Reflexology

Reflexology is a system of massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands and head linked to every part of the body.  Reflexology is simply a massage technique for influencing different areas of the body, without contacting them directly. Reflexology has been around for centuries with the first depictions shown in hieroglyphs from ancient Egypt. It also has ties to ancient China and India in reference texts for medical treatment and natural healing. Reflexology was introduced to the the west in the early 20th Century.

Reflexology has been shown to be an effective way to treat many common ailments, including headaches, GI issues, depression and anxiety, and stress and pain. It is a great complimentary and alternative treatment tool that can help reduce your dependence on medication. If you could learn get rid of a headache without taking medication, would you? If you could help your spouse reduce stress and muscle tension when they get home from work, or help your child to focus while doing homework, would you? I think most of us would answer with a resounding,"YES!"

I began looking into reflexology as a way to treat myself. As a physical therapist, I treat others all the time, but as a solo practitioner, I sometimes need to treat myself. Reflexology is a simple way for me to provide relief from my everyday aches and pains, help me to de-stress, and help me to be a nicer person to my husband and kids. I combine reflexology with use of essential oils as a natural way to be healthier in my body and mind. Often I will try different essential oils on the corresponding reflex point on my foot, to see if there is a response or change. Whichever oil produces a response is the one that I use on the site of pain.

The feet have many nerve endings and massaging the feet, with reflexology or other techniques, produces a relaxing effect. And, if there is pain associated with a foot condition, it can simply wear you out, causing additional stress and fatigue. Everyone know how good a foot massage feels. That is really why you go to have that pedicure! The hands and ears also have many nerve endings, and like the feet, the body is represented on them. Rubbing of the earlobes is a calming technique used by some infants and children, and no one had to teach them. It is soothing, and therefore they do it. When a mother runs her hands through her babies hair, or rubs their feet, it benefits both the mother and child. We are creatures of touch. Touch provides healing, specific techniques of touch or massage can be employed to enhance the healing benefits. Reflexology is one of those techniques.

I wanted to highlight reflexology to give you a glimpse of how you can help yourself and your family deal with minor health problems in a natural way. If you would like to learn more about the specific techniques and try them out, please register for one of the upcoming workshops! 

Do you have specific questions about reflexology, use of essential oils, or whether physical therapy would benefit you? Please send me a message with your questions by clicking here!