Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a focused pressure technique, usually directed at the feet or hands. It is based on the premise that there are zones and reflexes on different parts of the body which corresponds to and are relative to all parts, glands and organs of the entire body.

How Does It Work?

When the reflexes are stimulated, the body's natural electrical energy works along the nervous system to clear any blockages in the corresponding zones. A reflexology session seems to break up deposits (felt as a sandy or gritty area under the skin) which may interfere with this natural flow of the body's energy.

Manipulating specific reflexes removes stress, activating a parasympathetic response in the body to enable the disharmonies to be released by a physiological change in the body. With stress removed and circulation improved, the body is allowed to return to a state of homeostasis.

Homeostasis is the "automatic" process that the body incorporates to bring it back to the "normal" state. For example, if the blood pressure is abnormal, the kidneys will secrete the enzyme renin which is involved with blood pressure, and the hormone, erythropoietin that increases the rate of red blood cell production.

What Are The Benefits?

Reflexology demonstrates four (4) main benefits:

Relaxation with the removal of stress.
Enhanced circulation.
Assists the body to normalize metabolism naturally.
Complements all other healing modalities.
Indications and Reasons for Referral:

Types of people seeking reflexology sessions are of all ages, but approximately 70% are females. These people are usually health conscious and wish to explore health alternatives. The vast majority of clients usually realize the benefits of reducing stress from a reflexology session which in turn minimizes physical symptoms.

Usually, referrals are made in conjunction with other existing forms of therapy to supplement ongoing medical treatments. Reflexology has been known to help clients deal with physiological symptoms such as the side effects of cancer chemotherapy.

Reflexology may be performed on everyone, from the newborn to the elderly. It can be used for a general "tune-up" or for an unhealthy body. It can be used throughout pregnancy, or pre surgically and post surgically. In all cases, common sense should be used in selecting this therapy.