Frequently Asked Questions
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REFLEXOLOGY - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a gentle, natural, non-invasive ancient and scientific healing art, which is based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands, which correspond to all glands, organs, parts and systems of the body. The physical act of applying pressure to and stimulating these reflex points (nerve endings) by using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques results in stress reduction, which promotes positive physiological changes in other areas of the body.
How Does Reflexology Work?
Each foot has 7,200 nerve endings, 26 bones, 10 ligaments and 19 muscles. It is believed that as we go about our daily lives, minute amounts of waste containing lactic acid, uric acid, calcium and various other by-products develop as the nervous system communicates with the body. When the body is overstressed these waste products build up and are carried along the nerve paths to the extremities. Here they settle in and cause blocked energy and circulation.
The body’s image is mirrored on the foot in miniature, with each foot representing one half of the body. When pressure is applied to reflex areas, messages are transmitted to the brain through the nervous system and the body responds by working toward a biologically balanced state. The reflexologist assists the body in triggering its own natural healing process by stimulating the reflexes and by breaking up those deposits. As a result, blood circulation improves and nerve functioning increases. Tension in the corresponding area is relieved, toxins are flushed out and the body’s energy flow is cleared enabling the body systems and the body to heal itself and function more effectively.
What Are The Benefits Of Reflexology?
Reflexology primary function is to induce an optimal state of relaxation conducive to healing. It promotes the body’s marvelous ability to adjust and balance during times of stress.
Beyond relaxation, reflexology has been shown to:
Because reflexology promotes well-being it may also help to:
The above lists are not all encompassing. Different results may be
realized by each client. In general, reflexology persuades the body to balance
and heal itself, encourages the end of further deterioration, strengthens
and reinforces all systems in the body and promotes overall good health. Reflexology
is used to complement traditional medicine. It is never
meant to replace prescribed therapies and treatments.
What Does Reflexology Feel Like?
Reflexology is pleasant and relaxing, although some reflex areas may be more sensitive than others. If any tenderness is felt, it is important to let the reflexologist know, so that special attention can be paid to that area. Often sensitive areas are merely those deposits mentioned earlier which have settled in the feet and created energy blockages. By identifying sensitive areas, pressure can be adjusted and the client continues to enjoy the relaxing and beneficial session.
Does Reflexology Have Age Requirements?
The wonderful experience of reflexology can be realized by all ages. From newborns to the very old, from the ill and frail to the healthy and well, reflexology can be integrated into your lifestyle and used to complement modern medicine as well as a preventative measure to maintain good health. It is advisable to inform your medical doctor or other licensed health care professional that you will be receiving reflexology sessions if you have been diagnosed with any disease, injury or other physical or mental conditions.
Is It Okay To Have Reflexology If I Am Pregnant?
Reflexology is safe and enjoyable for pregnant women. I recommend reflexology after the first trimester.
Is Reflexology The Same As Massage?
Reflexology is not massage and differs in that it pushes on reflex points to evoke an autonomic nervous system response which helps create balance throughout the entire body. Reflexology is considered a form of bodywork.
How Long Does A Session Last?
A typical session lasts one-hour, not including a footbath. Clients most often enjoy a full hour session and use it as their special time to unwind and relax. With young children, however, sessions are often shorter and in some cases more frequent. Then too, there are others who prefer half-hour sessions.
What Should I Expect In a Reflexology Session?
Simply take off your shoes and socks and you are ready for your entire body to reap rewards. At each session, you have the option of beginning with a warm soothing footbath. Whether or not you include the footbath as part of your session, you settle into a comfortable reclining chair with gentle, relaxing music playing in the background, perhaps a candle or two burning as tranquil sounds of water fall over river rocks. Most often, you are covered with a light blanket because your body temperature lowers as your metabolism naturally slows during this relaxing time. Soft warm towels are wrapped around each foot and soothing, relaxing techniques are used on the feet in preparation for the more specific reflexology pressure techniques which are systematically applied until the session is complete.
How Can I Experience Reflexology If My Feet Are Extremely Ticklish?
Interestingly enough, the feet are not usually ticklish when receiving reflexology.
If I Fall Asleep, Will It Still Work?
It is very common to be so relaxed that you fall asleep during the session.
The wonderful benefits
of reflexology will still be realized, as it makes no difference to the reflexes
whether you are awake or asleep. When the reflexes are stimulated messages
are still delivered to the brain.
What Will I Feel Like After The Reflexology Session?
Most people feel wonderfully relaxed, reenergized and renewed. Some have described feelings of incredible well-being, others of walking on clouds, one client, after her first session exclaimed that she would purr if she could! You may feel calm and relaxed or you may experience a feeling of energy and rejuvenation. Some people initially experience fatigue right after a session, but notice an increase of energy over the following hours or days as the body continues excreting released toxins.
How Many Sessions Do I Need For Results?
Depending on your personal goal for wellness, sessions will vary accordingly. When used as a preventative and maintenance program, monthly sessions may be recommended or perhaps bi-monthly may be more appropriate for a while, depending on the accumulated stress in the body. Weekly or even more frequent sessions may be recommended in some cases, to encourage a quicker return to balance and health. Or it may be that you just want to treat yourself to a session once in a while. Any periodic session will rejuvenate and enhance your overall sense of well-being and course your feet will be delighted!
What Is The History Of Reflexology?
The idea of reflexology is not new. There are several theories of origination and they all date back to ancient times, but no one culture is given complete credit for its development because of its parallel evolution globally. One widely held theory is that it originated in China some 5000 years ago. Another theory claims that a form of reflexology was passed down to the American Indians by the Incas. The oldest documentation however, depicting the practice of reflexology, was unearthed in Egypt. This evidence, a pictograph found in the tomb of an Egyptian physician, dates back to around 2500 B.C. and was found alongside other medical disciplines of dentistry, pharmacology, child birthing, embalming and circumcision.
Reflexology, as we know it today, began evolving in the early 1900's when Dr. William Fitzgerald, referred to as the father of reflexology, found that the application of pressure to various parts of the body deadened pain in other areas and thus reduced the need for anesthesia in surgery and other procedures. He mapped out 10 zones, calling his work Zone Analgesia. Dr. Shelby Riley further developed the Zone Theory along side Dr. Fitzgerald. Subsequently Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist who worked closely with Dr. Riley, started developing her foot reflex theory in the early 1930's. Now referred to as the founder of modern reflexology, she discovered that in using a pressure technique across the soles of the feet, she was able to stimulate and heal other parts of the body, rather than to merely numb sensations of pain. She was able to determine that the reflexes on the feet were a mirror image of the organs of the body and she mapped out the reflex points.