| Reflexology has been used for many centuries. | | | | On-site classes and classes online are offered in |
| The method of reflexology, also called "zone | | | | many areas to teach the basics of reflexology. |
| therapy", dates back to ancient Egypt, India and | | | | Also, books and videos can offer advice on |
| China. Evidence of reflexology has even been | | | | learning the basics of this technique. Many |
| found in tombs in Egypt. The method of | | | | specialty stores offer socks and gloves that can |
| reflexology works by stimulating and applying | | | | be purchased with the reflexology maps for the |
| pressure to certain parts of the hands, or to the | | | | hands and feet. |
| feet. Oil, lotion and creams are not used with | | | | During a traditional reflexology course, students |
| reflexology. The pressure causes increased | | | | will usually learn the basics of reflexology |
| circulation and promotes an overall healthier body. | | | | techniques as well as hand and ear basics. |
| The form of reflexology most commonly used | | | | Students also might learn the anatomy of the |
| today dates back 125 years old to Europe and | | | | lower legs including the bones and muscles. |
| Russia. | | | | Massage techniques and alignment exercises are |
| Because hands, feet and ears are very sensitive, | | | | often taught as well. |
| pressure on these areas are believed to benefit | | | | While no one is quite sure how reflexology works, |
| whole body health. It is estimated that this | | | | there are some theories. One is the "nerve" |
| method can be effective in treating over 93% of | | | | theory. This theory maintains that there is a |
| sixty-three disorders. Those undergoing | | | | connection between the body maps used in |
| reflexology sessions often report increased | | | | reflexology on the feet, hands and ears to the |
| physical and emotional improvements and feel | | | | rest of the body. When a certain pressure point is |
| better with their self-esteem and confidence. | | | | massaged, it will affect the part of the body |
| Many benefits of reflexology have been reported. | | | | connected. This is the most widely believed |
| This method can reduce stress from work or | | | | theory on how reflexology works. |
| home and provide an overall feeling of relaxation. | | | | Another theory is that reflexology is based on |
| This form of massage also serves to reduce and | | | | the "meridian" theory. This states that there are |
| sometimes eliminate pain in the neck, shoulders | | | | at least fourteen energy lines called meridians |
| and lower back. Reflexology also improves | | | | going up and down in the body. These energy |
| circulation in the body. Another benefit of | | | | lines have hundreds of pressure points and some |
| reflexology is that those receiving regular sessions | | | | of them are in the hands and feet. When |
| report an overall sense of well-being, better health | | | | pressure is applies to those areas, it creates a |
| and a feeling of reduced stress levels. | | | | sense of well-being. |
| In addition, reflexology therapy has been reported | | | | Another theory on how this technique works is |
| to reduce the pain or discomfort caused by a | | | | the "vertical" and "horizontal" zone theories. These |
| wide variety of medical symptoms. Sessions can | | | | state that the body is divided in to either ten |
| help back pain, minor headaches and migraines, | | | | wide vertical strips or four horizontal strips. Every |
| menstrual cramps, injuries from sprained muscles, | | | | part of the body falls into one of the strips. |
| sleep disorders and arthritis some patients report | | | | Pressure applied to these areas helps that certain |
| that this therapy also helps infertility. Reflexology | | | | body zone. |
| can also safely and effectively be used on almost | | | | Professional reflexology sessions can last between |
| anyone including infants and children, pregnant | | | | forty minutes to an hour. The session usually |
| women, the ill and the elderly. | | | | takes place in a chair with the feet raised. The |
| This technique is a natural way to help both | | | | reflexologies will use their hands and thumbs to |
| stimulate and relax the body at the same time. | | | | help stimulate trouble areas in the body. Typically, |
| Many who experience reflexology report an | | | | after a session, the patient will feel comfortable |
| immediate relief of stress or pain caused by | | | | and relaxed. Sometimes aromatherapy and |
| medical conditions. | | | | breathing techniques are used to deepen the |
| Learning the techniques of reflexology can be | | | | affects of reflexology. Breathing techniques used |
| quite simple and easy. Many people can learn the | | | | in conjunction with reflexology stimulates a deeper |
| technique and practice it at home or in the office. | | | | relaxation and better circulation. |