing is possible.
The roots of reflexology have been recorded in ancient history for centuries, these pressure therapies were recognized as preventive therapeutic medicine. One theory is that they originated in China some 5,000 years ago. The oldest documentation was unearthed in Egypt. A pictograph was found in the tomb of a physician, Ankmahor. Ankmahor was a very influential person - second only to the king.
Another theory claims that it was handed down to Native Americans by the Incas. The Russians began using pressure techniques in the 1800s.
In America, the discoveries of Dr. William Fitzgerald and his colleague Dr. Edwin Blowers collaborated theories and developed the idea of Zone Therapy. Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, used the zone theory in her work. She charted the feet in relation to the zones and their effects on the rest of the anatomy until she evolved on the feet themselves a “map” of the entire body. So successful was her work that her reputation spread and she is now recognized as the founder of foot reflexology.
Today, the subtle energy flow of reflexology is used in pain clinics, cancer centers, pediatric wards, cardiac wards and on individuals who have various neurological disorders. Reflexologist's believe that granular accumulations of waste matter called uric acid crystals concentrate around reflex points. With training, you can feel these accumulations. The goal is to break these accumulations down to open the energy pathways and improve the blood flow to the reflex organs. It is also intended to open blocked nerve pathways and helps to flush toxins out of the body.
Further benefits of reflexology include: relaxation and stress reduction, improved circulation and oxygenation, improved lymphatic flow and stimulation of the immune system. Additionally, by stimulating the immune system, reflexology helps the body take up more nutrients and helps to revitalize and energize the body.
Diane DelPiano is an R.N., CNHP and Reiki master. She offers natural health practice, Reiki and reflexology at The Center, 1 Hoffman St., Auburn. For more information, visit www.TheCenter4Wellness.com or contact Diane at 704-0319
While for some, reflexology can be a massage for the feet that just plain feels great - especially when we are experiencing tired, achy feet, but the art of reflexology must not be confused with a basic foot massage. It is a pressure technique which works on precise reflex points of the feet. This is based on the premise that reflex areas on the feet correspond with all body parts. Pressure is applied to these reflex areas using specific thumb and finger techniques. This causes physiological changes to take place in the body, as the body's own healing potential is stimulated. The most important step towards homeostasis is to reduce tension and induce relaxation. Relaxation is the first step to normalization. When the body is relaxed, healing is possible.
The roots of reflexology have been recorded in ancient history for centuries, these pressure therapies were recognized as preventive therapeutic medicine. One theory is that they originated in China some 5,000 years ago. The oldest documentation was unearthed in Egypt. A pictograph was found in the tomb of a physician, Ankmahor. Ankmahor was a very influential person - second only to the king.
Another theory claims that it was handed down to Native Americans by the Incas. The Russians began using pressure techniques in the 1800s.
In America, the discoveries of Dr. William Fitzgerald and his colleague Dr. Edwin Blowers collaborated theories and developed the idea of Zone Therapy. Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, used the zone theory in her work. She charted the feet in relation to the zones and their effects on the rest of the anatomy until she evolved on the feet themselves a “map” of the entire body. So successful was her work that her reputation spread and she is now recognized as the founder of foot reflexology.
Today, the subtle energy flow of reflexology is used in pain clinics, cancer centers, pediatric wards, cardiac wards and on individuals who have various neurological disorders. Reflexologist's believe that granular accumulations of waste matter called uric acid crystals concentrate around reflex points. With training, you can feel these accumulations. The goal is to break these accumulations down to open the energy pathways and improve the blood flow to the reflex organs. It is also intended to open blocked nerve pathways and helps to flush toxins out of the body.
Further benefits of reflexology include: relaxation and stress reduction, improved circulation and oxygenation, improved lymphatic flow and stimulation of the immune system. Additionally, by stimulating the immune system, reflexology helps the body take up more nutrients and helps to revitalize and energize the body.
Diane DelPiano is an R.N., CNHP and Reiki master. She offers natural health practice, Reiki and reflexology at The Center, 1 Hoffman St., Auburn. For more information, visit www.TheCenter4Wellness.com or contact Diane at 704-0319
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GodKillzYou wrote on Jul 22, 2009 10:05 PM:
From every organ, down to veins and muscles are completely documented in medical literature, and there is absolutely nothing to indicate that performing any treatment upon the foot will have any effect whatsoever on any other part of the body.
The only real benefit that may come from a reflexology treatment is that of a foot massage, similar to that of a placebo.
"Further benefits of reflexology include: relaxation and stress reduction, improved circulation and oxygenation, improved lymphatic flow and stimulation of the immune system. Additionally, by stimulating the immune system, reflexology helps the body take up more nutrients and helps to revitalize and energize the body."
There is no scientific evidence to support these claims. In fact, these claims are made so vague and non-specific so as to avoid being sued for making false medical claims. No "reflexologist" will EVER claim that reflexology will cure anything, especially in a professional setting, because it doesn't. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen.
There is always talk about "toxins" and "energy flow," but there is never given a mechanism for how these "toxins" actually affect the body - or even what "toxins" they're talking about? A specific chemical name? Are we talking about methyl-mercury? Or what type of "energy" is "flowing" through the body. Kinetic or potential?
"Energy" is the potential to do work. It is not, as new-agers like to think, some invisible mass floating around waiting for someone to tell it to do something. There is Potential energy and Kinetic energy. That's it. Energy in motion, and stored energy waiting to do work.
The problem is that these people who piggyback their claims on this "new age energy" are playing on people's ignorance of what energy really is. It's misinformation.
Whenever someone brings up an "energy field" or anything sounding similar, ask how it works. If they say they don't know, or that "it just works," realize that you're being scammed. Any medical treatment founded on legitimate science is THOROUGHLY tested and understood; and its mechanism is thoroughly understood and documented.
"But what's the harm? People should be free to use whatever medical treatments they feel will help them."
While this is, generally speaking, true; it is NOT okay when the treatment being offered has absolutely NO demonstrable effect above placebo - and in fact has demonstrable NEGATIVE effects (chiropractic). It is the same with acupuncture, chiropractic, and a long list of other "alternative" treatments.
There is no "alternative" medicine. There's medicine that works, and there's untested, unregulated, snake oil. "