Reflexology

Reflexology is a branch of Alternative Medicine. It is a method of treatment where reflex points on certain areas of the body like hands, feet and face are pressed to cure diseases. This is a holistic system in which ‘the body is treated as a whole’. Generally a Reflexologist aims to achieve homeostasis or balance in the body and not treat a particular disease or system of the body.

Reflexology is a safe method without any side effects as no medicines are prescribed. This is very simple and even a layman can learn and practice on people of all ages from infants to very elderly. The main principle of this treatment is “If it hurts press it out”. It is very cheap as there is no need for any special equipment but only one’s own thumb or fingers. Reflexology can be done almost anywhere and is therefore a very important First Aid measure to save lives when no immediate medical help is available. The cure is long lasting as it removes the root cause of the disease and not the symptoms. Reflexology can be used even by healthy persons to maintain good health and prevent diseases as it activates the immune system of our body.

TYPES

Reflexology is generally classified into two types namely:

1. Hand Reflexology

2. Foot Reflexology

There is also one more type of reflexology which is least used and is called “Face Reflexology”.

INDICATIONS

Reflexology has been proved to be very useful in reducing stress and tension. All systems of our body function very efficiently after taking reflexology treatment especially Nervous system, Circulatory system and Endocrine system. Almost 90% of the Medical cases including Hypertension, Diabetes, etc. can be treated very effectively in Reflexology.

CONTRA INDICATIONS

Even though this is a very safe method it is to be generally avoided during initial stages of pregnancy, in serious medical emergencies, or thrombosis (as it may move the blood clots).

HISTORY

Foot reflexology is an ancestral art and has been practised in various forms for a long time.

Around 5000 BC, Chinese practised a form of pressure therapy and foot massage which is similar to reflexology.

Egyptian inscriptions dated around 2300 BC found in Ankhmahor's tomb at Saqqara show foot and hand massage.

William Fitzgerald, an ENT specialist published a book in 1917 illustrating the reflex areas and their corresponding organs. At the time, he showed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on another area. This is the birth of Zone Therapy.

Reflexology was further developed by Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974). Her books titled "Stories The Feet Can Tell" and "Stories The Feet have Told" became standard textbooks for students. Ingham found that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and then mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that "zone therapy" was renamed reflexology, and found to be effective for more than just pain reduction.

The late Doreen Bayly was the pioneer of reflexology in Great Britain since 1960 and her teachings are still continued today through the Bayly School of Reflexology.

Today a reflexologist can help you fight stress and achieve deep relaxation.