Tag Archives: reflexology

What is Auriculotherapy?

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Auriculotherapy is the stimulation of the auricle of the external ear for the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions in other parts of the body. It is also known as ear acupuncture or auricular acupuncture when the stimulation is achieved by the insertion of acupuncture needles, whereas the term auriculotherapy often refers to electrical stimulation of the surface of ear reflex points. Specific points on the ear can also be stimulated by manual pressure, referred to as auricular acupressure or ear reflexology. Acupuncture points on the ear Continue reading →

What is Reflexology?

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Reflexology is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet.

How does reflexology work?

The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are “reflex” areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For example:

  • the tips of the toes reflect the head
  • the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
  • the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
  • low back and intestines are towards the heel

It is believed that certain areas on the feet and hands are linked to other areas and organs of the body. This concept was furthered by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham into the modern practice of reflexology.

Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways.

Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of “zone therapy” in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930′s into what is now knows as reflexology.

A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress.

What will you feel?

Most people find reflexology for the most part to be very relaxing.

Reflexology shouldn’t be painful. If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the reflexologist. He or she should work within your comfort zone.

Some areas may be tender or sore, and the reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.

Do not worry if you are ticklish. The reflexologist applies firm pressure to the feet.

Why do people get reflexology?

  • Stress and stress-related conditions
  • Tension headaches
  • Digestive disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Insomnia
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Sports injuries
  • Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Digestive problems, such as constipation
  • Back pain

Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.

Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.

Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.

What is a typical reflexology treatment

A typical treatment is 45 minutes to 60 minutes long and begins with a consultation about your health and lifestyle.

You are then asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit comfortably in a reclining chair or on a massage table. Otherwise you remain fully clothed.  The reflexologist will assess the feet and then stimulates various points to identify areas of tenderness or tension.

The reflexologist then uses brisk movements to warm the feet up. Then pressure is applied from the toes to the heel according to your comfort.

Lotion or oil may be used.

How will you feel after?

Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. They may even feel sleepy.

Occasionally, people feel nauseous, anxious, or tearful, but this is only temporary and is considered to be part of the healing process.

Precautions

If you’re pregnant, talk with your doctor first and let the reflexologist know.

Be sure to give the reflexologist a complete and accurate health history.

If you have foot ulcers, injury, or blood vessel disease such as blood clots, consult your doctor before having reflexology.

Miracle of Reflexology

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A man lay in a coma surrounded by loving family members. The doctors at the hospital said he was a vegetative after the stroke and would die in a couple of days. The family stood there weeping, unable to comprehend the death of their husband, father, brother, and friend.

The youngest daughter, frantic to help her father had read about something called Reflexology. The daughter was willing to try anything and purchased a book about the subject. In a last ditch attempt to help her father she began a very simple Reflexology session. She had been instructed to stimulate the big toe as this was where the brain was reflected according to the diagrams. She began the makeshift session with little knowledge, but a lot of love. To the amazement of all present the man reacted! Impossible, he was a vegetable with only darkness showing on one side of his brain according to the MRI results. The daughter faithfully continued.

A few days later the man turned to his amazed wife and said:” I love you”. He later made a complete recovery to the disbelief of the hospital personnel. That man was my father. I was the eldest daughter who witnessed all of this. My younger sister persevered in assisting with my father’s total recovery. I was truly amazed at what I witnessed. I later attended a holistic school and became a certified reflexologist. I saw the miracle of my father’s recovery and now I want to be able to assist others.

Not all results are as dramatic as my fathers. I have seen stuffy sinuses suddenly release, back pain eased, the stressed finally relax, and all these things that seem mundane compared to the remarkable recovery of my father. Reflexology assists a person to heal themselves. The desire to be well must exist