Reflexology

Reflexology, or zone therapy, is the practice of stimulating points on the feet, hands and ears, in order to encourage a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or to try to improve general health. Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, moving on to the hands and/or ears where physical restraints, such as veruccas or fractures or even lack of down limbs, apply.

Practitioners believe the foot to be divided into a number of reflex zones corresponding to all zones of the energy of the body, and that applying pressure in the form of massage to "tight" or "gritty" areas of a person's foot will stimulate the corresponding part of the energy body and assist the self-healing process. Contrary to some beliefs, reflexology does not seek to diagnose or cure medical conditions - merely imbalances in the energy of the body.

I would like to present those 3 diagrams to show how complex reflexology can be for everyone whether they are pefectly healthy or have disability.

Theories on Reflexology

Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the mechanism behind reflexology, although none have been scientifically proven.
According to one theory, a reflexologist can break up patterns of stress in other parts of the body through the 7200 nerves in the feet by applying "technique". Pressure applied to the feet generates a signal through the peripheral nervous system. From there it enters the central nervous system where it is processed in various parts of the brain. It is then relayed to the internal organs to allocate the necessary adjustments in fuel and oxygen. Finally a response is fashioned that is sent on to the motor system. This message is fed forward to adjust the body's tone or overall tension level. Theoretically, if applied properly, the tone will reset itself to a lower operating tempo. A lower operating tempo means a lessening of stress and less wear and tear on the body's systems.

Another proposed theory is that the body contains an invisible "life force", or energy field. It has been suggested that when this life force is blocked or imbalanced, illness may result. However, stimulation of the foot can unblock and increase the flow of vital energy to various unhealthy parts of the body and promote healing.

In reflexology, it is believed by practitioners that there is a "vital energy" that is circulating between organs of the human body, that penetrates into every livingcell. Whenever this energy is blocked, the zone of blockage will be affected, and the reflex zones can indicate the blockage of energy in different organs. Therefore, if someone has a problem in a particular organ, a reflexologist will press on the corresponding reflex zone or zones, and the person will sometimes experience pain. This pain is claimed to originate from the deposition of crystals in the reflex zone and, with massage, these crystalline structures can be broken down and the pain relieved. Simultaneously, the pressure applied to the reflex zones by the reflexologist is claimed to pass through the nerves to dissipate energy blocks.

Some other proposed theories include the release of endorphins (natural pain killers in the body), stimulation of nerve circuits in the body ("cutaneo-organ reflexes"), promotion of lymphatic flow or the dissolving of uric acid crystals.

Reflexology Effects

Short term
Reactions to reflexology are demonstrated by case studies rather than statistical conclusions. These will vary between individuals and treatments, but are most commonly reported to include the following:
During treatment
- Feelings of relaxation, comfort, or wellbeing
- Client may sigh, yawn, or fall asleep - this is often described as surprisingly refreshing
- Tiredness
- "Tingling" sensations
- Slightly reduced body temperature as a result of relaxation
According to the theories of reflexology, the tingling and tiredness are due to release of built-up toxins and clearing of energy blockages in the body.
After treatment
- Reduced stress
- Feelings of deep relaxation
- Improved circulation
- Induced homeostasis, or the body "being in a dynamic state of balance"
- Revitalized personal energy
In rare cases a client may experience a "healing crisis" (it means the things get worse before they can get better) ,which may include headaches, nausea and sinus congestion. This is considered by practitioners to be a result of the body clearing its toxins, and is unlikely to be disabling or to last more than twenty-four hours. Reflexologists believe this experience is a positive cleansing process, and reassure the client.

Long term
- Immune system boost through reduced stress
- Stress can drain the immune system, leading to more frequent cases of illness and infection.
- Stress can also cause tension, which can cause neck and shoulder stiffness and headaches. Regular relaxation can help prevent stress and improve the overall functioning of the immune system.
- Feeling of increased energy
- It is claimed that reflexology opens pathways to renew ourselves and boost our energy level, immediately after treatment and for several days afterwards. It could keep us free from the feeling of lacking motivation, tiredness, and inability to concentrate. Reflexology advocates say that reflexology not only relieves symptoms, but also acts on improvements of our body as a whole.

Contraindications

As with any physical treatment, there are some conditions (contraindications) that could prevent a practitioner from treating a client.
It is not advisable to have reflexology if patient have:
- thrombosis, as the blood clots by activating circulation can be moved to brain or heart causing damage
- a contagious or acute infectious disease like skin's tinea pedis for instance, there is a risk of cross contamination
- had recent surgery of malignant tumor
- pregnancy (treatment should be done with caution to certain reflexes and caution should be taken particularly in the early stages of pregnancy)
- foot wounds, burns or infection
- used alcohol or street drugs
- taken strong pain medication such as morphine as the body's pain threshold is lowered and therapist could harm patient
Clients should seek medical advice before a treatment in the case of the following:
- Osteoarthritis affecting the ankle or foot
- Severe circulation problems in the legs or feet
- Diabetes patients are less responsive to the pain which results in necessity of given less pressure
- Heart disease, with special concern given to people after heart attack, patients are not to be treated 3 to 6 months whilst the heart muscle needs to recover
- Presence of a pacemaker
- Unstable blood pressure as the condition can be made more harmful
- Cancer, as reflexology can be good or bed depending on the stage of the ilness
- Active infections, as some of them exclude reflexology completely
- Syncope
- Mental illness can be treated but always together with the councelling help as it is believed to intensify the psychic state
- Gallstones or kidney stones where reflexology can be helpfull in relieving the pain
- Pregnancy it is not recommended to do treatment while the first 3 months despite reflexology can be beneficial but this period is the most prompt to have complications, it has to be avoided as well for someone with the history if miscarage