WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?

Reflexology is the systematic application of pressure techniques to the feet, hand, ears or body with the intention of effecting change in the body. It is most frequently done on the feet or the hands. All parts, glands and organs of the body are represented as “reflexes” on an “anatomical body map” on the feet and hands and ears. The term reflex, means automatic response to a stimulus, therefore, foot reflexology could be defined as the study and practice of automatic body responses to finger pressure on specific areas of the feet to help the body attain/maintain its ideal balance.

4 IMPORTANT FEATURES OF REFLEXOLOGY:

COMPLEMENTARY:

• Can be used in conjunction with other treatments and therapies and is non-invasive

NATURAL:

• Encourages the body to enter its natural healing state to deal with imbalances without the use of drugs or invasive techniques.

PREVENTATIVE:

• Helps the body maintain its ideal balance, and often will “catch”a problem before it manifests as a physical symptom .

EFFECTIVE:

• Through the release of tension . ( thus freeing up the nervous system and improving energy flow) and the increase in circulation, (thus better oxygen supply to all tissues, organs and parts of the body), the body is better able to access its inherent self-corrective abilities.

RESEARCH AND REFLEXOLOGY
Hundreds of research studies have been conducted on reflexology. Detailed information on these studies can be found on the web site of Barbra and Kevin Kunz at www.reflexology-research.com/ and click on reflexology research. Research has shown the specific techniques of reflexology to be effective and beneficial in many ways, impacting a variety of physical and psychological concerns. A brief overview of some of these areas is given below. Again , for more detailed information- please follow the link given previously.

Stress and Anxiety
Lessening of stress and anxiety is demonstrated in twenty-nine reflexology studies with study participants including healthy individual, seniors, women and cancer patients. The stimulation of reflexology’s pressure techniques creates change in the body’s basic level of tension measurements: brain Waves (EEG), blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and anxiety.

Lessening of Pain
Reduction in pain is a significant result of reflexology work. The lessening of pain in response to reflexology is documented in thirty-six studies including individual of all ages and health states: birthing mothers, menstruating women, phantom limb pain sufferers, low back pain, cancer patients, kidney stone patients, seniors, people recovering from surgery.

Cancer Care
Twenty-four studies conducted by nurses in ten countries show that reflexology helps with each stage of the cancer experience: following chemotherapy, post operatively, management of symptoms and during palliative/hospice care. Research demonstrates that cancer patients who receive reflexology work show significant improvements in physical and emotional symptoms: lessened pain, anxiety, depression and stress: reduced nausea and vomiting; lowered fatigue and improved quality of life.