| Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure | | | | - A reflexology practitioner can diagnose abnormalities |
| to the feet and hand with thumb, finger, and hand | | | | by feeling the feet and hands. |
| techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based | | | | - Massaging each area stimulates the flow of energy, |
| on a system of zones and reflex areas on the feet | | | | nutrients, blood, and nerve impulses to the |
| and hand that correspond to organs in the body. The | | | | corresponding body zone to relieve ailments in that |
| premise is that massaging particular areas of the feet | | | | zone. |
| and hand will induce a positive physical benefit to | | | | Proponents claim that foot reflexology can cleanse |
| specific organs and to the body in general. | | | | the body of toxins, improve circulation, and improve |
| History of Reflexology | | | | the health of organs throughout the body. |
| Archeological evidence from Egypt, China, and Japan | | | | Non-believers of reflexology claim: |
| reveals that ancient reflexology medical systems | | | | - Reflexology is subjective and based on a placebo |
| existed. In the West, the concept of reflexology | | | | effect. |
| began to emerge in the 19th century based on | | | | - There is no solid evidence of improved health as a |
| research on the nervous system and reflexes. While | | | | direct result of reflexology. |
| there is no direct evidence of direct cross-fertilization | | | | - Reflexology cannot directly cure certain health |
| from ancient times, the practice of reflexology in a | | | | problems. |
| variety of cultures, historical periods, and belief | | | | - Reflexology is just another form of massage |
| systems indicates that reflexology is a factor in | | | | therapy with limited effectiveness. |
| promoting health. | | | | - Paying $35 - $100 for a foot massage is too |
| How does Reflexology work? | | | | expensive. |
| There are many theories as to how reflexology | | | | The Bottom Line of foot reflexology |
| works but we will focus on the nervous system to | | | | Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy based on |
| explain the workings of reflexology. | | | | the idea that pressure points on the feet and hand |
| Our feet and hands contain pressure sensors that | | | | correspond to reflex zones that are connected to |
| are a part of the body's reflexive response that | | | | every internal organ and body zone. |
| makes possible the "fight or flight" reaction to danger. | | | | Proponents believe that reflexology stimulates body |
| An example of this adrenaline surge is our ability to | | | | zones and organs therefore resulting in improved |
| withstand or "forget" temporary pain in dangerous | | | | health or maintenance of good health. Opponents |
| situations. | | | | argue that the benefits resulting from reflexology are |
| Pressure is applied to the feet and hands using | | | | just placebo effects so it's all psychological. In other |
| specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques. Stretch | | | | words, reflexology is just a glorified word for |
| and movement techniques are used to provide | | | | massage therapy. |
| relaxation to the feet and hand. Oil, cream, and | | | | While reflexology can promote comfort and |
| lotions are not used in traditional reflexology work. | | | | relaxation and possibly promote well being, there are |
| Proponents of reflexology claim: | | | | many factors in determining good health such as diet, |
| - The body is divided into 10 longitudinal zones - five | | | | exercise, genes, and whether or not you smoke. If |
| on each side of the body. | | | | you feel you're getting direct benefits from |
| - Each organ or part of the body is represented on | | | | reflexology, then you should continue and enjoy this |
| the feet and hands. | | | | alternative therapy. |