Reflexology
Introduction
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a hands-on therapy which activating the healing powers of the body by pressing the reflex areas in the hands and feet which correspond to all the major organs, glands, and parts of the body.
How long has reflexology been practised?
The ancient Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Egyptian cultures all treated the feet as a means of promoting good health and preventing disease. This was based on the theory that there are energy zones running throughout the body. Modern zone therapy was developed in the early 20th century by Dr. William Fitzgerald who showed that parts of the body correspond to other parts and that pressure applied to one part would affect other parts in the same zone.
Eunice Ingham in the 1930s believed that since zones ran throughout the body, some areas might be more accessible and effective than others. She discovered that the feet were the most responsive for working on the zones because they were so sensitive. In addition to mapping the entire body onto the feet, she found that using alternating pressure on the various points had greater effect than traditional zone therapy.
How does reflexology work?
According to reflexology theory, there are ten energy zones - five on each side of the body - that run from head to toe. These zones end in each foot and hand. Stimulating an area in the hands or feet using pressure with the thumbs and fingers affects the entire zone throughout the body. For example, working the liver reflex area on the foot will revitalise and balance the liver as well as other areas related to the zone.
By systematically working all the zones, the body can relax deeply which then allows its natural healing power to surface and you experience a sense of well-being at all levels .A reflexologist uses hands only to apply gentle pressure to the feet. The application and the effect of the therapy is unique. Sensitive, trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet, and by working on these points the reflexologist can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination is improved. So this gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself at its own pace.
What conditions can reflexology treat?
Since reflexology treats the whole person, not the symptoms of disease, most people benefit from treatment. The therapy brings relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, and is suitable for all ages. It is also a preventative therapy which means that you don't have to be ill to benefit from relfexology because it helps to maintain good health as well as being a pleasurable experience at any time.
[Practitioners]
[Self Healing Australia Home Page]