I still remember the day my sister told me all about massages and then she mentioned reflexology. The term made me so curious that I asked all about it and how it worked on the human body. Hearing all the benefits, I never knew when I got hung by this massage that I started looking for all articles related to reflexology. During these years, I have learnt a lot about it, but I have never had a reflexology massage done on me.
Well, that is because it was almost unknown as most people are aware of traditional massage techniques for relaxation and muscle tension release. Many people also know that applying pressure to certain points in the hands can cure a headache, or that massaging specific areas in the ankles can help bring on labor in a pregnant woman. But did you know that these are just a few secrets of the healing practice known as reflexology? Although reflexology is sometimes called “foot massage,” it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology is a natural healing therapy which involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body.
The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are “reflex” areas, on the feet and hands, that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For example:
* the tips of the toes reflect the head
* the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
* the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
* low back and intestines are towards the heel
Reflexology is a type of hand and foot massage that offers health benefits for the entire body. The foundation of reflexology is that there are specific points in the feet and hands that correspond to each of the body’s organs and systems. By applying pressure to these areas, a practitioner can bring the body back into a healthy balance. In western reflexology, the therapist only uses her hands during treatment. In the eastern style of reflexology, implements are used along with the hands. No matter which style is used, a reflexologist works from charts that outline specific points that can help to correct health issues or simply maintain balance in the body. While reflexology is a proven technique that can help address many minor and chronic health issues, it is not a cure. Those with major health concerns should use reflexology to support any medical treatments, not replace them.
Benefits of Reflexology
The health benefits of reflexology include its ability to improve the nerve functions, raise energy levels, increase circulation, and much more.
Improved Nerve Function
As we age, our nerve endings become less sensitive in many parts of our body, particularly in our extremities. That being said, reflexology has been connected with stimulating more than 7,000 different nerve endings in a single session, thereby increasing their function and reactivity. Opening and cleaning out neural pathways can help improve functionality and flexibility in many areas around the body. Neural pathways are like muscles, so it is good to work them once in a while to keep them sharp!
Boosted Energy Levels
By aligning the functioning of various organ and muscle systems, reflexology can increase metabolism and energy creation processes within the body. If you need a boost of energy or are always feeling sluggish, perhaps a reflexology session can help put some pep back in your step!
Increased Circulation
One of the most well-known and verified benefits of reflexology is an improvement in circulation throughout the body, which means that blood and oxygen are being cycled through the body more effectively. This means more oxygen reaches vital organs, thereby optimizing their functioning and further increasing the metabolism. This also results in faster healing and re-growth of damaged cells.
Relaxation
As mentioned above, reflexology has been known to open neural pathways, and this sort of free-flowing neural activity results in a more relaxed state in the body. For this reason, reflexology can flood your system with relaxation, inducing a state of calmness throughout your body and mind. In this same vein, reflexology is commonly used to cure sleep disorders. Insomnia can be a very troubling condition to suffer through, but reflexology helps your body relax and get back to its normal, healthy circadian rhythms.
Elimination of Toxins
Reflexology has been shown to improve bladder function and reduce urinary tract issues. What this means in terms of toxicity is a more efficient system of eliminating toxins and other foreign substances, thereby protecting your body from the various diseases and health conditions that can often arise from a compromised urinary system.
Nervous System Stimulation
The open neural pathways can benefit our central nervous system in a variety of ways. It not only enhances the brain’s ability to handle inputs more effectively, thereby speeding up our cognitive powers, but also boosts memory.
Reduction in Headaches
Reflexology is primarily used by many people as a method of eliminating pain. As an analgesic treatment, reflexology can reduce the severity of a migraine and headache, simply by relieving tension in the muscles that can often result in these conditions. A headache induced by stress can also be eliminated since stress and psychological factors often manifest in the physical symptoms of a migraine.
Speed Healing
The combination of increased nerve activity and circulation, as well as the balanced functioning of the metabolism, means that cells re-grow faster and wounds are able to heal quickly. Also, the pain-relieving qualities of reflexology mean that patients recover rapidly and are willing to get back into routine life!
Relieves Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Although reflexology is not directly connected to curing cancer, it has been known to ease the side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. It helps cancer patients get a sound sleep by reducing anxiety and also reduces the chances of vomiting or other commonly experienced indigestion issues. The more general effects of reflexology, such as clearing neural channels and increasing circulation help patients.
Easy Pregnancy
Studies have shown that reflexology can be very beneficial for pregnant women, particularly in terms of labor lengths and their need for analgesics during labor and postpartum recovery time. Beyond that, due to many of the health benefits already outlined above, it can reduce the chances of postpartum depression and can also help a woman’s body heal itself faster and get back to its normal metabolic activity quickly.
Are you hooked up with this kind of massage? If yes, then head to Bonita Skin Care and Massage in Melbourne, FL.
