Remember grandma’s suggestions when she urged you to eat something or press a body part to tackle some common health issue like a headache or gas? Though it seemed like magic at that time, it wondrously would make us feel better and we’d skip out back to the playground. Growing up, we became too busy and cool for simple remedies which seemed so childish. We started looking for quick fixes and instant cures for all our problems by reaching out to our medicine cabinet for a quick relief pill.
However, growing awareness about side effects of allopathic treatments along with the adverse effects of today’s sedentary lifestyle has brought serious focus on taking care of one’s general health to better fight off any serious illness. Many people nowadays are on the lookout for natural and alternative treatments that target general well-being without focusing exclusively on medication. One such alternative method gaining success and doing the rounds is reflexology.
Understanding Reflexology
According to reflexology, there are specific reflex points on the hands, feet and ears which relate to certain organs and system points in the human body. When adequate pressure is applied to these points, using thumb and fingers, the organ or system is regulated enabling it to function better. For example, a point on our hands or feet may correspond to the kidney and regularly applying pressure to that point can help the kidney function optimally. Similarly, points in the areas around the ears which when stimulated correctly promote calmness and help reduce stress.
Many opt for reflexology as a general practice in itself while in some cases, patients suffering from a serious illness have adopted reflexology along with their regular treatment to speed up their recovery time and boost their overall health. In reflexology the therapist only applies pressure to certain points using the thumb and fingers. In some cases, they may opt for oil or cream or devices like a rubber ball/ wooden stick. There is no medication to be taken along with it or needles to deal with like in acupuncture. The belief here is that if the internal organs are working optimally the overall health is better with lesser chances of illness.
What happens in a Reflexology session?
In a typical reflexology session, a practitioner will begin by lightly feeling the hands and feet to find any trouble areas or points that may need more focus. In case of any ailments, they will focus on reflex points that relate to that organ or system to alleviate it. Basically, by applying pressure to these points the therapist or practitioner is able to release toxins if any and stimulate energy and blood flow to these problem areas stimulating their proper functioning. By applying pressure to all core points in the body, reflexology aims to overtime regulate the functioning of all essential organs, bones and systems to promote overall health.
Benefits of Reflexology
Reflexology has received massive acknowledgement in helping with many common issues such as
- Stress
- Sinus problems
- PMS pains
- Earaches
- Weight loss
Patients diagnosed with organ trouble such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease and cancer have also opted for reflexology sessions along with their regular treatment.
Who should avoid Reflexology?
While, reflexology is considered safe for most, there are some cases in which you shouldn’t opt for this practice. People with wounds or fractures on their wrist or feet, pregnant women, people who have undergone surgery recently, anyone suffering from fever or an infection, patients with a blood clot and others. Each case is unique and one should be sure to get the doctor’s approval before any new treatment.
Foot Reflexology: Bliss with added health benefits
Foot reflexology is also gaining immense popularity over traditional massages. Although it is not a typical massage and the practitioner only focuses on the pressure points in the feet, people opt for it as it’s known to help fight stress, lower anxiety, improve concentration and focus and improve sleep. Instead of rubbing your feet like in a typical massage, the practitioner stimulates all your pressure points with the finger and thumb. Also, for the shy sorts who are hesitant to go bare for a massage, foot reflexology calms and soothes you since you only remove your footwear.
Is Reflexology for me?
While some may still appear sceptical about this practice, a lot of people are advocating it after experiencing benefits in certain ailments and their overall health. So if you’re curious, schedule a session with a trained reflexology practitioner and decide how you feel about it for yourself. However, if you are suffering from any condition discuss the details with your doctor and reflexology therapist before the session.
