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R eflexology is believed to have started in China some 5,000 years ago. It's closest relative is Acupuncture, and operates on similar principles. Within our body there are a number of energy channels, called meridans. When there is a blockage or imbalance in the flow of this life- force energy, it begins to have a physical effect upon the body.
If the body's circulation begins to slow down, it is unable to rid the body of toxins. The toxins become calcified, and gravity takes hold. With our feet being the extremity of our body's circulation, the calcifications form on the nerve endings that correspond to the particular organ or structure where the energy imbalance had occurred.
When pressure is applied to reflex points {points that respond to stimulus}; a variety of sensations may be experienced.
There are 72,000 nerve endings in each foot, so it is perhaps for this reason alone that we feel great after having our feet massaged. However, for a therapy as simple as Reflexology, there are more far- reaching effects upon the body. It is important to remember that it is a therapy, and one that should not be taken lightly. It may have been around for a long time, but it still does not recieve the respect it deserves.
Reflexology has no limits to the conditions that can benefit from it - as it stimulates the whole body to give it the best possible environment to heal itself. This is a very important statement, as it is not the Reflexologist that heals; only the body has this ability.
Reflexology creates a balance between body systems, calming an overactive area, and stimualting an underactive one. It is also important to say it is harmless to the areas functioning correctly. This therapy, like all other natural therapies, does not claim to cure, or be a substitute for medical or psychological diagnosis and treatment.
Reflexology has however, been recorded as helping conditions ranging from headaches to diabetes, and hayfever to arthritis. I am not stating that these conditions are remedied after one magical treatment. With the condition of diabetes for example, it requires not only many treatments and lots of patience, but also medical supervision, because the insulin/tablet dosage would have to be closely monitored and decreased accordingly. Any medical practitioner would like to see this happen I'm sure.
Cancer and Leukaemia patients have also benefited from Reflexology, as it reduced the pain and nausea, stabilized blood pressure, and generally made them feel more sociable because of this welcome relief. Even though it may be a terminal condition, it literally gives them some quality of life.
Stress and tension cause approximately 80% of all illnesses, so it makes sense to remove it! Reflexology does just that, as well as increases the blood supply, and helps to unblock nerve impulses. Everybody can benefit from Reflexology, from those wishing to treat an ailment naturally, to those using it as a 'maintenance therapy' - it simply feels too good to do without. It leaves you in a deep state of relaxation, and a wonderful feeling of well being.
~by Sharon Hinschen, Reflexologist.
If you would like further information, I can be contacted at:-
Touch of Rainbow, 21 Palmer Street, Nth Mackay, Qld, Australia
