Andrew
Tomkinson, July 24 2008
How can Reflexology improve your health and
well-being?
Reflexology is thought to
have originated in China a few thousand years
ago and it was also used by the ancient
Egyptians. It was brought to Western society by
an American Doctor called William Fitzgerald.
What he did was to apply ten zones to the
surface of the body and these zones were
regarded as paths along which a persons 'vital
energy' flowed, ending at the hands or feet.
Therefore when pain was experienced in one part
of the body, it could be relieved by applying
pressure somewhere else in the same
zone.
The uses of
reflexology are numerous. It is especially
effective for the relief of pain (headaches,
back pain and toothache), treatment of
digestive disorders, stress and tension, colds
and influenza, asthma, arthritis and many more.
It is also possible to predict a potential
illness and either give preventive therapy or
suggest that specialist advice be sought. The
massaging action of reflexology creates a
soothing effect that increases blood flow. This
action benefits the whole body.
No form of
medication is used in the practice of
Reflexology. A person's vital energy is thought
to follow certain routes along the body,
connecting every gland or organ with a pressure
point at the hands, feet or at another part of
the body. When the available routes are blocked
and a tenderness on the body points to such a
blockage, this is an indication that there is
an ailment somewhere else in the body. These
routes can be cleared by the massaging of
particular reflex points thus restoring the
energy flow and healing any damage.
Reflex massage
causes a soothing effect that results in
muscular and nervous relief. For example the
pressure of a finger applied to a particular
point may create a sensation elsewhere in the
body which will indicate a connection between
the two points. This is the basis of
Reflexology and although pain may not be
eliminated immediately, continued massage will
usually have a beneficial effect.
On a warning
note, there are certain conditions where
Reflexology is not appropriate. These include
diabetes, heart conditions, osteoporosis,
disorders of the thyroid gland and phlebitis.
It may also not be suitable for pregnant
women.
The recommended
way to undergo Reflexology is by a trained
therapist who will usually massage all of the
reflex areas. Although there have been very few
large scale clinical trials to ascertain the
efficiency of Reflexology, it is generally
thought that it does little harm but much
benefit.
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