Reflexology and What It Can Do For You
By Lis Kunzi
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is an ancient non-invasive healing art, that has been around for about 4000 years. Practiced by many different cultures. Like India, China and Egypt. A pictograph was found in Egypt. The pictograph shows a Practitioner doing Reflexology.
Modern reflexology is mostly based on the Eunice Ingham method. Ms. Ingham was an American physiotherapist working for a Dr. Reily. Dr. Reily was introduced to Reflexology or Zone therapy as it was called in the beginning and still is in Europe, by a Dr. W. Fitzgerald, who was a nose, ear and throat specialist. Dr. Fitzgerald discovered that by applying pressure on specific points either on the hand or foot, he could numb the pain and do small operations without anesthetic.
Ms. Ingham believed very strongly in Reflexology and all through the 1930’s and 1950’s she traveled to many American States and thought lay persons and Doctors alike the special techniques she had developed.
Later on Ms. Ingham was joined by her nephew Dwight Bayer who is the founder and President of the International Institute of Reflexology, located in Petersburg, USA.
There are many theories as to how Reflexology works. On theory is that it works via the nervous system. Another is that there is a network of energy pathways called KI or Chi. These Meridian pathways runs throughout our bodies. If you have blockades, whatever emotionally, mentally or physically energy can’t circulate. These blockages will have to be cleared away, so optimal energy will be restored to your body. This is done by applying pressure on specific areas either on your feet, hands or ears. The end result is that homeostasis is restored.
Reflexology induces deep relaxation, which in turn relieves the body of our ever increasing stress levels. Stress is one of the leading causes to developing hear disease, stroke and diabetes.
Reflexology enhances deep rhythmic breathing. Not many people are aware that we breathe about 22.000 breathes a day. Shallow breathe that is. So deep breathing is extremely important!! Breathing relaxes us and thereby helps us sleep better. Reflexology has the effect of increasing the flow and movement of both the lymphatic and blood circulatory systems.
Reflexology revitalizes you, opening up blocked pathways so energy flows freely throughout the body once again. Enhancing your mood, concentration and motivation. Reflexology also reduces pain. Many Cancer or terminal ill patients often turn to Reflexology for pain relieve.
But the greatest benefit that Reflexology can give you is as a preventive health care! Our improper modern way of life, which is filled with stress, actually promotes ailments. And thereby throws our body out of sync.
If you notice symptoms such as minor aches and pains, general fatigue, headache, stomach problems, sleeplessness or back ache etc. These symptoms could often be the forerunners of more serious complaints.
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