Reflexology Review in the Health Guide

For many people, it is incredible to learn that in one’s own body there are areas in which all components of the organism are found, and when activated, specific benefits are produced in other parts of the body and one’s general health.

Reflexology is a discipline, also called an art by experts, based on the stimulation of areas or zones and specific points already located and well established by the experts. The most common is podiatric reflexology, applied to the bottom of the feet, but it also exists and is used on hands, ear lobes, the scalp, face, abdomen, fingers and nails.

Its origin dates back to various cultures of the past. The oldest documentation of this knowledge is from Egypt (papyrus found show that reflexology was already practiced in approximately the year 2,500 AC). In addition, there exist antecedents of its use and application in traditional medicine in such areas as China, India and Greece (according to what is known, Hipócrates, the father of western medicine, was a ferrous defender of massage by zones).

In the last century, in 1913, the American medic William Fitzgerald, after studying the old techniques, began to apply what he called Zonal Therapy, with which he was able to reduce and from time to time to eliminate pain in some parts of the body. However, the maseuse Eunice Ingham, who, in the 1930’s, devised the present map of the body drawn on the feet.

For sure, massage is the oldest method of man to alleviate his ailments, from the instinctive method of touching the painful area all the way to the deeper and more complete techniques such as reflexología.

How it is done:

• Above all, the position of the patient and reflexology is very important.
• The patient should be laying flat and should have a cushion under his knees with the foot resting on the knees of the therapist.
• At the same time, the specialist will need to be as comfortable as possible himself during the session.
• Before beginning the massage, the therapist should first know the area on which he is going to work, that is to say, to slowly touch the feet of the patient.
• The masaje is carried out by the pressure of the thumb, moving in a similar way as to crumble a lump of sugar with the thumb of one hand on the palm of the other.
• The movement of the thumb should be slow, circular and deep.
• During the therapy, the patient should breathe deeply to help the relaxation even more..
• The duration of the therapy is approximately 60 minutes.
  
  The benefits of reflexology:
  Since the representative zones of all the other parts of the body are found in the feet and hands, connected by the nervous system, reflexology helps mainly to alleviate stress, improve the functions of the organs and glands of the body, to calm pain, facilitate the elimination of toxins, and the prevention of illnesses and disturbances to general health, among many other benefits. Also, it turns out to be efficient as a specific complement of treatment for different illnesses.

It is important to realize that it does not replace medical care, but, with sufficient energy and the desire to recuperate, it will help in great measurement.

According to the map, there are eight colors distributed in different areas of the foot: red, blue, clear blue, yellow, gray, violet, orange and green. Each one has a special function with each area, from the respiratory to the endocrine system.

Reflexology can be applied to children and adults. However, it is not recommended for important arterial problems, foot injuries, cardiovascular illnesses, during pregnancy nor after ingesting.

Pamper your feet, since they are our base to walk, to move and a great treasure that encompasses all our being. A session of Reflexology will be a relaxing experience, safe and healthy for you.