Reflexology in Brief
Reflexology is a theory and therapy that uses the feet to treat the whole body. Reflexology is a theory and therapy that uses the feet as a map, or mirror, of the whole body. By manipulating and applying pressure to certain part of the feet, the whole body can be ‘retuned’ and brought back into balance.
Reflexology is a therapy that treats the feet in order to balance the whole body. Its main principle is that by massaging and applying pressure to parts of the feet known as reflex areas, other corresponding and connected areas of the body will feel the benefit.
The main is to stimulate the body’s own healing processes in order to keep it in homeostasis, i.e. balanced. It is a holistic which that it works on the principle that the whole person must be treated. If one area of the body is out of balance the other area will be. It encourages both relaxation and stimulation: the first helps the bodies rebuild its energy resources and recover from illness and disease whereas the second helps activate the circulation and nerves system, making both more efficient and thus benefiting the body as a whole.
Reflexology is not medical treatment but it helps maintain and restore health. The reflexology can detect imbalances in the body by working on the feet and then works on problem areas accordingly to help correct them. However it is not a cure, more a helping hand for body’s self-healing: reflexology helps balance the systems of the body helping them work more efficiently which, in turn, speeds up the healing process.
THE BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY:
It relieves stress and tension and has a deeply relaxing effect: 75% of disease is estimated to be stress related.
In order to function the body needs energy ¡n the form of oxygen and nutrients which are efficiency of all organs and cells reflexology improves blood circulation, it thus increase the efficiency of all organs and cells.
It helps release trapped nervous energy and improve neural efficiency approximately 7000 nerves are stimulated by reflexology.
It improves waste removal and elimination.
It activates the body’s self-healing.
Probably most important system for the reflexology since it has been estimated that there are approximately 7000 nerve endings in the feet, making them particularly sensitive and already discussed the spine which is one of the major parts of the central nervous systems the other main component is brain.
REFLEXOLOGY HELPS THE BODY’S SYSTEM
Each part of the body has a reflex area on the feet and hands like the rest of the body, these are all interconnected and working one will benefit o others, however it is useful to remember which reflexes refer to which part of the body and which conditions benefit from working particular reflexes.
1. THE SKELETAL SYSTEM
Treating the reflexes for the skeletal and associated parts of the body e.g. ligaments that attach muscular to the bones.
- Reflex for the head and neck
- Reflex for the spine
- Cervical, thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, coccygeal
- Reflex for shoulder girdle
- Reflex for the arm and elbow
- Reflex for sternum and ribs
- Reflex for the sacro-iliac joint
- Reflex for the hip
Working of the skeletal reflexes will benefit other parts of the system. However, working these reflexes is especially useful for any of the generalized inflammatory conditions of the joints (any type of rheumatism or arthritis) Osteoporosis, Sprained ligaments, fractures, slipped discs and general back pain. Furthermore, since the bones provide attachment for the muscles, any work on the skeletal reflexes wilt also help problems with muscles and their attachments (ligaments and tendons).
2. THE MASCULAR SYSTEM.
- Reflex for the solar plexus
- Reflex for the diaphragm
- Reflex for the pelvic muscles
3. THE CIRCULATORY (VASCULAR) SYSTEM
The circulatory system is the body’s fuel and transport system which is driven by the heart, its engine. Working the muscular and nervous reflexes will benefit the circulatory system because a more efficient nervous system will communicate with the heart and blood vessels more quickly communicate with the heart and blood vessels more quickly and improved muscle function will pump blood faster, thus improving the function of all the cells in the body.
- Reflex for the blood vessels
- Reflex for the hear
4. THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
The lymphatic system is a secondary circulation that supports the blood circulation, makes antibodies and detoxifies tissue fluid of infections and bacteria. Reflexes for the lymphatic system and ducts working the lymphatic area benefits the whole of the system, improving the efficiency of its functions: fighting infection, producing antibodies, removing excess fluid from tissues and cells throughout the body Reflex for the Spleen
The spleen makes new lymphocytes and destroys old cells. It helps fight infection but is not essential to the body’s functions. Working this reflex is useful for treating infections and for stimulating an efficient circulation.
Working the lymphatic system benefits the whole body. Encouraging better fluid drainage from cells and tissues throughout the body and boosting the immune system.
5. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Reflexes for the brain
- Reflexes for the sciatic nerve
- Reflex for the Solar plexus
One of the reflexology’s main benefits is relaxation and working the nervous system is very important for inducing relaxation and thus slowing the body reactions to stress signals. It also improves the efficiency of the body’s voluntary functions, by improving the speed and function of the communication network.
6. THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM.
The endocrine system is a chemical communication network which uses hormones to send messages to the body, telling it how to grow and function. Thus helps maintain homeostasis (a stable, physiological state). Many of the glands that produce these hormones are very small and the corresponding reflex areas on the feet are also small.
- Reflex for the thymus gland.
- Reflex for the thyroid gland
- Reflex for the parathyroid gland
- Reflex for the adrenal gland
- Reflex for the pituitary gland
- Reflex for the pineal gland
- Reflex for the pancreas
Working the endocrine system benefits the whole body, improving the production of hormones arid their subsequent functions. The system enables human to reproduce.
7. THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
- Reflex for uterus
- Reflex for the ovary
- Reflex for the fallopian tubes
- Reflex for the breasts
- Reflex for prostate gland
- Reflex for the tests.
Working the reproductive system is particularly important for those trying to conceive but also helps prevent infections and menstrual/menopausal problems.
8. THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
When we breathe we take in what we need and expel what we don’t need. The digestive system works in the same way. We eat and body takes the nutrients it needs from the food and expel the rest as waste.
- Reflex for the Oesophagus
- Reflex for the stomach ‘
- Reflex the small intestines
- Reflex for the duodenum
- Reflex for Ileo-caecal valve an appendix
- Reflex for the large intestine
- Reflex for the accessory organ
The accessory organs to digestion, the liver, pancreas and gall bladder are all associated with the digestive process, food does not pass through them but they produce or store Substances that help with digestion.
- Reflex for the liver
- Reflex for the gall bladder
- Reflex for the pancreas
Without nutrients we would not survive so it is essential that food we eat is converted as quickly as possible so that the body can use it.
Efficient digestion enables the body to function property and stomach problems. Working the digestive reflexes encourages the digestive system to work correct
9. THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
The respiratory system is fundamental to life. It is the body’s breathing apparatus and humans cannot survive without air for more than a couple of minutes. Every single cell of the body breathes in and out millions of times during one day.
Reflexes for the lungs trachea and bronchi
Reflexes for the sinuses
Working the respiratory system reflexes will help the whole body. Ensuring that oxygen gets into cells and carbon dioxide is taken out of them. Working the circulatory nervous and muscular system will also benefit the respiratory system.
10. THE URINARY SYSTEM.
This system is the body’s waste disposal filtration units
- Reflexes for the kidneys
- Reflexes for the Ureters
- Reflexes for the bladder
Working the urinary system reflexes encourages waste removal and helps prevent infections of, and problems with the kidney and bladder.
