What is Reflexology
Posted on August 22nd, 2006 by garyPosted in Fitness, Health
Reflexology is an alternative health therapy that uses massage of reflex points on the body to stimulate the body’s healing process. Its’ principles are based on numerous energy pathways that travel in every organ of the body and have endings in many locations just below the skin’s surface- mostly in the feet and hands.
Reflexology has been used as a form of natural healing since the times of the pharaohs. It can rejuvenate the body. The techniques involve massaging these endings to improve energy flow in order to treat illness and alleviate pain in organs elsewhere on the path. During the process, nerves are reconditioned, stress is reduced and a sense of well being will overcome you.
Reflexologists view the feet and hands as mirror images of the body. By applying pressure, stretch and movement to the feet and hands, you will affect corresponding parts of the body. By applying specific techniques, you can break up patterns of stress in the body. The concentrated pressure on strategic zones in the hands and feet, which correspond with the nervous system, enters the central nervous system. There it is processed in various parts of the brain and relayed to the internal organs to allocate the adjustments in fuel and oxygen. This provides a response that is sent to the motor system.
The body’s tone will adjust and overall tension level will occur as a result of the pressure. If properly applied, the tone will decrease the stress and abuse of the body’s systems.
Reflexology can help alleviate headaches, reduce anxiety attacks and lower blood pressure. The benefits for more serious conditions and diseases are still being researched. Regular practice can help aid digestion, clear dandruff and acne, eliminate ulcers, ease pain and boost your energy.
The Oregon Research Institute (ORI) of Eugene, Oregon, performed a pilot study among health seekers of all ages. They studied the elderly and reflexology practioners, using cobblestone mats. The cobblestone mat walking is said to be traditional Chinese holistic medicine and has the principles of reflexology. The study indicated older adults had significant improvements in mental and physical health, including reductions in blood pressure and pain levels.
Many studies are no being conducted on the benefits of reflexology especially the effectiveness on certain disorders. It is easy to do and can be done while doing other activities.
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