Benefits of Foot Reflexology
Foot reflexology has been known to bring about extreme relaxation and a sense of well being to a person. This feeling can last long after the treatment is provided. Reflexology has been reported to have "healed" people of back pain, menopause symptoms and diabetic foot ulcers. People struggling with multiple sclerosis have reported relief with some symptoms associated with disease. However, reflexology in and of itself is not the recommended curative treatment for these or other medical conditions, rather a compliment to traditional medical techniques in most cases.
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History
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An ancient Eastern (Chinese) practice dating back for thousands of years, foot reflexology is considered to be a way of natural healing. It was introduced throughout North America in the early 1900s as "zone therapy" by ear, nose and throat doctor William Fitzgerald. Zone therapy was expanded with the creation of the "foot map," and the process formally became known as reflexology.
Function
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The foot map identifies specific areas of the foot believed to be related to particular organs, glands and other areas of the body, and reflexologists use the map as a guide to promote healing, general wellness and relaxation for the body. Foot reflexology is a process where pressure is applied to a targeted area on the foot, much like acupressure, and the ill symptoms plaguing the associated body part/organ are relieved. The pressure is designed to affect the nerve endings and reflexes versus the skin surface or muscles, as in massage.
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Benefits
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Known benefits of foot reflexology include relaxation and relief of stress; promotion of restful sleep; assistance with elimination or reduction of digestive problems; overall wellness and improved mental health; and pain management for chronic or acute pain. Less obvious benefits resulting from foot reflexology include reduction of reliance on prescription and over-the-counter drug remedies, savings on overall health care expenses and greater enjoyment in life by alleviating some of life's common stressors noted above.
Considerations
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Although there are improved conditions reported by people suffering from various medical conditions, there remains a lack of scientific evidence and case studies to definitively conclude that the healing or remission of disease is directly related to reflexology. While there are some case studies on the books, they are limited by the number of participants; therefore, the quality of the results cannot be measured. Moreover, it is recommended that pregnant women, people with foot problems and vascular disease not participate in foot reflexology.
Treatment
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Many reflexologists are self-taught and license requirements vary by state; they are even nonexistent in some. Because the practice is nonregulated for the most part, you may find it challenging to locate a reflexologist. If you run into problems finding one, many spas and massage therapist may be of assistance; otherwise, there are two organizations available that can assist in the referral of a reflexologists: International Institute of Reflexology and the Reflexology Association of America.
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