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Feeling a lot of stress lately? Well, there’s an age-old treatment that could help you release those unnecessary tension and help your body regain energy to function properly. The answer is right under your feet!
Reflexology is an ancient art of healing and this was practiced in China, India and Egypt starting more than 5,000 years ago. Health experts at the turn of the 20th century realized that because mankind then walked around barefoot and are generally healthier than we are now, there must be something therapeutic in getting the feet “massaged” by the uneven ground. They theorized that because we are now using shoes and walking on flat ground, we lost this indirect healing process. In 1913, Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced to his patients reflexology methods which greatly improved their well-being and hastened their recovery. Eunice Ingram, a therapist in the 1930’s, picked up on Dr. Fitzgerald’s teachings and further refined the therapy to what is known as modern reflexology. The therapy of reflexology works on the principle that our body is divided into energy or reflex areas that are systematically diagramed on the palm of our hands and the soles of our feet. These reflex points correspond to various organs of our body. Reflexology is a drugless therapy, having no use for any substances other than a massage oil or baby powder for topical application. The reflexologist simply uses thumb, finger, and hand techniques to apply pressure on problematic reflex areas. The goal is to reduce stress and promote physiological change in the body. The patient should feel an improved circulation and must feel relaxed.
How Reflexology Works
The body can heal itself on its own. When one is under a great amount of stress, or suffering from an injury, the body is properly balanced and viral energy paths are not functioning well. Thus the body feels pain and is generally weak. Reflexology is a way to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium and encourage healing. It is different from a regular massage where hand pressure is applied directly to the body part that is in pain. Here, a reflexologist gently applies the pressure to certain points in the hand or feet to enhance blood circulation. The application and the effect of reflexology is different for each individual. A reflexologist’s hands are trained to detect points of imbalances in the feet. He then works on these points to remove blockages to enhance the flow of energy throughout the body. The result is easing of tension, better blood circulation and improved elimination. Reflexology, therefore, treats the whole person and not just the symptoms of a disease. The therapy improves a wide range of acute and chronic conditions and is suitable for all ages. Once the body is in tune, it is advisable to have regular treatments to help one’s well-being.
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