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55.4%ANMag Issue 23 Global Awareness
Reflexology
By Salwa Zahabi, Staff Writer
Beirut, Lebanon − Bodywork has its unique beauty, and it touches us on different levels of healing, for the body becomes visible and the soul more tangible. When we surrender ourselves to the unique art of bodywork, the energy does its distinctive work with utmost freedom.
Our feet support us in many different ways. They carry our whole body and also provide us with balance, where the sole of each foot and the palm of each hand contain a map of the whole anatomy that corresponds to all of the body’s organs and systems.
Reflexology or “zone therapy” is the physical act of massaging by applying pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb, finger and hand methods without using oil or lotion. This whole concept is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work affects a physical change to the body and improves general health.
This concept of reflexology is illustrated more by indicating that there are areas of the feet that correspond to other parts of the body, and only by stimulating these areas that this will therapeutically relax the corresponding parts of the body. For example, treating the big toes can have a relaxing effect in the head, and treating the whole foot can have a healing effect on the entire body. There are over 7000 nerve endings in the feet and stimulation of these can initiate a deep relaxation effect since these reflexes on our feet and hands act as mirror images of the body.
This distinctive art of reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, for the feet were manipulated and stimulated for the purpose of healing. Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced this therapy in the West in 1913 when he named it “zone therapy”.
Reflexology is often combined with other therapies and practices, such as acupressure, shiatsu, yoga, and Tai Chi. Reflexology seems to be a variation of acupressure, with its concept that there are correspondences between special pressure points and the flow of Chi to bodily organs.
Reflexology has proven to be an effective alternative therapy for a diverse range of health conditions: premenstrual syndromes, kidney stones, constipation, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, infertility, stroke digestive problems, internal pain, tension headaches, the pain suffered by persons with terminal cancer, and diabetes mellitus type II. In addition to that, reflexology therapeutically reduces stress and tension throughout the whole body.
Reflexology is not as effective as drug treatments. Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment. However, reflexology had none of the side effects culminated as a result of drugs. Reflexology can integrate well with medicines to help them work more efficiently in the body.
A typical treatment is 45 to 60 minutes long and begins with a consultation about your health and lifestyle. The reflexologist then asks to remove your shoes and socks and sit comfortably in a reclining chair or on a massage table. Otherwise, you remain fully-clothed. The treatment can be very comforting and with special music and relaxation methods, you will be encouraged to relax to your own comfort level.
During the reflexology session, there is very little talking involved since the client will be physically and emotionally consumed. A professional reflexologist can detect tiny changes in specific points in the feet and by working on these points, may affect the corresponding organs or systems of the body. The reflexologist will assess the feet and then stimulate various points to identify areas of tenderness or tension. The reflexologist then uses brisk movements to warm the feet up. Practitioners use various things like balls, clamps, cloth-spins, and more in order to stimulate the pressure points on a person's feet.
During the treatment, some people may feel nauseous, anxious, or tearful, but this is only temporary and is considered to be part of the healing process. Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment and may even feel sleepy. After one or two treatments, the body may respond in a very definite way. Most people notice a sense of well being and relaxation, and some people feel invigorated.
Reflexology is a traditional preventive foot care that maintains health, vitality and strengthens immunity. With ever-increasing levels of stress, it is important that people take more responsibility for their own health care needs. Reflexology helps us to cope on a physical, mental and emotional level, thereby encouraging us to heal and maintain health in all areas of our lives. Around the world and throughout history, reflexology has been rediscovered and reinstated as a health practice time and time again by people, around the globe, seeking to deal with health concerns.