Reflexology is an alternative treatment used to treat illnesses in the body by pressing certain points on the foot that represents a particular body part. It is also called zone therapy and is only concentrated on applying pressure on the feet. The pressure is made by doing small movements with the thumb and fingers. Benefits of reflexology include tension relief, improved circulation and balance.
Reflexology is only a supplemental treatment and should not be used as primary treatment to any medical condition. The rationale behind how reflexology works is that any obstruction of the body’s energy field or sometimes called the Qi or life force prevents healing. By removing these blockages through applying pressure on certain points in the foot, healing is promoted. These theories are not accepted by the medical community as it lacks evidence to disprove the scientific causes of diseases such as the germ theory.
Areas of the feet and their equivalent body parts
- Distal tips of the toes affects the frontal sinuses, eyes, and ears
- The liver, kidney and pancreas are located in the arch of the foot
- The heel part involves the back and the intestines
Complaints of menstrual cramps will have the top part of the foot, inner heel and ankle as their pressure points. To relieve upper body tension particularly in the shoulders and back, the pressure point will be the inside edge of the foot. Digestive ailments are addressed by putting pressure towards the center arch.
The popular benefits of reflexology why many people are attracted to it are its cost effectiveness and non-invasive procedure. People who cannot afford traditional medical treatments like medications and diagnostic procedures result to alternative healing methods like reflexology. Those people who are afraid of needles and surgeries prefer reflexology because it does not involve cutting or any injections.
For quick relief of pain like headaches, tummy aches and muscle pains many people are resorting to reflexology although there are no guaranteed therapeutic result. Menstrual cramps in women are very uncomfortable and regular reflexology is believed to relieve this pain. Many people also use reflexology to relieve tension from a stressful day of work much like getting relaxation from a spa foot massage.
It is generally safe to practice reflexology. There is no particular medication and diet required to get the benefits of reflexology although it is best to go to a professional reflexologist to achieve the best results. Side effects are seldom reported and repeated sessions will sometimes cause discomfort on the pressure area since it will become sensitive and quite sore to touch after a previous session. It will better to schedule reflexology sessions in intervals of 1 to 2 weeks. Reflexology cannot be proven to treat any ailments as it does not show any medical evidence and relief is achieved just like a natural foot massage. If you have a present medical condition it is only advisable to use it as a complementary treatment and never replace the medical treatment currently prescribed by your doctor.
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