Introduction to Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the scientific knowledge that there are zones
and reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all areas of the body.
Disease is created by stress. Reflexology reduces stress in all
parts of the body by generating deep, calm relaxation. By applying direct pressure to points on the feet or
hands corresponding to stressed body areas, the tension is reduced and there is a resulting physiological change
in the body. Stress and tension also restrain the cardiovascular system and restrict blood flow, resulting
in sluggish circulation. By reducing the stress and tension, Reflexology allows the cardiovascular vessels
to conduct the flow of blood naturally and easily.
History shows that Reflexology has
been practiced for thousands of years in such places as India, China and Egypt. An ancient Egyptian wall
painting of the 6th Dynasty (approx. 2400 B.C.) found at Saqqara in the tomb of Ankhmahor, an ancient Egyptian
physician, depicts two men working on the feet and hands of two other men. Reflexology has been used as a
healing therapy by the North American native people for generations, and was thought to have been passed down by
the Inca civilization.
Reflexology
is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands, feet and ears that
correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body.
Through application of pressure on
these reflexes, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and promotes the natural function of the
related areas of the body.
In ancient times we stimulated
reflexes naturally by walking barefoot over rocks, stones and rough ground, or by using our hands more often
to climb, build or work. In today’s modern world we have lost much of nature’s way of maintaining a
balanced and healthy equilibrium. Reflexology helps to restore this balance and
promote natural health and vitality.
[TL: This is where the Circulation Booster can assist greatly.]
Although Reflexology
does not diagnose or treat specific ailments by definition, it has proven highly
successful over time to relieve symptoms or ease pain or discomfort that have manifested themselves physically in
the body - either as a result of stress, trauma or disease.
The human body is a delicately
balanced machine that is synergetic, everything working together for the benefit of all. The human body could be
compared to a racing machine which works best when it is in tune, each part functioning at its peak, all parts
working in harmony to make the machine work at optimum capability.
Reflexology is a science that deals
with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands that correspond to all the glands, organs and
parts of the body. Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers on these reflex areas. Reflexology
includes, but is not limited to relieving stress and tension, improving blood supply and promoting the unblocking
of nerve impulses and helping nature achieve homeostasis.
Reflexology relaxes Tension
Since approximately 75% of today’s
diseases are attributable to stress and tension, various body systems are affected in different ways and to
varying degrees. One person may exhibit cardiovascular problems, another gastrointestinal upset, anorexia,
palpitations, sweating, headaches, mentioning just a few of the myriad of bodily reactions to stress.
Tension could be described as a tourniquet around the body’s system, a tightening that can lead to serious
consequences.
Reflexology improves Nerve and
Blood Supply
In order to keep the body at a normal
balance, it is imperative that the blood and nerve supply to every organ and gland be at a maximum. Of
course, the organs and glands contribute to the overall well-being of the body, each making contributions to
maintaining an efficient, full operated mechanism, but all receive their instructions from the most intricate of
all networks, the nerves.
These cord-like structures, comprised
of a collection of nerve fibres, convey impulses between a part of the central nervous system and other regions of
the body. They are the wiring system of the house you call your body. As with any complex wiring
system, a short circuit can mean trouble.
A short circuit is often caused by
tension putting pressure on a vital nerve plexus or even a single nerve structure supplying a vital organ.
As tension is
eased, pressure on the nerves and vessels is relaxed, thus improving the flow of blood and its oxygen-rich
nutrients to all parts of the body.
Reflexology helps Nature achieve
homeostasis
Overactive glands or organs can be
helped to return to normal. Conversely, if an organ or a gland is under
active, Reflexology can help return it to
its normally functioning level. It is important to note here that the normalization action of reflexology is
never one of opposite extreme. In other words, once homeostasis or a normal condition is achieved, working
the area too much cannot unbalance it. Overworking can cause some minor reactions such as
diarrhoea or
perhaps some nasal mucus being secreted (runny nose). These reactions though are cleansing poisons from the
body. Succinctly, Reflexology cannot harm a system, it simply brings it back into balance.
The Zone Theory
Reflexology
embodies the relationship of the reflexes in the feet to all of the glands and organs in the body. The zones
are like the wiring in a house, the reflexes travel through the zones similar to electricity through the wires.
But please note that this analogy is not to be confused with the nervous system in the body, reflexes as far as we
know today, are not nerves.
The link from the feet to the organs
and the glands in the body is a series of imaginary longitudinal lines each encompassing a zone. In order to
locate the zones accurately in the arms and hands, the thumbs need to be places toward the body, the opposite of
the anatomical position.
The worked zone is used for several
significant reasons. There are ten zones. Easy enough to remember: one for each finger and one for
each toe. Zone one starts at the thumb and great toe. These zones run the entire length of the body, from
the top of the head to the tips of the toes.
It is extremely important that all of
us become zone oriented, so we must be thoroughly familiar with the basic zones and the anatomy associated within
them. An organ or a gland found in a specific zone will have its reflex in the corresponding zone of the
foot. Any sensitivity located in a specific area on the foot will signal to you that there could be
congestion in that area.
It should become evident then, that by
working the entire foot, you are affecting the entire side of the body, the left foot representing the left half
of the body. It is important to remember another significant aspect of Reflexology: an abnormality in any
part of the zone may affect anything in that zone.
The Inside … the Organs
The body is packed with vital organs
and glands, which are packed on top of everything else in the body.
Start at the spine, the midline of the
body, as a means of orienting yourself to the relationship between the foot reflex points and the organs of the
body. Now, you have a reference point for each foot. Then use the waistline guideline for your
horizontal or lateral marker. The most important body organs are located in four distinct quadrants.
The feet are a reflection of the body
with all its glands, nerves and organs having distinct locations on the feet. Being sure that you are
thoroughly familiar with this concept of location makes the zone theory so much easier.
The basic reason the Reflexologist
uses the foot in order to help the circulation to the injured areas and ultimately hasten the healing process, is
simply because it is one of the most pampered and protected areas of the body and is one of the most sensitive to
touch. Also, the foot’s resemblance to the body’s outline makes it easy to visualize the body on the
foot.
Helper Areas
Helper areas are additional areas
worked to aid the specific area of congestion. They are the reinforcements you send to aid the specific
area.
For instance, a headache. You
would naturally work the great toe, which represents the head. To help that area, we would also work the
neck, seventh cervical and coccyx reflexes, as this may be the area causing the headache. A headache is
usually telling us that there is an imbalance somewhere in the body.
Helper areas are just that, they are areas that when worked, help to relieve tension or
congestion associated with the afflicted area. They are reflexes that may have a direct or indirect effect
on the afflicted area and are the reinforcements needed to make sure you reach the desired results. You are
sending help to the afflicted area.
Try it for:
. ear aches,
. sore necks,
. head aches,
. back problems,
. sinus problems,
. sore knees and hips,
. body aches and pains,
. stomach aches and upset stomach,
. Sore Feet (this could be a structural problem!),
. Improve circulation,
. Assist the removal of heavy metals from the tissues
. Chronic conditions like fatigue, bad lungs, painful tissues, etc.,
. Inflammation ANYWHERE,
e.g. shoulder, bursitis, colitis, laryngitis, arthritis, tendonitis, or any other ‘itis’ type of problem,
. Stressful lifestyle symptoms,
And the List goes on… |
