Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a very powerful ancient Chinese medicine that believes the qi or ‘vital energy’ flows through each person and when a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi (energy flow) which causes an imbalance that leads to illness. Reflexology aims to keep the qi flowing through the body, keeping it balanced and disease free. 

This ancient art of applying pressure to the feet and hands using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques is based on a system of ten ‘zones’ and ‘reflex areas’, that reflect a map of the body on the feet and hands which allows access to every body part in a particular zone. Its function is to affect a physical healing and changes to homeostasis by releasing ‘blockages’ and restoring the qi (free flow of energy) through the body. 

What are the benefits of Reflexology?

It is proven that a Reflexologist’s touch may help to calm the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and other benefits just like any form of massage.

In the 1890s, British scientists found that nerves connect the skin and internal organs. They also found that the body’s entire nervous system tends to adjust to outside factors, including touch. There is also a belief that the brain creates pain as a subjective experience. Sometimes, the brain reacts to physical pain. But in other cases, it may create pain in response to emotional or mental distress.

Thus, Reflexology is linked to many potential benefits and the research has shown the specific techniques of reflexology to be effective and beneficial in many ways;

· It activates ‘self-healing’ in the body by bringing the body into homeostasis (balance). In order for the body to maintain ‘homeostasis’, it needs energy in the form of oxygen and nutrients, which are circulated in the blood. Reflexology increases blood circulation, it increases the efficiency of cells and therefore organs and helps to clear blocked qi (energy flow).

· Relieves stress, anxiety and depression (75% of disease is thought to be stress related).

· It lifts the mood and creates a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

· Boosts the immune system – helping to fight colds, bacterial infections and clear up sinus issues.

· Improves digestion

· Helps to improve the elimination of waste material, which can be harmful to the body if it accumulates.

· Helps to correct hormonal imbalances / boosts fertility

· Helps to prelease trapped nervous energy and improves neural pathways – somewhere in the region of 7000 nerves are stimulated through reflexology massage.

· Pain Reduction - relieving the symptoms of aches and pains associated with symptoms such as back pain, arthritis and headaches. 

· Aids post-operative recovery: Reflexology work aids recovery after surgery as shown by several studies, reducing pain and lessening the use of post-operative analgesics.

· Complements cancer care: Pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients following reflexology work as shown by 16 studies from 7 countries. It also treats the nerve problems and numbness from cancer drugs (peripheral neuropathy)

· Eases pregnancy, delivery and post-partum effects: Women who received reflexology experienced shorter labour times and used less analgesia. In addition, reflexology showed a positive impact on postpartum depression, anxiety, urination and bowel movements