Reflexology Treatments
Reflexology is sometimes called meridian therapy. At its simplest definition, a reflexology session is a foot massage. However, reflexologists use specific techniques to manipulate certain points on the feet to improve the overall health and well-being of the rest of the body by increasing energy flow and blood circulation. Reflexology aims to relieve tension. It is important to find a skilled reflexology therapist who has both training and experience. While one reflexology session may help you, you may also choose visit your reflexology therapist for periodic sessions to help maintain the health benefits of treatment.
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Theory
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Reflexology practitioners believe that there is a direct correlation between the feet and the rest of the body. There are specific points on the feet that are linked to certain parts of the body. According to reflexologists, when these points are massaged or otherwise manipulated, the health of the corresponding body part can improve. If a specific point hurts when it is massaged, this means that the corresponding body part is ailing in some way. Reflexology aims to improve the overall health of the body by bringing it back to a state of balance.
Reflexology Maps
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An important tool that the reflexologist uses is a map that shows all the reflex areas on the feet and their corresponding body parts. For example, the toes and ball of the foot correspond to the top part of the body, including the head, brain, ears, spinal cord and thyroid gland. Manipulation of, for example, the head reflex area may help a patient with a headache. A simplistic explanation of the map is that traveling from the toes toward the heel is the same as traveling from the upper body to the lower.
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Benefits
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Reflexology can leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and energized. Reflexology may help to relieve stress and anxiety as well as improve the body's circulation. Reflexologists also point to helping improve the health of the specific body part that corresponds to a manipulated reflex area on the foot.
Rotation Technique
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The rotation technique is one of the methods reflexologists use to manipulate reflex areas. The tip of the finger is placed onto a specific reflex area of the foot, then slight pressure is applied and held for a short period of time. The finger is then swiveled around the area gently before moving on to the next reflex area.
Caterpillar Technique
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In this technique, also called walking the thumbs, the tip of the thumb is gently placed onto the reflex area of the foot, then is lowered slowly onto its pad while being "walked" forward. The thumb is moved forward just a little bit at a time, while continuing the rocking motion.
Stroking Technique
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Also called the milking technique, this is done by placing both of the thumbs on the skin of the feet. The thumbs are then moved in long "sweeps" over the reflex areas. The thumbs apply slight pressure throughout the movement.
Feathering Technique
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The feathering method is the final technique in the series of movements that reflexologists use. The fingers use very light touches to caress the skin's reflex areas in small stroking movements. This technique may appear to be more like traditional massage movements.
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