Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology, an ancient healing therapy, is the process of "reflexing", or stimulating and reacting upon the whole body through a sequence of thumb and finger pressure 'walking' all over the surface of the feet. The same can be done with the hands and ears.

Reflexology is an ancient healing therapy

The physical body is said to be mirrored, or reflected, in the feet. When pressure is applied to a particular area of the foot, the corresponding area of the body is reacted upon, effecting a change - sometimes subtly and other times quite obviously.

How does Reflexology work?

Reflexology works through the nervous system, endocrine system and meridians (energy pathways). All three of these systems directly impact our vitality, or vital body. The degree of discomfort and tension felt upon application of pressure to the feet informs the reflexologist of areas where energy imbalances exist in the body.

The nervous system works through impulses sent along nerves, and the effects are instantaneous. When an imbalance is taken care of by the nervous system, the correction takes place swiftly. You know this has happened because the pain completely disappears.

The endocrine system works through hormones (chemicals) sent via the blood stream, and the effects are much slower. When you return to an area of the foot and find that it is still painful, you know that it is being taken care of by the endocrine system. Results in such a case could take a few days, a few weeks or even a few months.

Meridians work on a cyclical basis over the course of a day. If an area is affected by the meridians, it could take from two to 48 hours.

What does Reflexology do?

Reflexology relaxes the glands, organs and systems of the body and creates homeostasis, or balance and stability. When the internal body starts to relax, changes begin to occur on every level - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

First, there is a noticeable increase in vitality. The immune system begins to do its job more thoroughly, there is less pain in the body, elimination improves, body weight stabilizes, and the mind becomes clearer, so there is more willpower and direction,better choices are made, and habits are improved.

Depression often disappears and is replaced by an increasing feeling of contentment and joy - simply because everything in our inner world has sufficient vitality to function properly. The feeling is a great sense of well-being.