New to Reflexology?

Basic Q & A

What is Reflexology?  Reflexology is a complementary healing form.  Eunice D.Ingham Stopfel, the American physiotherapist, is credited with Reflexology as we know and 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.

"If you're feeling out of kilter
Don't know why or what about
Let your feet reveal the answer
Find the sore spot work it out"
  Eunice D Ingham

Is Reflexology like massage - do I need to undress?  There is no undressing for a Reflexology session (aside from shoes and socks if feet are worked on).  

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, hands, face or ears  using specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques which is 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 - and focus on areas of tension based on the Client's diagnosis, areas of tension/pain/distress (if applicable) or the Reflexologist's findings. 

What are the benefits 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 effecting physiological 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.    

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 innate healing ability.  Please, consult with your physician(s) in case of health issues, then advise your team of medical professionals of your intention to use Reflexology as a complementary healing methods to support the healing process, to ease symptoms, destress, etc.