Reflexology, the ancient therapeutic approach to overall well being and stress reduction, centers around a massage technique applied to your feet as well as your hands. The guiding principle of the holistic treatment is that the foot is divided into zones that are a mirror image of the body. Each area or zone corresponds to a specific part of the body, such as your heart or sinuses. According to the theory of reflexology, when pressure is applied to the various zones, blockages are eliminated, and natural healing can occur. Alternative treatments such as reflexology should not be used to replace traditional medical care you may be receiving for any medical condition.
History
According to the International Institute of Reflexology, the modern-day practice of reflexology dates back to ancient Egypt. Developed further in 1917 by Dr. William Fitzgerald, the holistic approach toward treating pain was then referred to as zone analgesia. In his book "Relieving Pain at Home," Fitzgerald unveiled his theory with the first formulated chart outlining the longitudinal zones of the body. In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, took the theory to the next level in her book "Stories The Feet Can Tell," in which she mapped out the reflex zones of the feet in a guide that's still used today.
Function
The function of reflexology is to promote relaxation through manual stimulation of specific zones in the foot. In addition to relieving stress and tension, this form of therapy is used to encourage blood flow and assist the body in self-healing and pain reduction. As with other forms of alternative medicine, the primary function of this type of therapeutic treatment is to bring the body into a natural state of balance.
Benefits
Practitioners of reflexology believe that the therapy offers many healthful benefits beyond relieving stress and tension. Some of the benefits may include improved blood circulation, activation of lymph drainage, assistance in removal of toxins, strengthening of the immune system and enabling a deep state of relaxation. Along with these benefits, reflexology massage may help with conditions such as varicose veins, upset stomach, sleep disorders, muscle aches and pains, migraines and asthma.
Contraindications for Reflexology
Though reflexology is considered to be a safe form of therapy, some contraindications should be noted when it should not be used. People who have an infection of the foot, deep vein thrombosis or edema should avoid reflexology. Although Mayo Clinic experts recommend reflexology as an option for managing labor pain, in cases of high-risk pregnancy or repeated miscarriages, it is not advisable to use reflexology. Broken bones or open sores on your feet are also conditions in which reflexology therapy is not recommended.
Difference Between Reflexology and Massage
The most significant difference between reflexology and basic massage is that reflexology is geared toward the feet, hands and ears, whereas massage is mainly performed on the soft tissues of the body. A general foot massage addresses the foot as a whole while reflexology focuses on specific areas and applies pressure to induce a response in the corresponding body parts. In addition, the body of knowledge, training and certification is different in the two modalities of therapy. Reflexologists may not be subject to current massage therapist laws in certain states.
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