According to reflexologists, the health and condition of the human body is completely written on his hands and feet. Therapists believe that by massaging certain reflex points of the limbs, it is possible to improve the health of the internal organs and the whole organism.
Reflexology, like other eastern systems, for example, massage of biologically active points, acupuncture or shiatsu, is based on the theory that human health depends on the flow of energy inside the body. According to eastern healing systems, energy flows through energy channels, or meridians. In reflexology, there are 10 channels, also known as zones, which end on the feet and palms.
In 1917, Dr. William Fitzgerald came to the conclusion that body parts are inextricably linked to certain zones, i.e. there is a connection between the acupuncture points of the feet and the internal organs of a person. According to his theory, any organ of the human body can be easily cured by simple pressure on a point in the corresponding zone. In the 1930s, Fitzgerald's ideas were perfected by American physiotherapist Eunice Inham, who believed that certain areas on the feet were connected to other areas and organs of the body. She also developed the famous foot reflex map.
Zones and reflexes
Reflexologists identified 10 equal energy zones on the human body, starting from the head and ending with the toes, which divide the body into longitudinal sections. It is believed that pressure on a specific area has an analgesic effect in the corresponding part of the body, ensuring a correct and uniform flow of energy.
There are 2 main lines on the foot that help reflexologists determine the location of the reflex points as accurately as possible, regardless of the shape and size of the human foot. The first line describes a smooth line directly under the foot pad and is a diaphragm that separates the abdominal and chest cavities. The second is the longitudinal line in the middle of the foot, starting from the bottom of the upper bulge on the outside of the foot and ending directly opposite the other side. It marks the waist line.
Reflexologists use a foot map that shows how the different areas of the foot reflect the corresponding parts of the human body. It is believed that any disease reveals itself, being a sensitive place in the reflex zone of an organ damaged by this disease. Performing a local foot massage, a reflexologist can thereby heal almost any organ in our body.
Benefits of Reflexology
The activity of a reflexologist is not to establish a diagnosis or treat a particular disease. Moreover, a truly experienced reflexologist will never claim that he delivered a person from a particular medical problem. Therapists use methods of holistic medicine, i.e. due to an improvement in the general condition of the body, faster healing of the disease occurs.
Perhaps, of all the advantages of reflexology, stress relief can be especially distinguished, which helps a person to relax and get rid of stress. Stress relief improves blood circulation, helps to remove decay products and helps restore harmony and body integrity. Similarly, Thai massage techniques can be used to relieve stress and lower limb tension.
Under the pressure of gravity, the blood circulation in the feet and the blood flow from the feet to the heart are rather sluggish and slow. Perhaps for this reason, decay products that are not amenable to further degradation, such as crystals of toxic acids, accumulate in the feet. An experienced reflexologist determines the location of these same “stagnant” crystals and breaks them into smaller components to facilitate their removal from the body.
Reflexology helps a person get rid of hormonal problems, for example, menstrual irregularities, allergies, arthritis, pain in the neck and back, problems of the gastrointestinal tract, headaches, and improves skin condition.
However, despite all the advantages of reflexology, there is still no scientific substantiation of the principles of its work.
Foot massage
Before starting treatment, the reflexologist must first sprinkle your feet with talcum powder or powder. Thanks to this, the feet become softer and easier to massage. After this, a light massage is done so that the feet relax and become more supple - this will facilitate the treatment procedure. A preliminary massage will also help you get used to the therapist's hands, and he will help you determine the degree of pressure with which he will carry out the treatment procedure so as not to cause pain in the patient.
The degree of pressure varies depending on whether a person is afraid of tickling or not. Strong touches can cause discomfort and even pain in the feet.
After the reflexologist determines the optimal degree of pressure, he proceeds to massage all reflex zones on both feet, trying to find the most vulnerable areas. The index and thumb of both hands alternately examine each foot. Particularly sensitive areas indicate which part of your body is stressed and overloaded. Particular attention is paid to these zones in order to break stagnant crystals and prevent stagnant processes.
Despite the slight soreness of the procedure, treatment should bring a sense of satisfaction and relaxation. There are no side effects in reflexology, however, some people report feeling physical and emotional exhaustion or fatigue after treatment.
The first reflexology session lasts about 1 hour, the next approximately 30-45 minutes. The duration of treatment depends on the patient, although the average course is from 6 to 8 weeks.
Reflex Zone Map
The location of the reflexes of each organ of our body is fully reflected on our feet. Some reflexes are not duplicated and are present only on one foot, for example, the heart on the left, or the liver on the right. This is due to the fact that in our body there is only one such organ, and it is reflected in accordance with which side of the body it is on. In most cases, the corresponding points are visible on both feet. The points on each foot identify the parts of the body on the corresponding side of the body (right / left).
Relaxing foot massage
This sequence - and its possible variations - is recommended for relaxing the feet before starting treatment. The procedure begins with pressing one foot, then the therapist performs the corresponding pressing on the other foot, and so on. Thus, there is a sequential and phased work with both legs. The last two presses should be aimed at relaxing the legs after the massage. We offer you the following keystroke pattern:
- Ask the patient to relax the foot, and then do strong pressure with the thumb, gradually moving down the entire length of the foot.
- Place the palms of the hands on both sides of the foot, gently but vigorously squeeze the feet, turning it from side to side. In this case, the hands of the therapist and the patient's legs should be in constant interaction.
- While supporting one leg with one hand (the right hand is the right foot, the left hand is the left foot), perform strong pressure with the thumb of the free hand on the diaphragm and solar plexus, which are located almost in the center immediately under the foot pad.
- In order to exert additional pressure on the diaphragm and solar plexus, carefully tilt your toes towards you so that the thumb rests on the base of the foot.
- While supporting the heel with one hand (the thumb is between the ankle and the heel) and holding the upper part of the foot with the other, gently rotate the foot with one foot and then the other.
