Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology, also called zone therapy, is a type of ayurveda alternative healing treatment and involves the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.

Reflexologists believe that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all the glands, organs, and parts of the body. They have a unique method of using their thumb and fingers on these reflexes to find areas of congestion and tension and then work these out to help the body work more efficiently.

Ayurveda Reflexology differs from other forms of reflexology you may have experienced. Instead of working on dry feet. Special attention is paid to toes, as Prana is believed to be stored in joints. Ayurveda Reflexology uses oils specifically selected according to the dosha(s) out of balance at the time of treatment. Such base oils include: sesame, coconut, mustard and ghee. Other essential oils used may include holy basil, cardamon, cedar wood, cinnamon, fennel, frankincense, ginger, lime, patchouli, rose, sandalwood and vetiver.

Many proponents claim that foot reflexology can cleanse the body of toxins, increase circulation, assist in weight loss, and improve the health of organs throughout the body.

The body is divided into 10 longitudinal zones with five on each side of the human body.

Each organ or part of the body is represented on the hands and feet

The practitioner diagnoses abnormalities by feeling the hands or feet

Massaging or pressing each area can stimulate the flow of blood, nutrients, energy, and nerve impulses to the corresponding body zone and thereby relieve ailments in that particular zone.

Reflexologists use a reflexology chart which is a map of the foot showing the specific locations of corresponding body parts as their nerves are represented in the foot. The chart shows which nerve to manipulate for each body part. It is interesting that the left and right foot reflect the left and right side of the body and the heart, lungs, chest and upper back are located in the ball of the foot.

Further Information Regarding Reflexology

Reflexology for Body Detoxification
Reflexology is an alternate form of medicine, which believes that locations on your feet correspond with parts of your body, and that massage and other forms of treatment for your feet can help with whole body health and detoxification.

Reflexology for PMS
Is PMS keeping you up at night? Does it interfere in daily activities and is just an all around pain in the rear? You can make changes to your diet and add some great exercises and while they may be somewhat effective, what does it hurt to add another PMS tool to your arsenal? Consider reflexology for those minor symptoms all the way to the more severe form of PMS called PMDD.

Reflexology Explained
Most people have heard the term reflexology but really don't have a clear idea what it is. They think of it as some type of new age, alternative type of either healing or personal improvement practice.

Reflexology Foot Chart
Reflexology foot chart showing the natural body healing zones, or pressure areas, on the soles of the feet.