Reflexology is a therapy which involves using the thumb and fingers to apply pressure to the feet and/ or hands. There are points on the hands and feet that relate to organs, glands and systems of the body. These points are known as reflex points, a reflex is when stimulation at one point brings a response in another area.
Reflexology is a holistic treatment technique which means the individuals mind, body and spirit are taken into account when the treatment is given. Reflexologists treat the whole body, they do not generally work on one specific organ or system. They treat the symptoms and also aim to treat the cause. They aim to restore balance and harmony to the whole body. So therefore the feet can be seen as a MAP of the body.
These ancient forms of massage were based on the principle that energy Zones run throughout the body. The principle, which became Zone therapy, was further developed in the early 19th centurywith the discovery that applying pressure in various places along the 10 vertical Zones the length of the body could ease underlying problems. These ideas were expanded when Therapists found that working with the feet was most effective, as theywere the most sensitive and responsive areas, with thousands of nerve endings. Reflexology was introduced to the UK in the early 1960″s and its popularity continues to grow.
Benefits of Reflexology..
* Feeling of deep relaxation
* Increased energy levels
* Improved circulation
* A stronger immune system
* Increased removal of toxins and impurities from the body
* The release of endorphins from the body ( the bodies feel good hormones ) which can also provide pain relief
* Reduces stress
* A feeling that the whole body is balanced and in harmony
* A total feeling of well being.
