Reflexology Massage Benefits

Also known as Zone Therapy, Reflexology is an alternative health care and complementary healing technique which involves physically applying pressure to feet and hand using specific hand, finger and thumb methods, without employing any ointment or lubricant. Reflexology massage system is based on what reflexologist claim to be a system of zones and reflex areas on the hand and feet which reflect or correspond to the other parts of the body. It is believed that applying pressure on the specific zones or reflex areas on the hands/feet are effective in alleviating ailments pertaining to their corresponding parts/organs of the body. Reflexology has been defined by the Reflexology Association of Canada as:

A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, cremes or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.

The premise of reflexology is still smoky as there is considerable conflict of opinions among reflexologists regarding how the reflexology massage techniques work and the specific benefits of reflexology massage that can be attributed to each technique. Although an alternative healing method, reflexology is suggested as a complementary healing technique rather than a replacement for mainstream treatment. Reflexology is founded on the premise that an invisible life force or Qi (as it is known in oriental medicine and astrology) runs throughout our bodies. When there is an obstacle to the free flow of Qi, such a blockage manifests as an illness. The illness or disorder occurs to that part or organ of the body where the blockage takes place. Reflexology massage, which involves applying pressure to specific manual or pedal zones corresponding to the ailing organ, is believed to relieve such blockage by sending signals to that particular organ by way of nervous transmission or release of chemicals (hormones) which restore balance and enable the life force to regain its free flow throughout the body. Reflexologist and claimants of reflexology massage benefits believe that the body is divided into ten vertical zones, five of which are represented on the right foot and the rest five represented on the left foot. The body is further divided by three transverse lines - the shoulder girdle, the waistline and the pelvic floor.

Various versions of reflexology massage exist all over the world, the earliest form believed to have originated in China about five thousand years ago! Reflexology massage therapy was first introduced to America in the early 1900 by Chinese immigrants. This therapy received its first official recognition in the West in 1913, in the United States, by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ENT specialist by profession. Although mainly focusing on pedal zones, reflexology also extends to pressure zones on the palm. Reflexology massage benefits span across a large number of regular as well as complicated illnesses. Let us take a look at what reflexology offers us in general.

Benefits of Reflexology Massage

Stress Management
Feeling under the weather? Try some reflexology pressures and feel the difference! Our palms and feet harbor a denser population of sensitive nerve endings than any other part of the body and by stimulating these nerve endings, we can relax the nerves, leading to stress relief. We all know that stress weakens our immune systems, and a weak immune system makes us susceptible to disease germs and infections. Once you combat stress, stress induced disorders such as anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia, etc. automatically disappear! So fellas, the next time those nerves get strung and give out those temperamental distress calls, de-stress your reflexes by a tickle to your sole (pun intended)!

Improved Blood Circulation
Perhaps it is blood that carries Qi to all parts of the body! After all, it is our blood that carries Oxygen to all parts and we all know that Oxygen is life! That is why, a faulty circulation leads to undernourishment and weakening of the part where blood circulation is improper. Reflexology massage helps reduce stress and tension, allowing the heart to function properly, thereby, enabling smooth circulation throughout the body!

Nerve Stimulation
By stimulating nerve endings, reflexology massage therapy encourages clearing of neural pathways and interrupts pain pathways, reducing pain and allowing nerves to function sharply. After all, a tool/organ rusts only if it is not in use. Reflexology massage benefits the nerves the same way as exercise benefits the limbs!

Heightened Immunity
A stress free mind and an oxygen inundated body is high on immunity and is better equipped to resist diseases and infections. Also, a strong immune system is likely to recover faster and require less medication for illnesses and injuries. A person having strong immune system is also less likely to suffer from allergies. A strong immune system guarantees increased energy and stamina. You are the picture of vitality and have LIFE written all over you if you possess a robust immune system!

Better Flexibility
Flexibility is all about having well lubricated and well-functioning joints. Reflexology is beneficial for joint problems such as arthritis, knee problems, frozen shoulder, joint pain and stiffness.

Besides the above general health benefits, reflexology is claimed to be effective in the following specific medical conditions as well:-

• Asthma and other respiratory issues
• Bowel Disorders such as constipation
• Infertility
• Thyroid Imbalance and other thyroid problems
• Sinusitis
• PMS and other gynecological/ hormonal problems
• Muscle Tension
• Eczema
• Migraine

Besides the above, a reflexology massage session leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed, as if you had a body massage sans the mess of creams or lotions/ oils! A typical reflexology session takes somewhere between 40-90 minutes, not very heavy on your time! Both hand and foot reflexology techniques can be learned by anyone and reflexology charts are available, illustrating the zones on the palms and soles. Quick fixes from reflexology therapy can be used to alleviate minor physical discomforts of our daily lives! Stuck in the traffic for 15 minutes and the honking is giving you a headache? Press that part of the thumb which connects to the head and bingo! Headache's gone!