Reflexology: Learning to Relax

By Jane Grimshaw

Planning your social life around business meetings and the stress of meeting ‘deadlines’ is not easy for anyone. Finding time to completely relax and unwind can seem almost impossible; this is where Reflexology can help.

Reflexology is an excellent, well-recognised form of complimentary therapy, which not only provides a great form of regular relaxation in your life, but can also assist in the treatment of ailments and their causes within the body.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is by no means a new form of therapy; it has been practised for many years and actually dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China. The therapy was first introduced by Dr William Fitzgerald and was known as ‘Zone Therapy’. Later in the 1930s Eunice Ingham developed the ‘Zone Theory’ further into what is now known as Reflexology.

The process of Reflexology involves gentle massage to the reflex areas in the feet. These areas correspond to all parts of the body – the right foot corresponding to the right side of the body and the left foot corresponding to the left side – thus allowing the whole body to be treated. This natural therapy not only treats the symptoms, but also works on the areas responsible for them within the body.

How could Reflexology help me?

There are many benefits to be gained from using Reflexology. It has much the same beneficial qualities as body massage, but is less intrusive by only involving the feet.

It is believed that the key to Reflexology is held in the nervous system. This gentle therapy can help to restore and maintain the body’s natural balance, by relieving tension and clearing away blockages – which can be formed when illness, or imbalance occur within the body. This is achieved by stimulating sensory receptors in the nerve fibres of the foot, which in turn produce energy. Energy travels to the spinal cord and is finally distributed to all parts of the nervous system, thus calming the body and improving the circulation. Endorphins are released into the bloodstream, easing any aches and pains and finally promoting a deep relaxing feeling all over the body.

Reflexology can be used on people of all ages and many people have found that it brings great relief from numerous conditions such as:

• Migraine
• Hormonal imbalances
• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Stress related conditions
• Sleeping disorders

Reflexology has also been proven to help lessen some of the side effects experienced by chemotherapy patients.

Pregnant women can also benefit from this therapy, although the first 12 weeks, whilst the body is adjusting to hormonal changes, should be avoided. However, after that many pregnancy associated symptoms can be greatly relieved by treatment such as:

• Morning sickness
• Nausea and headaches
• Swollen ankles
• Backache
• Stress and anxiety
• Constipation

Can I expect any side effects during or after treatment?

Before commencing treatment, the Reflexologist will make notes about your general health and lifestyle. Reflexology treatment does not involve any drugs, so any side effects are nominal and of no real cause for concern.

It is possible, after treatment, to feel very tired, sometimes nauseous, tearful, or even thirsty (so it is advisable to drink plenty of water afterwards). These symptoms are all quite normal and show that the treatment is working. A course of treatment is recommended, rather than ‘one off’ sessions, to achieve maximum benefit from the therapy. Treatment sessions tend to last for about an hour.

With a growing trend towards safe and effective holistic approaches and growing support from the medical profession, the demand for Reflexology is becoming an ever-increasing form of relaxation and therapy.

© Doityourself.com 2006