Foot Reflexology: The Foot-Body Connection

If you're feeling stress or pain in your body, the solution may be closer than you'd think. With reflexology, the power of healing is in your hands. Reflexology is a type of massage — similar to acupressure — that is used to relieve tension and offer a range of other health benefits. This medical practice is based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands and ears that are linked to other parts of the body. By putting pressure or massaging certain parts, you can relieve illness or pain in parts of your body that you may not be able to otherwise get to. Reflexology was used in ancient China; and a hieroglyphic mural suggests it was a part of Egyptian culture starting around 2330 BC. According to the National Library of Medicine (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), modern reflexology techniques have been used for the last 60 years. Though there is no clinical data that has proved its effects work, because of its rising popularity there has been more scientific and clinical research conducted. People who practice this medical technique are called reflexologists. They use maps of these pressure points to determine where they should apply pressure. You can try reflexology on yourself or on a partner. Using a reflexology chart, press the desired reflex point with the side of your thumb or the tip of your finger. Try to keep contact between your hand and the reflex point, running your finger or thumb to each point. You can finish by lightly brushing your fingertips over the entire area. When doing reflexology, it should feel similar to massage, where you use a firm touch, but it shouldn't be painful. There are many different claims about how reflexology works, some believe touch or massage may send healing energy to certain parts of the body. Or, that the nerves from the skin are connected to internal organs. It could also be related to other types of massage in that promoting relaxation can help with healing the body and calming stress. Whether it works or not, reflexology generally does not cause any harmful effects, but as always with trying new health practices, check with your doctor. There are many claims that reflexology does work and below are some of the benefits people have found: Reduction of stress and anxiety Reduction of pain Mood enhancement Improved general well-being Boost in immune system Help fight cancer Faster recovery from colds and bacterial infections Clear up sinus issues Back pain recovery Correct hormonal imbalances Fertility issues Improve digestion Ease arthritis pain Treat nerve problems and numbness Without any real evidence of its success, many doctors don't recommend reflexology as an alternative to other medical care when it comes to health, but it may hold value as a complementary treatment to help reduce symptoms and improve a person's quality of life. Similar to other ways of self-care, taking the time to get a massage or visit a reflexologist can be a great way to relax and work on having a more stress-free life.