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Our feet is one of most important part of our body.
Unlike shoes we are only given one pair of feet in our lifetime. The same feet we use and abuse every single day of our life. Our feet can tell us many things about our health and the connection it has through an ancient healing method called Foot Massage or Foot Reflexology.
Feet are a grounding source of our energy, they connect us with the earth, yet our awareness of them is often the furthest thing from our minds. I hope that after reading this article you would approach your feet with an appreciation and understanding of their integrated relationship and connection to your whole body health.
The Origin of Reflexology
Reflexology can be traced back to 2704BCE in China, 2330BC in Egypt, 960CE in Japan. Note: BCE stand for "Before Common Era" and CE stand for "Common Era".
In the western world, the first person to discover reflexology is in 1913 by Dr. William Fitzgerald, M.D., who then called zone therapy. He found that pressure on certain reflex points helped corresponding body organs function more normally and also to decrease pain. This practice has come to be known as reflexology, an approach to holistic health that many people have adapted over the years.
How Does Foot Reflexology Work?
The sole of our feet have over 7,200 nerve that connects to a different area of the body. By direct pressure on specific areas of the foot, we send a stimulation to the corresponding body area. Per Dr. Fitzgerald’s zone theory, it divides the body into ten zones – five on each side of the body - with each zone having its own nerve-stimulation pattern, so that when pressure is applied to a reflex point on that zone, a stimulation is sent to a corresponding organ or gland.
There are channels of qi or energy passing through the body and each important organ and muscle is connected by a network of nerves to a tiny point on the foot where the energy ends. As circulation in the feet slows down, through illness, wearing shoes, or lack of exercise, crystalline deposits form at the nerve endings. By applying the foot reflexology techniques, the deposits can be broken up, encouraging the whole body to keep producing the flow of energy at peak efficiency.
in short, Reflexology help relieves tension, increases nerve and blood circulation and allows the body to normalize or reset its equilibrium.
Who can benefit from Reflexology?
Almost Everyone! You don't have to wait until you feel tension or pain in your body in order to benefit from reflexology. Not only is it a way to relax the body, it is a way to release blockages that are causing tension and/or pain in one’s physical energy system.
Note: We recommend people who suffer from diabetes, hepatitis or other types of symptom to get a doctor's recommendation before having a session of Reflexology.
When will I feel the effects of the treatment?
Many people experience relief during the session itself and most people feel positive changes immediately following the session.
Does it hurt?
No. Reflexology is very relaxing and comforting. However during the session, your therapist will often ask you if you prefer stronger or softer pressure.
Regular session of reflexology can help to give your body a general toning in order to enhance vitality and increase your sense of well-being. If you have never paid attention to your feet, reflexology can open the door to developing a new relationship with yourself.
Learning Tools
Sources:
Reflexology-Research: http://www.reflexology-research.com/whatis.htm
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology
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