| REFLEXOLOGY OVERVIEW |
| What Is Reflexology? |
| Layman's Definition: Reflexology is the art and science of working specific reflex points (areas) on the hands, feet, and ears to relax and relieve stress and pain in the body. |
| Clinical Definition: Reflexology is the application of pressure, primarily, but not limited to the feet hands or ears which causes a physiological response in the body. |
| What Is The History Of Reflexology |
First recorded history began in 2330 BC in Egypt:
- They were masters in setting bones, caring for wounds and treating illness
- They recorded the medical practices through drawings of surgical operations and medical treatments
- Reflexology is depicted in the tomb of a medical doctor an official second to the king about 5000 years ago
- There were six pictographs of circumcision, child birth, pharmacology, embalming, dentistry and reflexology
- The knowledge of reflexology travel from Egypt to Greece, Arabia, India, China and then to Europe through the Roman Empire
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| Medical knowledge in Europe was static for centuries. Islamic and Arabian doctors were responsible for preserving the knowledge of Greek medicine. |
Reflexology Moves to the East:
- The movement is traced from India to China and then to Japan
- Religion shaped the healing arts beginning with Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, with Sanskrit symbols depicting reflexology points on the footprints of the god Vishnu discovered in one of the temples
- In 500 to 400 BC foots prints of Buddha showing reflexology points are found in the temples near Kusinara, China and the Tientai monastery near Beijing
- Reflexology originated in China about 4000 BC through the trade routes between India and Africa
- During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) a Japanese monk studied in China and brought reflexology to Japan
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Reflexology Moves to West:
- Marco Polo is credited with introducing reflexology to the West
- The Dominican and Franciscan missionaries also travel to China, so reflexology could have come to Europe from Marco Polo or the Catholic missionaries
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| Reflexology by way of the East (Asia) through the West (Egypt) brought the healing art to Europe during the Dark Ages. |
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| What Is The Theory Behind Reflexology? |
| Scientifically |
- Reflexology is a science based on the principles that reflexes or areas on the hands, feet and ears of the body relate to internal organs and other structures of the body.
- In reflexology the feet, hands and ears are seen as a perfect microcosm of the body, with somatic replications of all organs, glands and muscles of the body on an area or reflex point
- as a science it is the study of relieving pain and stress in the body through touch using alternating pressure
- Reflexology embraces all body systems and organs, Physical: by unlocking, stimulating and improving circulation; Mental: through the application of touch and its therapeutic affect on the body; and Emotional: the universal connection scientifically with client to relieve pain and relax the body
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| Traditionally |
- Reflexology is a Healing Art
- There is power in Touch: through the creative movement of your fingers applied to reflex pressure points on the feet, hands and ears will relieve pain and stress in the body
- Like all art forms there is a connection: Reflexology Giver becomes one with the Reflexology Receiver
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| Reflexology is an ancient healing art that will once again take its rightful place as the answer to the cry for a drugless chemical free approach to relieving pain in addition to being a compliment to conventional medicine in enhancing western medicine in achieving results. |
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| How Does Reflexology Work? |
Reflexology involves the use of applied precise alternating pressure techniques therapeutically on the corresponding area of the body located on the hands, feet and ears
- In reflexology the body is mapped on the hands, feet and ears
The body is divided into 10 longitudinal (vertical) zones, which run the length of the body
from head to toe. To a reflexologist this is called "mapping the body". There are 10 zones,
each finger and each toe represents the 10 zones that are used by the reflexologist to locate
specific areas of the body
- There are 7200 nerve endings in each foot; 2500 in each hand and 435 in each ear that corresponds to every part of the body. It is the nerve endings in the hands, feet and ears that send the message to the brain about stress or pain found in the body during a reflexology session. The brain than responds by producing endorphins, the body's natural pain reliever. The endorphins are then sent through the blood stream to the affected areas.
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| Consider reflexology as a chemical-free pain reliever that is administered externally rather than internally. |
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| What Are The Benefits Of Reflexology? |
Reflexology has many benefits
- Improves blood and nerve supply to the muscles; relaxes muscles spasms and tensions; promotes good muscle tone through nerve stimulation
- Improves body's elimination system. Cleanses the body of toxins and impurities (a major cause of disease)
- Reduces stress to induce relaxation (how reflexology is used in America)
- Improves circulation (a major problem in American culture because of sedentary lifestyles)
- Balances the whole body (mentally, physically and spiritually)
- Revitalizes Energy (answers the body's energy need: energy low ,reflexology raises it; energy high, reflexology lowers it)
- Preventive health care tool (a wellness maintenance for optimum health rather than crisis relief for a temporary solution)
- Stimulates creativity and productivity (a valuable resource to use in the workplace)
- Nurtures Relationship (a valuable family healing tool using touch positively)
- Rewarding to the Giver and Receiver
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| Is Reflexology Different Than Massage? |
| Reflexology is not a massage. Reflexology works the nerve endings in the hands, feet, and ears. Reflexology works with the nervous system. Massage works the muscles and soft tissues. Massage works with the muscular system. |
| Is Reflexology A Medical Treatment? |
| Reflexology is not recognized as a medical treatment. The AMA says that 85% of all illness is due to stress. Reflexology today is practiced as a form of stress management and wellness maintenance. Release the stress and the body will respond. In order for the body to begin the healing process it must be in a state of rest and relaxation. Reflexology releases tension, improves circulation and normalizes the body function, a compliment to conventional and traditional healthcare. |
| Are There Any Research Studies On Reflexology? |
- August 15, 1998 American Cancer Society Journal found that 1/3 of cancer patients used reflexology, as an alternative medical approach
- Nurses are using reflexology with therapeutic touch, which was started by a nurse and is widely accepted in many hospitals
- Reflexology studies on Cardiovascular health care was conducted by noted cardiothoriac surgeon Dr. Oz and the Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Center for Alternative/Complementary Medicine at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center
- The most popular reflexology study in America by Bill Flocco, director of studies for the American Academy of Reflexology as published in Obstetric and Gynecology Journal for Premenstrual Symptoms,(PMS)
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| Reflexology Around The World |
China
- 1998 research from the Reflexology Society of China reported results of over 20,000 case studies with a 50% success rate according to hospital studies
- Diabetes: reflexology reduced insulin levels; increased blood flow to the feet; improved blood circulation; and healing for leg ulcers
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Denmark
- Between 1977 and 1995 The United Danish Reflexologist Association has been a leader in conducting research and establishing the protocol with hundreds of valid case studies
- Childbirth: reduced pain before and during labor; mother was relaxed and did not need any pain medication
- Asthma: improved breathing and relaxed the body to bring balance during an attack
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Australia and South Africa
- World leaders in reflexology education and clinical studies with a history of clinical reflexology conducted by physicians and clinically trained reflexologist
- Bed Wetting: decreased urination among bed wetters receiving reflexology before bed
- Pain in General: reduced to elimination of pain for arthritis, neck, shoulder, back, and headaches
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Switzerland
- Outstanding research conducted focusing on Cancer
- Cancer: Terminal patients all having pain: reduced to decreased pain; reflexology is used in family and hospice care to add quality to a dying person's life
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| What Is The Future Of Reflexology In America? |
- Medical students are interested in exploring non-traditional methods of healing:117 of 125 US medical schools between 1997 and 1998 offer courses in Complementary/Alternative medicine. (Reflexology is requested but not yet offered because of lack of valid research data)
- 2/3 of Americans say they are in good health, yet 1 in 5 is afraid to go to the doctor (there is a need for personal touch and connection to begin the healing process: Reflexology)
- The majority of Americans say they would prefer to change their diet to treat a health problem rather than take medication (Reflexology the chemical-free alternative)
- More women go to doctors and use alternative therapies than men (Reflexology can begin the connection and introduction to other modalities and conventional medicine)
- 43% of Americans self-medicate to avoid paying a visit to the doctor (Reflexology is cost effective with results and self empowerment)
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| Study conducted by National Center for Health Statistic, 1998. |
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