For most people who enjoy getting frequent massage and appreciate all the health benefits it provides, this article gives valuable information about the basics and health benefits reflexology can do for you.

1. What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is an art of healing that dates back to antiquity. Its practice is based on a principle where a specific internal organ is stimulated through flexing antother body part that directly corresponds to its function, for the purpose of promoting holistic health improvement. For example, massaging the hand corresponds to increasing stimulation of the brain thereby removing headache and other ailment, arising from the head region.

2. How It Works

No clear scientific findings have been established to support reflexology as a valid medical procedure to promote healing of illnesses and other medical conditions. Perhaps, reflexology is based on a principle similar to the ancient Chinese Art of Healing. Under this system, holistic healing is vital to the elimination of symptoms that underscore a certain disease. According to this oriental health philosophy, your health is maintained if the flow of Qi or Chi throughout the body remained uninterrupted and in balance. This body’s internal energy ensures proper coordination and functioning of internal organs. Qi allows organs to function normally and fight disease as they would. If disturbed, disease sets in. This can only be alleviated if proper nervous stimulation is initiated since it unlocks the proper chemicals to restore balance in Qi.

3. Reflexology Timeline

Ancient Times:

The practice of reflexology dates back to antiquity to ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Indians. The Physician’s tomb in Saqqara, Egypt provides clues to the application of this art as a means to relieve symptoms and eventually heal disease.

1913:

This therapeutic procedure was only introduced in the west at first quarter of the 20th century. Dr William Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat specialist introduced his zone therapy in the management of diseases. He stated that illnesses are just a result of disturbances of mind and body balance. Flexing specific body parts to relieve symptoms caused by various ailments can restore this imbalance.

1930:

Eunice Ingham contributed to the advancement of this therapy, concentrating on the feet alone, and in this year came the birth of the art of reflexology. Today, more and more people are becoming addicted to this type of treatment not for the belief that it carries with it many health benefits, but due to the fact that it is physically and mentally relaxing.

4. Benefits of Reflexology

Subscribers to this therapy have seen manifold health advantages. Individuals who have undergone several therapy saw unprecedented improvement on body musculature, muscle fitness and internal organ functions such as bowel movement and regular heart beat. Reflexology was observed to have marked benefits on the ailments below. It should be noted, however, that reflexology is not an established science and cannot claim to fix or cure any diseases.

- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle pains and injuries
- Stress and Fatigue
- Irritable Bowel Conditions
- Hormonal imbalance
- Localized pain such as back, arm and leg, or chest pain
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea, etc.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

5. The Science Behind Reflexology

In 1996, research in China has found that 93.63% of 8,096 patients found reflexology effective in treating at least 63 types of diseases. This was stipulated in the public discussion made in the China Reflexology Symposium Report in the same year. A similar scientific investigation made in Britain reveals that patients improved on overall emotional and physical aspects after undergoing several reflex sessions. In another related experiment, 35 respondents, divided into two groups, suffering from PMS, were put on two separate clinical trials; one receiving reflex treatment and others undergoing feigned reflex session. Data reveals that those who received authentic reflexology therapy did not suffer adverse symptoms of PMS. This and other findings confirms some of the basic benefits of reflexology.

6. Before And After Taking Reflex Sessions

Before:

- No meals 1 hour before session
- Do not allow reflexologists to treat specific diseases for you using reflex procedures
- Limit application for patients with history of diabetes, heart and kidney failure
- Physician should be consulted for people who have muscle and joint injuries
- Patients with history of vein inflammation (phelibitis) and other cardiovascular disorders should seek medical practitioner’s advise before taking in the activity
- Pregnant woman are advised not to take reflex sessions since pressure applied on certain areas of the foot may cause unexpected uterine contractions

After:

- Drink luke-warm water at least 500 cc (cubic centimeter) for normal individuals without pre-existing medical condition and 150 cc for patients suffering from kidney and liver problems
- Avoid contact with water 2 to 3 hours after treatment; after that, you can take hot or lukewarm bath to relax the reflexed muscles

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