| Reflexology is an alternative treatment that is | | | | Theory" also explain why reflexology produces |
| found to be very effective when used along with | | | | relief from pain and stress. The theories suggest |
| osteopathy, acupuncture or light therapy. An | | | | that the brain creates pain which is a subjective |
| extremely relaxing form of massage, it relates to | | | | experience in response to cognitive or emotional |
| specific "reflex points/areas" located on the feet, | | | | factors; therefore one's moods and factors like |
| hands or ears. These points correspond with each | | | | stress and tension can affect our experiences of |
| body organ, gland or system and are linked to | | | | pain. Thus reflexology therapy reduces pain by |
| these body parts by "zones", "energy channels" or | | | | improving the mood and reducing stress. |
| "meridians". Energy channels tend to get blocked | | | | Another theory states that the human body has |
| when there is an imbalance or illness in the body. | | | | "vital energy" and there is congestion or choking |
| Reflexology therapy techniques remove these | | | | of the energy flow which causes illness and |
| blocks and allows the energy to start flowing | | | | disorders in the body. |
| freely again. | | | | Reflexology helps with the flow of energy. The |
| Known as a holistic and healing art, reflexology | | | | "Zone Theory" in the human body is divided or |
| usually yields the best of results when the | | | | separated into ten vertical zones that correspond |
| practitioner works with dedication and self-belief. It | | | | to toes and fingers right up to the head. The |
| not only reduces muscular tension and stress but | | | | theory states that every muscle, organ and gland |
| also cleanses the body of impurities and toxins | | | | that is located in a zone is accessible through a |
| that are harmful. Reflexology is used as | | | | reflex point on the feet or hands. |
| "Preventative Healthcare" as it revitalizes energy | | | | The guiding principles in the practice of reflexology |
| and brings about balance in the whole system. | | | | are: |
| Research in the US as well as around the world | | | | - Practitioners do not heal patients - the body |
| indicates that reflexology brings about positive | | | | heals and repairs itself. |
| benefits for various conditions. The National | | | | - The practitioner is only a participant and not the |
| Cancer Institute as well as the National Institutes | | | | healer. |
| of Health conducted numerous studies that have | | | | - The human body responds to touch which |
| indicated that reflexology has helped to reduce | | | | encourages healing. |
| lessen pain, stress, anxiety and depression as well | | | | - It is possible for both the client and the |
| as enhance sleep, natural healing and relaxation. | | | | practitioner to "feel" the move of energy from |
| The theory that reflexology definitely works with | | | | reflex points on the feet, hands and ears to other |
| the central nervous system of the body is built | | | | corresponding parts of the body. |
| on the studies done in the 1890s by Sir Charles | | | | - Reflexology cannot replace medical treatment |
| Sherrington and Sir Henry Head, who showed that | | | | - Reflexology is used as an alternative treatment |
| there is a neurological relationship between internal | | | | or a complementary therapy |
| organs and the skin and the body's nervous | | | | - Reflexology differs from foot massage |
| system can adjust to a stimulus. Therefore | | | | - Reflexologists state that most health problems |
| according to this theory, a pressure applied to the | | | | are stress and tension related. |
| hands, feet or ears will send relaxing and calming | | | | This is proof enough for people who are stressed |
| messages to various parts of the body from | | | | and suffering from chronic ailments to try this |
| peripheral nerves in the feet, hands and ears. | | | | form of treatment that has been in use in India, |
| "The Gate Theory" and "The Neuromatrix | | | | China, Egypt and other ancient civilizations. |