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5 Things You Must Know About Reflexology

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1) , originated in China and is a form of Chinese acupressure - a sister treatment to acupuncture. It was first introduced to the United States in 1913 by Dr. William Fitzgerald and Dr. Edwin Bowers. Fitzgerald believed that applying pressure to specific parts of the body had a medical, or lasting effect on other parts of the body. involves applying varying levels pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific techniques using the thumb and fingers. Pressure is applied in certain zones, to effect a physical change in the body or its systems. is sometimes referred to as "zone therapy." Practitioners claim that the soles of the feet are a kind of map to the inside of the body and are linked to our organs and internal systems. Some countries regulate the practice of reflexology.

2) can be an effective treatment for back pain. According to the World Health Organization, lower back pain is one of the leading causes of disability in the world today. Medical reflexologists claim that regardless of the severity of the pain, they can reduce and in many cases eliminate that pain altogether with the use of reflexology. The reflexology points for treating lower back pain can be found in the middle of the heal and the area where the top of the foot joins the ankle. points for the rest of the back can be found on the top bony part of the foot, and the area just below that closest to the toes.

3) A reflexology session can last between 45 minutes and an hour, and it usually requires three or four sessions to see improvement. But for some, it can take upwards of seven sessions depending on age, state of your health, your levels of stress and so on. You can expect the reflexologist to probe your feet looking for areas of blockage. When found, the reflexologist will apply pressure to the corresponding area of your feet, hands or ears to relieve the blockage. While the probing can be uncomfortable or even painful, you will suffer no lasting effects from it.

4) Babies are especially responsive to reflexology. New mothers seem to instinctively rub their babies feet and hands when the child is cranky, crying or uncomfortable. When a baby is treated by a medical reflexologist, the sessions are deliberately kept short and gentle, lasting about ten minutes at the most. It is claimed that reflexology can provide relief from gas pains, nausea, and even lethargy. And babies seem to respond quickly to the detoxifying effects of reflexology, so an increase in bowel movements, and a stronger smell to the urine is common.

5) Other alternative therapies used in conjunction with reflexology are thought to speed up the healing process of the body. Some of those therapies include colonic irrigation, various herbs, vitamins and minerals, energy work, aromatherapy and even exercise. But even with all of that, reflexology is largely a subjective science. While many studies have been done by Western medical practitioners on the effects of reflexology, there is no solid scientific evidence to date that indicates reflexology supports any of the claims made for it.