Reflexology is a specific kind of therapy that works by inducing pressure on certain body parts. The body parts can either be the hands or feet or sometimes even the ears. Reflexology works on the core base of four theories. Firstly, it is considered that all the parts of our body correspond to specific areas of the CNS (Central Nervous System).
Secondly, reflexology is not only thought of but has produced effects on relieving tension, stress and uplifting the mood of the person who has received this therapy. Thirdly, according to ancient science, vital energy is a property that has a significant effect on the human body. Vital energy is known by several names.
Prana, in India; Chi, in China; vigor or spirit, in the West. Proper levels of flowing vital energy ease the body and alleviate stress. Stagnant vital energy is the cause of various pain in the body. The pain can fabricate mood, by initiating irritability and stress. Reflexologists by this therapy can soothe the pain, hence uplift the mood.
Fourthly, the most popular theory is the Zone Theory. According to this theory, there are 10 vertical zones, into which a human body can be divided, five on either side.
Each organ or tissue or cell falling into a particular zone can be accessed through specific points on the hands or feet. Pertinent pressure on these points is the basis by which a reflexologist decreases the build-up tension in those organs.
All these theories point towards some common benefits like enhancing relaxation, improving mood, sleep and lessening pain, anxiety, and stress.
Reflexology though relieves you from the physical experience of ill health but is not a proper form of treatment. Underlying health disorders cannot be cured by reflexology. It is only considered as a complement to the actual treatment.
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Reflexology Benefits
The benefits of reflexology are confined within a narrow range. Scientists and medical experts are not convinced to date about the effectiveness of reflexology. In general, some satisfaction of the person is met with who receives this therapy.
According to statistical data, patients often describe reflexology as a clinical complement that is easy and hassle-free to alleviate their pain. Though scientific studies have not confirmed the welfare of reflexology sessions patients have clearly expressed their goodwill towards the effectiveness, some of which are:
1. Lessening Stress
2. Enhancing Relaxation
3. Magnifying Energy Levels in the Body
4. Decreasing Labor Pain
5. Relieving Back Pain especially Lumbar Pain
6. Improving Sinus Conditions
7. Boosting Immunity and fertility
8. Assuaging Fatigue
9. Ameliorating Bowel Movements
10. Correcting Hormonal Imbalance
11. Easing Out Conditions of PMS (Premenstrual syndrome)
12. Allaying Emotional and Physical Pain related to Cancer
13. Improving Numbness of Feet due to Nerve Damage (Peripheral Neuropathy)
14. Decreasing Levels of Diabetes Mellitus
15. Diminishing Insomnia
Reflexology can reinstate the balance of the body. It can help you to feel energized and vitalize your bodily functions. All in all, reflexology is an adjunct therapy that works well to decrease pain and physical suffering to some extent.
What You can Expect during a Reflexology Session?
Reflexologists use foot charts to determine areas where adequate pressure is to be applied. A reflexologist is bound to ask you questions on your health, lifestyle, diet, any underlying illness, activity, or exercise plans.
The reflexologist can then understand whether or not this therapy should be provided to you. They then can also determine what parts they should work on. A reflexology session can extend anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour.
Every session should be well spaced and consistent for a few months to achieve the results. During a reflexology session, you would not feel trapped in a methodical clinical treatment session.
It usually takes place in a comfortable setting with dim lights and relaxing music. The reflexologist might suggest you change into cozy garments which will make your experience even more pleasant.
More often than not, you will find yourself lying on your belly in a calming and snug position during a reflexology session. The reflexologist might begin with applying adequate pressure on your toes, feet, and hands mostly without any oil or lotion. You will notice a sudden change in your mood and you might even pass out before the session ends.
After a session, there will be an assured calmness sometimes even accompanied by euphoria. In between each of these sessions, you can even practice these forms in the comfort of your house. Special socks with markings of the pressure points might be available with your reflexologist.
You can use those to soothe the pain and aches before your visits to the reflexologist. Human touch can wheedle your body to release pain and agony causing hormones, and even better when known points in the hands or feet are stimulated.
Reflexology underlines each of these points, overcoming painful sensations.
How Does Reflexology Work?
Reflexology necessarily has no scientific basis. Research shows that even reflexologists are not aware of what exactly happens when a person receives reflexology sessions. This is an adjunct therapy that has shown effects on many different groups of people. The mechanism on which reflexology works has many theories.
One of the prominent and most popular theory is the ZONE THEORY. According to this, the human body is divided into ten vertical zones. Five zones are present on the left side and five on the right side of the body. Each organ, tissue, or cell falling into one zone is accessible through a specific point of that zone.
Gentle strokes or pressure can reduce the build-up tension and pain of that organ in the particular zone. The reflexologist is able to exhaust the bound energy and rejuvenate the body to optimal conditions. Detoxifying the body, improving blood circulation and body balance is one of the quick remedies that might be attained after each session.
There is a second theory that explains reflexology minutely. It states that the points on hands, feet, and seldom on the ears are connected to the Central Nervous System.
Mild strokes on those points sensitize the nerves, to release bottled-up pain or trauma. Emotional and physiological pain due to any disease like cancer, diabetes or heart surgery can lessen which will help the patient to deal with the ailment better.
The third theory to describe the work of reflexology clearly is the vital energy theory. A vital energy known as Prana or Chi or Qi is the core energy present in the human body.
The circulation of this energy is the basis of a stable human life. Stagnant vital energy causes tension, stress, anxiety, and sometimes critical illness. Reflexologists through pressure can help the inert vital energy to circulate thereby reducing pain and impatience.
When You Should Avoid Reflexology?
In reflexology, though the pressure can induce pain more certainly an intolerable measure. Although the therapy can act as a boon yet it is advised to check with both your doctor and the reflexologist before attempting this procedure. There are some limiting lines of this therapy. It is guided to avoid reflexology in cases like:
1. Blood circulation in the feet is disturbed
2. Blood clots are present on the feet
3. Varicose veins are present
4. Foot ulcers, pustules, and open wounds on the feet are present
5. Fungal infections happen around the toes
6. Complete blood count (CBC) is low which might cause a bruise and blister easily
7. Pregnancy
8. Epilepsy
Reflexology is an alternative treatment, which when avoided will not harm your body. But if done forcefully can cause severe symptoms. So it is better advised to consult beforehand.
Conclusion
There are about 7000 to 10000 open nerve endings on the foot. Suitable pressure application eases the body and mind. Anxiety, stress, and pain can be relieved through this complementary therapy. Though the effectiveness of this therapy is not confirmed scientifically this is a good attempt to cure physical suffering.
An experienced reflexologist with quite vast working hours is a good option to start with. Proper and official websites can provide quality reflexologists.
