What Is Reflexology Therapy?

Reflexology therapy is a natural method of manipulation based on the theory that areas of the hands and feet match organs in the body. Applying pressure to the feet or hands improves circulation as well as bodily functions. Reflexology is not a massage technique.

North American native peoples have used reflexology as healing therapy for generations. It is noninvasive and is both a natural science and an art. This persuasive manipulation prods the body into a state of well-being and overall health. The object of this therapy is to obtain and maintain this condition of health.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a technique of relaxation that helps reduce pain, illness and injury. It achieves relaxation through manipulation of the muscles as well as kneading, pushing, pressing and thumping all areas of the body.

Although massage therapy and reflexology therapy have the same goals of obtaining and maintaining good health, each accomplishes these objectives using different methods. Reflexology is not massage.

Reflexology

Massage therapy is not comparable to reflexology. Reflexology matches the pressure points of the feet (especially) with the larger areas of the body. The basis of this technique is the belief that the foot is divided into zones that are a mirror image of the body.

Some considerations in favor of reflexology therapy are its value in the following situations:

 * Reduces stress
 * Improves blood and lymph circulation
 * Encourages removal of bodily toxins and impurities
 * Brings balance to physical and emotional aspects of body
 * Revitalizes energy
 * Strengthens the immune system
 * Relieves back pain
 * Brings balance to hormones
 * Stabilizes disorders of digestive system
 * Relieves sports injuries

Reflexologist

A reflexologist is a trained professional who considers himself/herself a holistic medicine practitioner. The reflexologist is not a foot doctor but rather believes that the foot provides the map to the rest of the body.

The trained reflexologist can manipulate areas in both hands and feet, bringing a feeling of relief, relaxation and healing to the area of the body that corresponds to the point where pressure is applied.

Pressure

Pressure is the application of force that creates overall feelings of strength when applied against a pre-selected point. The use of pressure is central to the art and science of reflexology. It is also the fine point that differentiates massage therapy from reflexology therapy.

The application of pressure requires the knowledge to associate areas of the hands or feet with other parts of the human body. The feet in particular provide a road map to the rest of the body. This therapy applies pressure to the identified point on the foot map that corresponds to the area of the body seeking relief.

Blockages that are responsible for disease or pain respond to the pressure applied to certain points matching much larger areas of the body. The reflexologist searches out the pressure sensors known to exist in the feet and hands.

Benefits and Warnings

Benefits: Reflexology has a history of relieving some conditions in which pain is the principal symptom. This is a safe, complementary alternative medicine (CAM) with very few side effects. It is especially ideal if you are looking to enjoy a comforting, long and relaxing foot massage.

It will not cause harm or worsen any condition. At the end of a treatment session, the only side effect is that your feet will truly feel great. Happy feet are the key to overall comfort.

Warnings: Reflexology is no substitute for competent professional medical treatment for your condition. It is complementary -- that is, it is meant to be used in conjunction with treatment from your mainstream medical professional.