Reflexology: Encyclopedia II - Reflexology - Practice

Reflexology - Practice

Reflexologists apply pressure on "reflex zones" found on the feet, hands and the ears, which are said to correspond to the different parts of the body. Application is done through thumb, finger and hand technique. Reflex areas, like hand and foot, composed of 7200 nerve endings are stimulated by pressure applied. An improved instruction to every gland, single part and organ of the body could be achieved by such a health science. The body is then believed to pursue a biologically correct, strengthened and reinforced state.

The image on the right shows the reflex zones found on the sole of the feet. Actually, one may find the reflex zones organized in a way such that it represents the whole body system.

Reflexology - Reflexology treatment

First of all, there should be a preliminary talk with the practitioner before treatment. The reflexologist then begins to work on the client's feet, or hands if necessary, noting problem areas. There may be discomfort in some places, but it is fleeting, and also an indication of congestion or imbalance in a corresponding part of the body. For the most of the part, the sensation is pleasant and soothing. Reflexology can help relax the client and is believed to stimulate the body's own healing mechanisms. Usually a treatment session lasts for about one hour. For some cases, a treatment can last nearly two hours. A course of treatment varies in length depending on the need of the client body. The reflexologist will discuss this with the patient at the first session.

Case studies, not statistical conclusions, demonstrate that people treated by experts in reflexology, report a lot of reactions, including the following:

During treatment

1. A sense of well-being
2. A sense of relaxation
3. Client may sigh, breathe deeply or yawn
4. Fall asleep
5. Client may feel like laughing or crying
6. Experience a tingling sensation in the feet or through the body
7. Pin stick type feelings in the feet over congested areas
8. Temperature change either hot or cold
9. Nausea
10. A sense of unease due to emotional problems
11. A sense of comfort
12. A sense of lethargy, nausea or tearfulness

After treatment

1. Cold-like symptoms such as a running nose as catarrh and sinus congestion are cleared.
2. A cough as mucus is cleared from the lungs and respiratory passages
3. More frequent urination
4. More frequent bowel movements
5. Flatulence
6. Headaches
7. Increased sweating
8. Skin rash
9. Yawning and tiredness
10. Energizable

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Practice", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki