What is foot reflexology, what was it based upon, and what good can it do to you?
Foot reflexology is designed to help promote the overall health and well-being of the individual’s body.
It is founded on the idea that there are certain points within your feet and hands that correlate to different glands, functions and various organs within the body.
It is taught that through the practice of reflexology, massaging certain points in the body will help to deliver a healing benefit.
Reflexologists assert that a person’s health and condition can be read from his or her foot. By massaging certain reflex points, there is the possibility of improving the condition of a person’s body organs, encouraging them to work more capably.
There is no concrete evidence that foot reflexology is effective for many illnesses or other medical conditions. But for those who use reflexology, it helps to maintain a sense of homeostasis, which is an inner balance providing the body with the ability to function properly.
What are the foot reflexology zones?
Reflexology divides the body into several different zones, which start from the top of your head and run all the way to the bottom of your feet.
There are 10 different zones in your body, which is equal to five on each foot. Reflex points found on your feet represent all of the reflex zones.
Some parts of your body are found on both feet, such as your brain, which is represented by the reflex areas within your toes. On the other hand, organs such as the kidneys, stomach, gallbladder and pancreas are only found in one foot.
Who started the zone theory? When and how did it start?
Dr. William Fitzgerald was the one who introduced zone theory to the world, during the early 20th century.
After going to one of the seminars Fitzgerald taught, Joe Riley decided to begin forming his own research on all of the different reflex zones.
Riley began working alongside a physical therapist, Eunice Ingham, who further expanded the reflex theory and developed the methods for stimulating the reflexes in the feet.
Ingham traveled abroad for many of years lecturing on reflexology and showing others her methods.
What is foot reflexology massage and what benefits can it give?
Most of the time, people use foot reflexology to treat stress and tension. In turn, that relief can help in relieving or even preventing symptoms which can be attributed to stress.
Those who are dealing with chronic stress can end up with a variety of different health conditions, such as:
- depression
- heart disease
- obesity
- autoimmune diseases
- digestive problems, and any other kinds of ailments.
As such, reflexology helps to dissolve tension and release any energy that is blocked inside of the body.
For those who are suffering with headaches or migraines, reflexology can help alleviate the signs and symptoms associated with such conditions.
Massages on various points in your foot can help in reducing and dissolving tension throughout your spine. Furthermore, at the same time it can help in relieving the symptoms of headaches.
Some cancer patients will feel an immediate release from pain and anxiety, thanks to reflexology.
For those who are suffering from insomnia, a good foot reflexology treatment helps in promoting better and more peaceful nigh’s sleep.
When you go in for a session, they will massage the points on both of your feet. Depending upon what your individual needs are, you will spend anywhere from 45 minutes up to an hour per session. After one session, you will feel the benefits for up to five days.
Every person will feel the effects of the session differently.
Based upon your individual health issues, the length of treatment and frequency of visits will vary.
This information is general and not meant to be any type of diagnosis.
For a professional opinion please visit your medical practitioner or care giver.