21/07/2022
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology is the technique of applying pressure to specific reflex points on the hands and feet to stimulate the body`s own healing powers.
Traditional Chinese medicine attributes good health to the flow of qi energy throughout the body along energy channels, or meridians, which begin and extend down to the feet and the hands, and can be manipulated to ensure a well-balanced flow through pressure on vital points. Good health is only possible when all the body functioning works efficiently. Diseases and imbalances in one part of the body ultimately affect functioning. The Chinese first began the concept of Reflexology 5,000 years ago
Western scientists began to research this in the 19th century, and started to look at the nervous system, responses and reflexes and reflex actions, and how this could affect health. American physician William Fitzgerald in the early 1900`s observed that direct pressure could produce a pain-relieving response. He divided the body into 5 longitudinal zones on the left and right sides of the body, extending from the fingers right down the body down to the feet and toes. He named this zone theory. Other practitioners, like Eunice Ingham complemented to the theory and she added 3 lateral zones and further detail to create a map on the feet and hands showing which pressure points correspond to different parts of the body.
Pressure points in the feet communicate with the brain, internal organs and other parts of the body. Pressure signals from the sole of the feet tell the brain what the body is doing and whether, blood sugar, oxygen, muscle contraction and relaxation needs are being met. Consider this when is walking, jogging or running. Reflexology can give a similar response.
Reflexology offers a drug-free treatment option for a variety of health conditions, and it can be used to aid recovery from injury to the feet or hands or other parts of the body. It helps to ease over-used or tired feet or hands, and it can be used to reduce pain. Reflexology helps to maintain manual dexterity and locomotive abilities, and to maintain health in a preventative way, as well as promoting general relaxation. It can release endorphin, the body`s feel-good chemicals. Reflexology can be used on people who are disabled or in poor health, who may not be able to undergo vigorous exercise, providing muscular manipulation and many other beneficial health effects. Reflexology has been known to reduce possible symptoms of ill-health, such as coronary heart disease, angina, high blood pressure, constipation and bowel problems, sinusitis, headaches, as well as kidney and urinary problems. It has been known to help with stiffness and arthritis, with respiratory problems and even with mental health problems. Reflexology is probably safer in the long term than taking drug medication which may have many side effects and other health problems.
One can visit a professional reflexologist but everyone needs to look after one`s feet and hands. Most of should be able to examine and to give our feet or hands a quick massage after a busy day. It is important to use appropriate footwear. Fashionable shoes may not be the best for our feet and for our general health. It is important to know how to relax the feet and also how to exercise them properly, using the full range of movement in the toes and ankle joints. The same is true for the hands.
We should have some knowledge of the hands and feet. They are both essential for us to get around and perform simple everyday tasks, but we only tend to notice them when they start giving us problems. They are both quite delicate. The hands and feet have a complex arrangement of 26 bones, muscles, tendons and nerves. The feet have to withstand the enormous pressures of getting us around the place. The hands have to perform an enormous amount of precise intricate tasks.
