Reflexology and aromatherapy fall into the category of alternative health modalities. People seek options to Western medicine for their own reasons, including religion, allergies and intolerance to drugs. These methods are used to bring relief from certain health conditions, including pain, in conjunction with or instead of medications.
Reflexology
Reflexology uses the act of applying pressure to hands and feet with the goal of affecting a positive change in the recipient. Clients usually feel an overall relaxation and some patients experience pain reduction after a reflexology session. Practitioners believe every organ and gland in the body is mapped on the bottom of the feet, with your big toes representing your head and your heels the sciatic nerve. The palms of your hands have similar mapping with the tips of your fingers representing your head and eyes. The wrist represents the lower back.
History of Reflexology
The precursor to reflexology as we know it today began with Dr. William H. Fitzgerald's Zone Theory in the early 1900s. His theory divides the feet into horizontal and longitudinal zones, different from those in reflexology, which match parts of the body. Both the Zone Theory and reflexology follow similar theories and apply pressure to the feet. According to information provided by the International Institute of Reflexology, a physical therapist named Eunice D. Ingham developed reflexology after studying Zone Therapy and published several books in the early 1930s.
Reflexology Session
Expect your reflexology session to last between 30 minutes and one hour. Inside the practitioner's office you will find a comfortable reclining chair which places your feet at a convenient height for the reflexologist. Remain fully clothed, but take off your shoes and socks. The reflexologist will apply pressure to points on your feet. Tell your practitioner if the pressure causes you pain.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy employs essential oils from plants as its medium for emotional and physical healing. The aromatic qualities of essential oils evaporate into the air quickly. Oils are diffused and inhaled or applied to the skin. According to the University of Maryland Health Center, aromatherapy is used in spas, hospitals and birthing centers.
Aromatherapy Session
Health care professionals, such as nurses and massage therapists, can administer aromatherapy using external methods. Your session may be a part of other therapies and include a massage using essential oils diluted with oil as the lubricant. Your aromatherapist may also diffuse the essential oils using a steam vaporizer or spray. Diffusing offers a way to dilute the strength of the essential oil and release it into the air.
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