Health Benefits of Foot Reflexology

• Induces a state of deep relaxation by opening neural pathways
• A reflexology session stimulates more than 7,000 nerves, encouraging the opening and cleansing of neural pathways,
• Increases circulation, improving blood flow throughout the body
• Cleanses the body of toxins and impurities
• Stimulates the central nervous system
• Stimulates energy work throughout the body
• Balances the whole system thus revitalizing the body's natural energy flow

The healing power of touch is instinctive in human nature & when we formalize that instinctive touch into massage, it becomes a powerful healing tool.

When muscles overworked, waste products such as lactic acid can accumulate in them, causing soreness, stiffness & even muscle spasm. Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues. This can assist elimination of waste products, speeds healing after injury, and enhance recovery from disease.

The basic goal of therapeutic massage is to help the body heal itself and to increase one's health & well-being.

Health Benefits of Massage

• Reduces muscle tension
• Improves blood circulation
• Relieves of acute and chronic pain
• Induces better lymph movement
• Improve and increase mobility & range of motions of joints
• Stimulate or soothes nervous system
• Enhances skin condition
• Aids digestion & intestinal functions
• Boosts immune system

Ref:  http://www.bodywithsoul.com/foot_reflexology.php

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Reflexology Foot Chart

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What is reflexology?

Reflexology is the application of appropriate pressure to specific points and areas on the feet, hands, or ears. Reflexologists believe that these areas and reflex points correspond to different body organs and systems, and that pressing them has a beneficial effect on the organs and person's general health. For example, reflexology holds that a specific spot in the arch of the foot corresponds to the bladder point. When a reflexology practitioner uses thumbs or fingers to apply appropriate pressure to this area, it affects bladder functioning.

Although reflexology is not used to diagnose or cure health disorders, millions of people around the world use it to complement other treatments when addressing conditions like anxiety, asthma, cancer treatment, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, headaches, kidney function, PMS, and sinusitis.

Reflexology is growing increasingly popular across Europe and Asia as both a complement to other treatments and as a preventive measure. One example is Denmark, where various municipalities and companies have employed reflexologists since the early '90s.

According to several studies, this practice in Denmark has resulted in reduced sick leave and absenteeism (and significant economic savings for the employers). Employees have consistently reported complete or partial improvement in conditions where they sought reflexologists' help and even relief for additional problems related to stress. In one municipal district, almost one-third of the employees reported greater satisfaction with their jobs after completing six sessions with a reflexologist.

Ref : http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology

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Where does reflexology come from?

Because reflexology is an ancient practice, its origin and history is difficult to track. However, reflexology is thought to have been passed down through an oral tradition, and possibly first recorded as a pictograph on the Egyptian tomb of Ankhamor in 2330 BC along with other medical procedures.

Reflexology symbols are also thought to be recorded on the feet of statues of Buddha in India and later China. The Chinese classic, the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which was written around 1,000 BC, has a chapter on "Examining Foot Method" and is the beginning of discussions in print about the connection of life force and points and areas on the feet.

It is believed that Marco Polo translated a Chinese massage book into Italian in the 1300s, thus introducing reflexology and massage to Europe. In 1582, a book on an integral element of reflexology called zone therapy was first published in Europe by Dr. Adamus and Dr. A'tatis.

In the United States, William H. Fitzgerald, MD, who is frequently referred to as the father of reflexology, wrote in 1917 about ten vertical zones that extended the length of the body. He found that the application of pressure to a zone that corresponded to the location of an injury could serve as relief of pain during minor surgeries.

Dr. Fitzgerald's work was expanded by Dr. Shelby Riley, who developed a map of horizontal zones going across the body and a detailed map of reflex points on the feet and hands. He also suggested pressure points on the outer ear.

Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist who worked for Dr. Riley, is another prominent figure in the development of reflexology. In her research with zone therapy's pressure points, she found the feet to be the most sensitive and responsive. She developed the foot maps still in use today and introduced reflexology practices to the non-medical community in the 1930s. Ms. Ingham also designed one of the most commonly used reflexology charts, which has since been refined by her nephew, Dwight Byers, at the International Reflexology Institute.

In 1957, Dr. Paul Nogier recorded a reflex map of points on the outer ear. His work has been expanded by Oleson and Flocco and is now being taught as part of an integrated approach to hand, ear and foot reflexology.

http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology

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