Reflexology may be greeted with a great deal of skepticism by those that are more comfortable with western medicine.
The natural healing method of reflexology views the feet as a treasure map of the entire body. The method was used as long ago as Egyptian times when footwork practices were used for comfort and ceremony. In the last century in Russia and Europe, stimulating one part of the body to effect another part was used as a therapeutic tool. In addition to pressure, researchers used heat and cold, and herbal compresses to effect corresponding areas of the body. While it is still not commonly accepted as a medical practice in the United States, it has slowly gained popularity over the course of the last century.
What Is It?
The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as “A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.”
Among practitioners, few agree on one theory as to how reflexology actually works. It is this bit of mysticism associated with it that makes traditional medicine skeptical of its benefits. At best, they believe it offers only a placebo effect and that anyone believing a procedure will offer them comfort will indeed be comforted.
However, practitioners do agree that many medical conditions are caused by a blockage of energy fields in the body. It is this blockage that many alternative therapies seek to alleviate. By using reflexology as a complementary treatment, patients can receive the medical attention they need while also gaining the comfort of touch therapy. Regardless of whether doctors believe there is scientific evidence to back up the theories of reflexology, all would agree that touch is an important part of healing and human growth.
Who Needs It?
Reflexology can be beneficial to everyone. Those suffering from chronic conditions often find the practice helpful in easing their pain and reducing their symptoms. Anyone that has considered acupuncture but is concerned about the safety and pain of the needles may find that reflexology offers many of the same benefits without facing the fear. Because this is an alternative treatment, it may be challenging for some to accept its healing power. In order to gain the most from the treatment, try to approach it with an open mind. Those that are skeptical may shut themselves off to the healing messages that are being communicated through the nerve endings to the brain during the procedure.
Benefits
While widely accepted scientific evidence is still inconclusive concerning reflexology, a number of practitioners and recipients believe it works wonders. Those receiving reflexology claim to feel increased relaxation, reduced pain, and improvement of blood flow. It sometimes accompanies other medical treatments such as cancer care. People have reported relief from physiological issues such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, reduced post-operative pain, balanced mental health, and ease of child birth.
One of the greatest benefits of reflexology is the ability to use it on oneself. Simple techniques with the hands and feet may alleviate pain elsewhere in the body. While severe medical conditions would be better left to treatments given in a spa setting by a trained professional, minor physical annoyances can be treated with self care.
