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Reflexology is the science that deals with the principle that there are reflex points in the
hands and feet that correspond with every gland, organ and body part. It is the art of
using the fingers and thumbs on these parts.
REFLEXOLOGY
The Ingham Method
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Increases Circulation
Stimulates Nerve Activity
Provides Balance to the Body
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REFLEXOLOGY
What you can expect during and after the session
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While the art of reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, it wasn't until 1913 that Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced this therapy to the West as 'zone therapy'. He noted that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone.
In the 1930's Eunice Ingham further developed this zone theory into what is now known as Reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the feet and hands is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, which works on the feet and hands or to help heal the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms.
Reflexology can be used to help restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium.
This gentle therapy encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance. Reflexology has been shown to be effective for back pain, migraines, infertility, arthritis, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, sports injuries, digestive disorders and some stress-related conditions.
Reflexology does not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.
Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. After you have completed a session of a Reflexology treatment for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments in order to maintain health and well-being.
While many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and counteracting stress, at the same time many doctors, consultants and other health care professionals recognize reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy. With ever increasing levels of stress, it is important people take more responsiblity for their own health care needs. Reflexology helps us to cope on a physical, mental and emotional level thereby encouraging us to heal and maintain health in all areas of our lives.
On the first visit the Reflexologist will use their hands to apply pressure to the feet. The application and the effect of the therapy are unique to each person. A professionally trained Reflexologist can detect subtle changes in specific points on the feet, and by working on these points may affect the corresponding organ or system of the body. A treatment session usually lasts anywhere from a half hour to an hour.
After one or two treatments your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people note a sense of well-being and relaxation; sometimes people report feeling lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is transitory and is a part of the healing process. This is vital information to feed back to the Reflexologist as it shows how your body is responding to treatment.
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Each Foot Contains
26 bones
12 tendons
107 ligaments
7200 nerve endings
Reflexology does not claim a cure
diagnose or prescribe. |
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During a reflexology treatment, compression massage using the side and tip of the thumb will be used on each of the reflex areas.
A firm but not heavy pressure is applied to the area, the pressure held for a moment or so and then, released.
If the part of the body corresponding to the reflex area is out of balance then a degree of tenderness will be felt in the foot when pressure is applied. In some areas there may be a sharp feeling and in others a slight pain, but these feelings should never be very uncomfortable; in areas corresponding to parts of the body that are in balance, then just the feeling of pressure will occur.
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"If you're feeling out of kilter
Don't know why or what about
Let your feet reveal the answer
Find the sore spot work it out"
By Eunice D Ingham
| Reflexologists work from maps of predefined pressure points that are located on the hands and feet. These pressure points are reputed to connect directly through the nervous system and affect the bodily organs and glands. The reflexologist manipulates the pressure points according to specific techniques of reflexology therapy. By means of this touching therapy, any part of the body that is the source of pain, illness, or potential debility can be strengthened through the application of pressure at the respective foot or hand location. | | |
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Thus, an additional benefit of treatment is the relaxation effect.
However, a wide range of
disorders can be helped by reflexology, including problems such as migraines, sinus congestion, backache, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, and circulatory problems.
Reflexology does not claim to be able to cure all disorders, but there are very many instances where treatment can be of great benefit.
Following treatment, it is possible in some instances for certain 'healing reactions' to occur, such as streaming nose, if there is sinus congestion or increased bowel and bladder activity. These reactions will only be short term and will occur only after the first few treatments.
After treatment, many people feel tired, though others may feel quite energized, and often people report how well they sleep. | |
| Take care of your feet and treat yourself to a reflexology session. |
Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.
Chief Seattle
1855
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