Reflexology is a massage technique that involves applying pressure to one part of the body to provide relief to another body part, report doctors at the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. Although research is inconclusive, NCCAM researchers report many studies show massage modalities like reflexology can help to relieve anxiety, lower blood pressure and heart rate and relieve pain and depression. Various pressure points on the feet and hands can help to relieve eye and face conditions for many people.
History
Though massage reflexology dates back thousands of years to ancient China and Egypt, Dr. William Fitzgerald first introduced the practice in the early 1900s to the United States. Fitzgerald realized patients undergoing procedures experienced less pain when they received a foot rub. Physiotherapist Eunice Ingham took Fitzgerald's findings and created a map of the foot that correlated with various body parts.
Identification
The point of the foot that directly affects the eyes and ears is located on the bottom of the foot just below the three middle toes. The reflexology points on the left foot can help to relieve various eye conditions in the left eye just as the points on the right foot affect right eye problems. Pressing the tips of the big toes, which are tied to the brain and head, may relieve headaches that may cause pain in the eyes.
Effects
The same effects can be achieved by pressing on points on the hands that correlate with the eyes. The pressure points identified with eyes are located on the back of hand on the fingers between the second and third knuckles. On the palm side of the hand, the pressure points that can provide eye and ear relief are located at the bottom of the fingers, where the fingers meet the palms.
Benefits
Rubbing the reflexology points on the hands or feet can relieve eye strain due to long periods of exposure to the glare of a computer screen or reading small print. Reflexology has been used to treat drooping eyelids, pressure headaches behind the eyes and sinus irritation. Some practitioners claim reflexology vision improved because of increased blood circulation.
Misconceptions
While visiting a massage therapist trained in the use of reflexology can be a refreshing and healing experience, you don't have to rely on them to provide the pressure. You can get the same relief from rubbing the pressure points yourself. You can take off your shoes when you feel eye strain coming on and spend two or three minutes rubbing that spot under the third toe and get the same benefits as if you paid to visit a therapist.
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