The Chinese are said to have used an early form of reflexology more than 5000 years ago in their use of pressure therapies. Egyptian tomb artwork dating from around 2000 BC shows foot massage too, an indication that the benefits of working on the feet to encourage general good health have been acknowledged for some time.
These ancient forms of foot massage were based on the principle that energy, zones run throughout the body.
Each foot is divided into five zones (along the length of the foot) These sections are said to correspond to different areas of the body.
Each zone can be considered a channel for life energy, or chi. Stimulating any zone in the foot by applying pressure with the thumbs and fingers affects the entire zone throughout the body. For example, working a zone on the foot along which the kidneys lie will release vital energy, that may be blocked somewhere else in that zone. such as the eyes. Working the kidney reflex area on the foot will therefore revitalize and balance the entire zone and improve functioning of the organ.
Benefits of Reflexology
Improves circulation, cleanses the body of toxins and impurities, balances the whole system, revitalizes energy, stimulates creativity and productivity, nurtures relationships and rewards the practitioner.
The problem for our modern society is that it isn't considered civilized to fight and there's no place to run! Unfortunately our adrenal glands don't know this, so the heartbeat becomes more rapid, the digestive system shuts down and a chain of other physical reactions occur to prepare its for the "looming" catastrophe. We do nothing except bottle it up and repress it and eventually the stress build-up "explodes" internally by knocking some part of our system out of balance.
What Reflexology is Not
Reflexologists do not diagnose illness, nor do they practice medicine. Neither do they treat specific diseases. We never proceed as if a reflexology session is going to cure these problems, we just spend extra time working the reflex area on the foot that corresponds to the body part that is troubled.
It should be plain that reflexology works with subtle energy flows, revitalizing the body, so that the natural internal healing mechanisms of the body do their own work. People do attest to better health, even sometimes a marked reduction or even disappearance of the ailment. but it was not the reflexologist nor the session that cured it. Only the body cures.
What a Client may Experience
Every person we work on is unique. No two people react in exactly the same way to reflexology, nor does the same person always experience the same things each time he or she receives a treatment.
Most people experience deep relaxation, tranquillity and serenity. Many people fall asleep during a treatment. Sleeping is good and the treatment works just as well whether you are awake or asleep.
It is quite natural to feel drowsy immediately afterwards, so it is always best to sit quietly for a while and sip a glass of water (water is important-it flushes the toxins away). Always drink plenty of water after a treatment, if you don't do so, you may well develop a headache due to the toxins.
Body temperature goes down as well, so a blanket is always made available.
