Reflexology

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Reflexology

http://www.edkins.com/geminirose/reflexology.htm

 

Reflexology is an ancient method of activating the body’s healing powers by

working on the principle of energy zones running through the body and

corresponding reflexes in the body and feet.

Thousands of years ago, healers used various methods to improve and balance

the energy flowing through zones or meridiens throughout the body.

Reflexologists agree that there are 10 energy zones that run the length of the

body from head to toe. These zones pass through the body so that zones located

on the front of the body can also be reached from behind. Every organ and part

of the body lies along one or more of these zones.

 

Each zone is a channel for the intangible life force. Stimulating any zone in

the foot by applying pressure with the thumbs or forefingers affects the entire

zone throughout the body. For example, if working on a zone in the pelvic area,

energy that may be blocked elsewhere along that channel will be released,

resulting in the revitalisation and balance of the entire zone.

The physical mechanism is not fully understood, but reflexology by eliminating

stress by inducing deep relaxation allows the nervous system to calm down and

function more normally. Circulation continues smoothly, blood flow is improved

and oxygen reaches all the cells.

 

The body continually seeks homeostasis so that healing can take place. The

body is returned to its natural rhythms, energy flows. The body, mind and spirit

are brought back into balance.

The feet are a perfect mini map of the whole body. The inside curve of the

foot corresponds to the natural curves of the spine. Toes are like little heads,

the narrower base of the toes is like the neck. The ball of the foot corresponds

to the chest area etc.

There are several actual mechanical reasons for working the foot as opposed to

the hand. Firstly, they are the farthest from the heart and therefore

circulation is at its worst. Secondly, gravity pulls toxins downwards so that

uric acid or calcium crystals can build up in the bottoms of the feet. Massage

and stimulation of the reflexes improves circulation so that waste inorganic

materials can be broken up and re—enter the circulation. Thirdly, the feet are

constantly under considerable tension. They bear our weight. They are usually

enclosed in tight fitting shoes. More often than not, posture is poor so that

muscles and joints of the feet receive little nourishment. Many people tune foot

pain due to cramped shoes, out of their consciousness with a neurological

process called ‘Adaptation’ Unfortunately, the constant pain causes muscle

tension in other parts of the body such as the neck or shoulders.

 

Just when, how and where reflexology began is unknown but evidence is

available that shows that pressure therapy was used in a preventative and

theraputic role. It is not and never has been a 'cure-all' merely a means of

helping the body to attain and maintain a balance (yin and yang) within its

self. It is all embracing fundamentally because it influences the whole area

where weakened circulation has allowed waste matter to interfere with the free

flow of vital forces necessary to life. The whole body is encouraged to renew

itself so that all its processes are working in harmony. Thousands of years ago

throughtout the different cultures when mankind had to rely on natural therapies

and herbs, reflexology evolved in different ways.

 

In America a Dr. William Fitzgerald came into cobtact with the work of D.

Bressler who had been investigating the possibility of treating organs with

pressure points. Fitgerald continued his research while Head Physician at the

hospital for diseases of the Ear, Nose & Throat, testing many of his theories on

his patients. Fitzgerald found that if pressure using tight bands of elastic on

the middle section of each finger and small clamps on the tips. He was then able

to carry out minor surgical operations just using this pressure technique.

Dr.Fitzgerald divided the body into zones which he used for his anaesthetic

effect. He divised ten zones running length ways from the tips of the toes to

the top of the head. The theory is that parts of the body found within a certain

zone will be linked with another by the energy flow within the zone and can

therefore affect one another. Eunice Ingram 1879-1974 used zone theraphy in her

work but decided that the feet should be the

target for therapy because they are highly sensitive. It was she who charted

the feet in relation to the body zones and their effects on the rest of the

anatomy.

 

The Chinese and the Japanese have been using zones (known as meridians)since

about 2500BC the west only came to the idea at the begining of the 1900's.

Chinese acupuncture and Japanese shiatsu use 12 pairs of meridian lines to

divide the body plus two other meridians known as vessels. These constitute the

bodies energy system and are the pathways through which the energy of the

'universe' flows. Keeping these pathways open and free flowing ensures that the

organs and body stay in harmony and healthy.Through out the meridian system

there are key points that can be acted upon. The Chinese use needles to unblock

the pathways whereas the Japanese developed thumb and finger pressure working on

these points. Reflexologists use the accupuncture and pressure points that are

only found in the feet.

 

In Europe, reflexology was practised in the fourteenth century. According to

Harry Bond Bressler pressure therapy was well known in the middle countries of

Europe being practised by the working people as well as the upper and royalty

classes.

 

The scientific basis of reflex study had its roots in neurological studies

conducted in the 1890's by Sir Henry Head of London. He discovered zones on the

skin which became hypersensitive to pressure when an organ connected by nerves

to this skin region was diseased. After years of clinical research, Head

established what became known as Head's zones or Zones of hyperalgesis.

 

In the late 1890's, the Germans were looking into the treatment of disease by

massage. This was the first time that the benefits of massage techniques were

credited to reflex actions. Dr Alfons Cornelius was the first to apply massage

to reflex zones. He published his manuscript 'Pressure Points, the Origin and

Significance' in 1902.