New to Reflexology?

Basic Q & A

What is Reflexology?  Reflexology is a complementary healing practice.  Eunice D.Ingham Stopfel, the American physiotherapist, is foremost credited with modern Reflexology as practice it today.  It is believed,  however, that Reflexology originated more than 4,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt (see photo), China, and India, amongst others.  Reflexology stimulates/calms/balances all the systems in the body which has a regenerative effect on body, mind and spirit.

Why should I purchase a Reflexology session, I like massages, isn't it like a foot massage or foot rub; What are the benefits of a Reflexology Session? 

 Reflexology is considered an internal massage if you will done through the feet and/or hands and/or face and/or ears, it is very different from a full body massage which affects your external body (muscles, tissue).  Reflexology affects all organs, glands, muscles, etc. and feels lovely on the area worked on (feet and/or hands and/or face and/or ears).  If you have never had Reflexolgy, you may consider signing up for an introductory session.

(Think of the Reflexologist hitting (thumbwalking) keys (reflexes) on a keyboard (the feet) to result in a YOU that is more relaxed, more at ease regardless of whether you do or do not have health challenges (this is the effect of HOMEOSTASIS: balance of all the systems interconnected in your body to allow you function most effectively).  Please, make sure to hire an ARCB nationally certified Reflexologist, who has undergone rigorous training and keeps uptodate with Reflexology developments.  

These are the physiological effects of a Reflexology Session:

• tension and stress patterns are interrupted
  
• circulation is improved
• resting means digesting (something many of us often need more of in order to get their digestive system back into gear)
• the lymphatic system is regulated (immune system)
• the body's detoxification process is supported
• the endocryne system (glands) is balanced
  
• all other systems of the body balance (homeostasis)
• the nervous system shifts into relaxation mode 
  

• FREE OF STRESS, We are now tapping into the body's own healing mechanisms and feel a sense of renewal and rejuvenation
  

Double Benefits: Aside from the above listed changes in the entire body, the feet and/or hands, body parts which tend to be neglected and overworked benefit greatly; just think of the restriction by shoes, for example,or the overuse of our hands due to ever increasing use of computers and hand held devises which have become staples in our lives.  And - note there are more nerve endings in the feet than anywhere else in the body.   

Will I need to undress for a Reflexology session?  No undressing is necessary, aside from shoes and socks if feet are worked on. 

Can Reflexology help me with my medical issues?  Reflexology due to it's balancing benefits (homeostasis) will support you to undo chronological stress patterns; the effects of balancing and relaxing result in healing what needs needs healing.  Healing as we all know, however, takes time (just as it takes time to learn something new or lose weight), so sign up for a 10-pack.  You will learn lots of self care along the way; And please, note Reflexology is perfect for self care, as your hands, face and ears are most of the time acessible; and a few minutes will make a differenc.

So what is the premise of Reflexology?  The feet as well as hands, the ears, and the face represent microcosms of the entire body: a Reflexologist works on the above mentioned areas to de-stress the body as every organ, bodypart, etc. is represented and can be "accessed" through the respective reflexes on the feet/hands/face/ears. Foot Reflexology is most commonly used.  However, there are certain reflexes that are more pronounced on the hands. 

What do Reflexologists do?  Reflexolgists apply alternating pressure to all the reflexes on the feet and/or hands and/or face and/or ears  using specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques which are distinctively different from a massage.  The Reflexologist's task is to address the entire body (person) within one session - the aim is to balance the body's systems which all interact with one another; clients always get customized seesion to focus on their problem areas; if your main concern is your shoulder neck tension, the Reflexologist will focus on the respective reflexes.  

Reflexology lingo: What is a Reflex?  Example:  The area on the foot which connects to the lungs is referred to as lung reflex, the area on the hands that connect to the brain is the brain reflex, etc. 

National Institue of Health (NIH) and Reflexology: NIH is an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH is the Federal focal point for health research: Reflexology is recognized by the NIH as a separate and distinct bodywork discipline that is beneficial for pain management, stress reduction, improved body function and increased parasympathetic response (rest and digest).  Reflexology typically elicits deep relaxation, promotes normalization of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and blood cortisol levels (fight or flight hormones) and produces a calming effect on body, mind and spirit.

Please, note Reflexology does not replace medical treatments but in almost all cases enhances it as it brings balance to the body and supports the body's ability to heal.  Please, consult with your physician(s) in case of health issues and advise your team of medical professionals of your wish to use Reflexology as a complementary healing methods to support the healing process, to destress, to ease symptoms, etc.