What is Reflexology?

WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?:

'Bodywork on your feet, hands & ears!'

How does Reflexology Work?

Reflexology is a natural healing art, based on the principle that the feet and hands have reflexes which correspond to every part of the body. In general there is common sense that the benefits of reflexology are related to the reduction of stress.

The word reflexology is derived from the so-called 'reflex arc', which refers to a neural pathway that controls an action reflex. Formally, there are two types of reflex arc: 'autonomic reflex arc' (affecting inner organs) and 'somatic reflex arc' (affecting muscles); reflexology can be associated with the first type. This implicates that (hand) reflexology should not be associated with casual uses of the terms: 'reflex', 'hand reflex' and 'primitive reflexes'.

At various times in the history of the human being reflexology has been rediscovered and reinstated as a health practice in many different cultures around the world. Archeological evidence relates ancient reflexology systems to various historical time-spans, including: China (2704 BCE), Egypt (2330 BCE), and Japan (690 CE).

There are many theories which explain how reflexology works. Some theories are related to the nervous system and the reflexive responses, others theories relate reflexology to the meridians. Far most reflexology approaches describe the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hands - through the use of specific thumb, finger and hand techniques.

What to Expect from a Reflexology Treatment?

A reflexology treatment usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. The actual treatment is preceeded by a consultation about your health and lifestyle.

Then you are usually asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit comfortably in a reclining chair or on a massage table. So apart from your shoes and sock you remain fully clothed. The reflexologist will then assess the feet. The next step concerns the stimulation of various points on the feet to identify areas of tenderness and/or tension.

The reflexology therapist then uses brisk movements to warm up the feet. Then the physical act of applying pressure starts from the toes to the heel according to your comfort. Often lotion or oil is used for the benefit of your comfort. Most often people feel calm and relaxed after a reflexology treatment. Sometimes people feel anxious or tearful, but this is usually only temporary - and often considered as part of the healing process.

What about ...'Doctor Fish'?

Special attention for an application that is these days growing in popularity: 'Ichthyotherapy'. This alternative massage therapy is better known as 'Doctor Fish' - the name given to two species of fish: Garra rufa and Cyprinion Macrostomus, which occur in the river basins of the Northern and Central Middle East, mainly in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. It can be defined as the use of fresh water or marine organisms, or "fish", as agents of skin wound/condition cleansing. Research has indicted that 'Doctor Fish' provides good chances for a (temporary) reflief in psoriasis. Many reflexologists belief that 'Doctor Fish' works via a likewise principle as traditional reflexology - though both are recognized as different therapies.

- How does Hand, Foot & Ear Reflexology work? -

Reflexology hand charts & benefits:

The reflexology science zones relate to e.g.: the foot, hand, ear, face, head, heart, live, kidney, solar plexus, stomach, teeth, thumb, thyroid, lungs, spleen the ears, and the tongue | Reflexology certification board | An introduction to hand reflexology | Typical reflexology diagnosis verbs are: the zone areas abc, pressure point, sinus, insoles, sciatic and sciatica | Reflexology in the Philipines can be found in: Cebu, Quezon City, Manila, Makati.

Reflexology, what types are available?:

The art of reflexology relates to: acupressure, chinese reflexology, acupuncture, chi and electro reflexology, eunice ingham reflexology | Home & ingham reflexology, japanese reflexology, shiatsu, auricular reflexology, mildred carter reflexology plus, reflexology for children | Gentle touch, vacuflex and touchpoint reflexology. Famous are: the british school of reflexology & the Ontario college of reflexology | Reflexology is also popular in: South Africa, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, US.

Reflexology related topics are e.g.:

How to do reflexology? | Art reflexology tools plus learn reflexology | Mobile reflexology | Reflexology online buisiness shop: video, dvd, movie, picture, and reflexology information + cost prices guide | Other reflexology info can be found in: a book or article, brochures, videos, and images | Diseases treated with reflexology are: nausea, insomnia, and the need for weight loss. Reflexology pregnancy: is it safe? | Reflexology in Ireland is found in: Galway, Limerick, Cork, and Dublin.

The international reflexology services are:

More reflexology opportunities are found in: United States (Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Tampa, Portland, New York, Dallas, Austin, Philadelphia, San Diego and San Francisco), United Kingdom (St Albans, Thames Ditton, Watford, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Brentford, Reading, Edinburgh, and Bletchley), Canada (Vernon, Regina, Saskatoon, New Westminster, Victoria, Winnipeg, Edmonton, London, Kitchener, Calgary), Australia (Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra).