Reflexology

The AMA says that 85% of our health problems are due to stress and tension. Reflexology is a therapy during which the body's nervous system naturally shifts into a state of reduced stress and deep relaxation to promote healing. This 5,000-year-old therapy, introduced to the United States in the early 1900s, is a science based on the principle that there are reflex points in the hands, feet and ears that correspond to every organ, gland, and part of the body. Proper manipulation of these reflex points causes a parasympathetic state, a condition that relaxes muscular function, promotes balance, and creates the internal environment in which healing can occur. Reflexology is recognized worldwide as a natural, safe and effective method of maintaining optimum health and has a long history of restoring balance in individuals who suffer from conditions ranging from illness, pains and weariness to indisposition.

TSWC's certified Reflexologist may combine reflexology with vacuflex or with aromatherapy. For those not already familiar with reflexology, we provide the following information.

How does reflexology work?
There are 7200 nerve endings in each foot, 2500 in each hand and 435 in each ear that correspond to every part of the body. It is these nerve endings that send the message to the brain about stress or pain found in the body. Reflexology is the application of pressure, using thumb, finger and hand techniques, to reflex areas. The brain responds to reflexology by producing endorphins, the body's natural pain reliever. The endorphins are then sent through the blood stream to the affected areas. Reflexology is a chemical-free pain reliever that also reduces stress and induces deep relaxation, improves circulation, cleanses the body of toxins and impurities, balances the whole system, and revitalizes energy.

Is reflexology effective?
Reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years in such places as India, China and Egypt. Reflexology has also been used as a healing therapy by North American native peoples for generations, and is thought to have been passed down by the Inca civilization.

There is countless clinical evidence supporting the therapeutic benefits of reflexology. The Danish Reflexology Association is an organization in Denmark that has spent nearly twenty years coordinating research projects involving reflexology. Their most recent studies, conducted between 1991 and 1995, were compiled from reflexology clinics and find that reflexology had an especially positive effect on: headaches - 81% of patients were either cured or helped and 19% dispensed with drugs; menstruation problems and general well being; and constipation - the average interval between bowel movements was reduced from 4.4 to 1.8 days. On August 15, 1998, the American Cancer Society Journal sited that one of three of cancer patients used reflexology as an alternative medical approach. And, many nurses are using reflexology with therapeutic touch, now widely accepted in many hospitals.

What is the relationship between reflexology and conventional medical care?
Reflexology is a unique modality in the health field, practiced as a form of stress management and wellness maintenance. Its purpose is not to treat or diagnose for any specific medical disorder, but to promote better health and well-being in the same way an exercise or diet program does. It is considered a complement to conventional medicine in that it enhances Western medicine in achieving results.

What happens during the initial visit?
Prior to treatment, the reflexologist will take a comprehensive case history to form the basis of treatment assessment. This will include information about your medical history, your lifestyle, and the specific reason for your visit. You will either sit comfortably in a chair or lie on a massage bed while the practitioner examines your toenails and feet to see if you have high arches or flat feet and whether there are areas of scaliness, puffiness, corns or calluses, fungal infections, and pain.

How long does it take to gain results?
It all depends on the individual. When stress returns, usually the ailment will also. More reflexology means more relaxation, which can mean longer periods of relief. Generally, maximum relief is achieved through a series of treatments, preferably at weekly intervals. Then, to maintain good health, sessions are recommended every two weeks.

What happens during a reflexology treatment?
Reflexology is not a massage. Reflexology is the application of pressure to the nerve endings in the hands, feet, and ears, whereas massage works the muscles and soft tissues. Both patient and reflexologist must be positioned comfortably to ensure maximum relaxation. Usually, the patient prefers a reclining position. The reflexologist will usually work on the bare feet, but if this is not possible, the treatment can be given on the hands. Beginning with the right foot, all reflex points on both feet are always stimulated. The hands and ears may be worked as well, after cleansing of the practitioner's hands, of course. The amount of pressure applied varies with each person and each treatment lasts 25 to 50 minutes.

Is reflexology painful?
As the reflex areas of your feet, hands or ears are stimulated, you may from time to time experience pin-prick-like sensations or a feeling of "tingling" and "warmth". These sensations result from sensitivity that frequently reflects the presence of tension in the corresponding part of the body. If it is not comfortable for you, you should ask the person who is doing the reflexology to decrease the amount of pressure that they are using.

It is important that you are comfortable with the stimulation, as relaxation is the primary goal of reflexology, and you need to feel comfortable in order to relax in your session.

Is reflexology safe?
It will not make any condition more acute. It is a safe and effective way to better health and well-being. It simply helps nature to normalize body functions by relaxing the stress that can affect your health.

If reflexology doesn't treat disease, what can it do for me?
Reflexology is used primarily to relieve stress and tension and produce deep therapeutic relaxation. Medical doctors agree that over three-fourths of our health problems can be linked to nervous and physical tension. By reducing stress and tension, reflexology improves blood and lymph circulation, strengthens the functioning of the immune system, improves assimilation of nutrition and elimination of toxins, and calms the nervous system. In these ways, reflexology facilitates the body's natural healing processes and thereby enhances the body's health and vitality.

Reflexology is also used to reduce or eliminate pain from: cancer; arthritis; neck, shoulder, and back pain; headaches; as well as before and during labor and childbirth. It improves breathing and relaxes the body to bring balance during an asthma attack. Reflexology is especially beneficial for diabetics. It can reduce insulin levels, increase blood flow to the feet, improve overall blood circulation, and promote healing of leg ulcers.