How Reflexology Works

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY FOR SYSTEM BALANCE AND INCREASED HEALTH

The origin of reflexology reaches back into ancient Egypt during 2,330 B.C. where inscriptions were discovered in a physician’s tomb (mastaba).

Reflexology is a science and holistic therapy . It is an ancient healing modality that works on the concept that there are reflexes or points on the feet and hands that relate to every organ, gland, and part of the body. A compression technique using the thumb and forefinger is used in reflexology to connect to these points on energy zones in the body. Reflexology works with all the systems of the body.

How reflexology works:

1. Chi-energy zones; pressing on points that relate to other parts.

2. Circulation-breaking up congestion in capillaries improving blood flow in the body.

3. Nervous System-relieving tension in the body so that body can respond to in a healthy normal way to stimuli and stress. There is a proven neurological relationship between the skin and organs.

4. Foot problems and tension in the foot relieved.

What reflexology does:

1. Relieves stress and tension, produces a “deep” relaxation.

2. Improves circulation and lymph flow.

3. Creates homeostasis that helps a body calm down or wake up.

4. Reduces pain in a foot and create better flexibility.

The feet and hands are used in reflexology because they are a perfect pictures of the body-like a reflex camera shows a small picture of the larger one. There are a wealth of nerve endings in the feet and hands. They are the perfect place to work - a person feels safe. The work is not invasive.

In a reflexology session, deposits (made up of inorganic calcium or phosphorus, uric acid, lactic acid or even pollutants from the air, water, or foods that were not taken care of by lungs, liver kidneys, or skin) that is in the small blood vessels of the extremity. These deposits are pushed against nerve endings during a reflexology session and broken up. There are 7,200 nerve endings in each foot. Nerve endings in the feet have extensive interconnections through the spinal cord and brain with all areas of the body.

Eunice D. Ingham, The founder of the Ingham Method of Reflexology, wrote in an excerpt from “Stories The Feet Can Tell” , 1938. She states “…reflexology is a means of equaling the circulation. We all know circulation is life. Stagnation is death. Everything around us that is alive is in motion.”

Wishing all much balance and healing,

Tricia Martin, LMT