Reflexology is the modern practice of applying pressure to the feet, hands
and ears utilizing
specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil, cream or
lotion based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the
body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical
change in the body. This technique is similar to acupressure developed in
Asia over 5,000 years ago.Dr. William H.
Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of "zone
therapy" in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this
zone theory in the 1930's into what is now knows as reflexology.
Foot Massage on the other hand
is believed to have originated in China 5,000 years ago and practiced by
applying gliding strokes, up, down and crossing gentle to firm motions all
over the foot using thumbs, fingers and knuckles with oil and/or lotion.
At Eürâsian Reflexology, we believe in maximizing the benefits we
provide to our clients by combining both
therapeutic Reflexology
and relaxing
Foot Massage.Both techniques
are provided in all Full Body Massage services and available as a single
package in the
“Walk
on Cloud 9”
service.
Hand Chart
Foot Chart
The above reflexology charts depicts the reflection of the body
on the feet and hands, left foot or hand representing the body's left half and
right foot or hand its right half. In reflexology practice, technique is applied
to the relevant reflex area(s) to prompt a change in the related part of the
body. Research has demonstrated such effects for several reflex areas and their
reflected parts of the body, i. e. the kidney reflex areas and the kidneys; the
intestine reflex areas and the intestines and the brain reflex area and the
brain.
History
Around the world and throughout history, reflexology has been
rediscovered time and time again. Archeological evidence points to ancient
reflexology medical practices in Egypt (2330 BC), China (2704 BC) and Japan (690
AD).
In the West, the concept of reflexology began to emerge in the 19th century with
European and Russian research into the nervous system and reflex- think Pavlov.
Reflex therapies were created as medical practices but were soon eclipsed by use
of surgery and drugs. The ideas of reflex use for health improvement were
carried on sporadically and brought to American in 1909 by Dr. William
Fitzgerald, an eye-ear and nose specialist from Connecticut. Physiotherapist
Eunice Ingham is credited with developing a system of reflex areas by 1938.
In the East, ancient Chinese techniques were re-discovered in the 1980's and
have spread throughout Asia creating today's reflexology-rich environment with
reflexology paths in parks and a thriving reflexology industry of practitioners,
businesses and research.
Benefits
Research has shown the specific techniques of reflexology to be
effective and beneficial in many ways. A survey of 170 reflexology studies from
21 countries shows that reflexology is effective, impacting a variety of
physical and psychological concerns.
Creates relaxation: From the
moment the therapist's hands start their work, the relaxation begins as shown in
research using EEG brain activity. All together, 24 studies demonstrate
reflexology's relaxation effects.
Reduces pain: Pain reduction
following reflexology work is documented in 27 studies including research
showing impact on individuals of all ages and health states
Ameliorates health concerns:
Research shows that reflexology work helps indiviuals of all ages with some 78
health concerns ranging from aggressive behavior Êin children to urinary
concerns of the elderly.
Improves blood flow:
Separate studies show that reflexology work increases blood flow to the feet,
brain, kidneys and intestines.
Aids post-operative recovery:
Reflexology work aids recovery after surgery as shown by several studies,
reducing pain and lessening the use of post operative analgesics.
Impact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol;
measurements by ECG, EEG, and fMRI)
Enhances medical care:
Reflexology helps where nothing else can for many: phantom limb pain sufferers,
neuropathy patients, and hemodialysis patients to name a few.
Benefits mental health: Research demonstrates that reflexology can reduce
depression (11 studies) and anxiety (9 studies.
Complements cancer care:
Pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients following
reflexology work as shown by16 studies fom 7 countries.
Eases pregnancy, delivery and
post-partum effects: Women who received reflexology experienced
shorter labor times and used less analgesia. In addition, reflexology showed a
positive impact on postpartum depression, anxiety, urination and bowel
movements.
In general terms, the benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction
of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of
the body, they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset
homeostasis, the body's equilibrium.
Reflexology is a complement to standard medical care. It should not be construed
as medical advice. It should not be a replacement to medical help. Please use it
wisely. We care about your safety.
Techniques
Pressure is applied to the feet and hands using specific thumb,
finger and hand techniques. Stretch and movement techniques are also utilized.
What should I expect from a reflexology session?
Reflexology sessions last from 15 minutes to an hour or more if you wish. The client sits or lies
comfortably in our fully reclining chair placing the feet conveniently for the
therapist to work on. The therapist use pressure, stretch and movement to work
through the foot methodically. Technique is applied to the whole foot or hand.
Sit back and relax.
You should feel relaxed at the end of a session. How long that relaxation lasts
is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the session. Make note of this and
tell your therapist your response to the session at the next session. This can
be helpful information to the therapist.
Expect the therapist's application of technique to be within your comfort zone-
not too heavy and not too light but at a level within your personal preference.
Communicate this preference to the therapist.
Do not rely on a therapist for medical help. The therapist
is limited to complementing medicine not replacing it.
