Reflexology is known to have been used for several thousand years with historical evidence showing that the Chinese and Egyptions used the therapy to promote good health.
The treatment involves the application of gentle pressure using mainly the thumb to specific points on the hands and feet; the reflexes; which correspond to all the organs and parts of the body. It is believed that by working the reflexes with this technique, the therapist can stimulate the body's own healing potential. In this way, the body adjusts any imbalances within; imbalances which might lead to illness and below optimum health or imbalances which are already causing illness.
How does it work?
The efficacy of reflexology as a complementary therapy is the subject of many theories, and it is likely that a combination of these ideas is the real reason that patients find relief from symptoms after treatment.
There may be effects on nerve transmission and blood flow, increasing the circulation of blood and lymph to the the tissues and organs affected. This is seen as beneficial in maintaining the mechanisms of homeostasis in the body.
Perhaps the most obvious effect of reflexology is the reduction in stress and tension with boosting morale and wellbeing. Recipients of reflexology find treatment very relaxing, both during the treatment and for some time afterwards. Stress represents a major cause of ill-health, and this is a significant contributory factor in illnesses such as migraine and high blood pressure. Such ailments can in some people be alleviated with reflexology.
Reflexology has also been found to be enormously helpful with unexplained infertility and anyone about to embark on the very painful and emotional string of tests and investigations should try this treatment first. Lots of couples have found it to be enormously helpful.
In the experience of many reflexologists, apart from seeing patients gain improved health through reflexology, they also develop a more positive attitude towards themselves, their environment and their health through their reflexology treatments.