Reflexology is one of the top alternative therapies in a number of countries, and many swear by its effects against various ailments of the body and mind. While the use of reflexology is highly controversial and is largely dismissed by the traditional medical community, it continues to grow in popularity throughout certain areas of the world, especially in Europe and Asia. Here is a quick guide to reflexology and its benefits.
What is reflexology?
Essentially, reflexology is a therapy built around the premise that the hands, feet, and ears contain what amounts to a map of the human body. Within these areas, complex collections of "zones" correspond with every part of the body, every organ and every system. By applying pressure to the appropriate zone, practitioners believe that problems within the corresponding body part can be corrected.
Reflexology benefits
Reflexology enthusiasts proclaim that reflexology can replace nearly every treatment available through conventional medicine. If pressure can be applied to the correct zones in the correct order, then they can save the recipient from drug therapies, surgery, chronic pain or other similar issues. Reflexologists believe that, with appropriate study, the practice can eventually cure every ailment known to mankind, from migraines to cancer. For most conditions, the best recommendation is to find a traditional medical doctor who will monitor your progress throughout reflexology therapy, ensuring that the condition is not aggravated by treatment or worsened through the lack of contemporary medicine.
Controversy with reflexology
The lack of scientific basis is the primary strike against reflexology. Controlled trials have shown reflexology to be no more effective than a placebo. For this reason, the traditional medical community rejects reflexology outright and expresses the concern that the persistence of the practice may keep people with serious conditions from seeking treatments that are known to be effective until it's too late to help them. In addition, many countries do not have quality checks and certifications in place for reflexologists, so it is difficult for those seeking therapy to know whether they're working with a knowledgeable practitioner.
Reflexology is a relatively simple practice, but knowing where to massage in order to stimulate healing in specific body parts can be challenging. That?s where reflexology socks come in. |
Learn about some common reflexology techniques like self-reflexology, a therapy that has grown in popularity during the last several years. You may wonder, what is reflexology? Reflexology techniques involve the massage of your own hands and feet. |
Articles that discuss the practice, history and benefits of reflexology. Learn about what reflexology is good for and how to do self reflexology at home. |
Face reflexology is similar to the more widespread practice of foot and hand reflexology, only face reflexology uses Andrean body maps to locate stimulation points on the face that are correlated with specific organs or organ systems. |
If you know how to perform your own foot massage, you can knead the stress out of your body in no time. |
Learn about the history of reflexology, a practice that states that mixed messages from the brain to certain body parts could result in malfunction or deterioration of health in those body parts. |
You can use reflexology for migraine pain with a few useful reflexology techniques. |
Most reflexology treatments involve massages of both the feet and the hands, while you remain fully clothed. A general reflexology massage will benefit your entire body much like a full body massage. |
One non-invasive practice that has gained popularity in Europe and is just beginning to find credence in the United States is the idea of using reflexology as a way to increase your ability to conceive. |
Reflexology massage applies pressure to specific areas of the hands and feet believed to correspond to other parts of the body to relieve tension and stress. |
