Reflexology is more than one might think as a glorified foot rub.
Did you know the foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, & ligaments. In reflexology, the body is viewed in ten segments or zones that run vertically down the whole length of the body. There is one zone for each finger and toe.
The modern history of Zone Therapy begins with Dr. William Fitzgerald, (1872-1946) an American nose and throat specialist. He developed a theory describing the electrical circuits or meridians in the body.
Energy moves through the zones like electricity moves through the wiring in a house. Blockage in a certain zone will restrict energy flow and may effect anything within that zone.
Reflexology deals with applied pressure to a reflex point to reduce tension in all areas of the body whether external like the skeletal muscles or internal like organs. Any reflex point worked within a particular system will help other reflexes within that same system.
For example, a reflex of the digestive system is the stomach. By working the reflex of the stomach, there will also be a direct benefit to the reflex of the intestines. This means that when a therapist works the reflex points of the feet, we can also effect how the body responds from the muscular system to our central nervous system.
The Muscular System: we’re well-acquainted with our skeletal muscle but we also have internal muscles like digestive, reproductive to name a few. These muscles function by contraction and relaxation and can hold tension, even when we may not feel it. The restriction in the flow of energy, blood, and fluids create an imbalance that can eventually lead to disease. Reflexology aims to release tension and improve circulation to optimize function within the whole system.
Common Disorders Muscular System
The Central Nervous System: is the link to all the systems of the body. Included is the brain or the cranial, which we are familiar is the body’s control center. Also is the spinal cord, which begins at the brain stem and extends down to the low back or lumbar vertabra of L2. Within the spinal cord houses the brain stem, which serves as a bridge between the two and as a reflex center for vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
Working the reflex point on the top of the big toe, for example to balance energy and maintain homeostasis. For the spinal cord, work the spine reflex. The rest of the nervous system is targeted by working the whole foot.
- Spinal nerve compression
- Excess mental energy
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Bell’s Palsy
Things to Remember:
- Don’t receive reflexology if you are pregnant
- Wait at least one hour for massage after eating
- Consult a doctor first if you have foot problems
- Drink water after a reflexology treatment to eliminate toxins and lactic acid buildup
For more information about reflexology and other massage treatments, check out our website http://oasistherapymassage.com/.