Holistic Massage Therapy Academy Ipoh Perak Malaysia, Massage Therapy Training School Malaysia, Massage Therapy Courses and Certification - TMC School Malaysia, Thai Massage School of Chiang Mai, Thailand

TMC School

of Malaysia

Malaysia Affiliation - Academic Partner Of

www.holisticacademy.net

www.massagetherapy-academy.com

REFLEXOLOGY:

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO BETTER HEALTH, HEALING & VITALITY

Dr. Ralph Stone describes the holistic goal as follows:

“Health is the natural expression of mind, body and spirit. Good health is harmony within, peace of mind, happiness, well-being and centered, the free expression of Spirit and Soul through mind and body.”

People with serious chronic conditions have experienced the most significant benefits from regular treatments. Whether you choose the option of Reflexology for general health maintenance or to address specific health issues, it is an ancient healing art and 21st century science.

Refexology is often confused with massage, shiatsu and other forms of touch therapy. A lot of disinformation exists about whether Reflexologists diagnose illnesses or act in the place of medical care. Read on to find answers to the most common questions asked about Reflexology.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a form of bodywork that is applied to the feet, hands or ears. These extremities are thought to contain maps mirroring the entire body – a place for each organ, gland and part. The American Reflexology Certification Board describes it this way:

“Reflexology is a non-invasive, complementary modality involving thumb and finger techniques to apply alternating pressure to reflexes shown on reflex maps of the body located on the feet, hands, and outer ears.”

How Does Reflexology Work?

There are several theories about how Reflexology works. One theory is the Zone Theory, developed by Dr. William H. FitzGerald, that divides the body into ten zones running from the top of the head down to the feet. Stimulation inside one of the zones is thought to cause a response in other parts located within the same zone.

How is Reflexology Different from Massage?

Body massages are given by practitioners trained in techniques to work on tight muscles, sore joints or as relaxation. It is generally applied to the majority of the body and is either available as a therapeutic treatment or a relaxation treatment.

Reflexology however has a wholly different focus than these two – the intention of a Reflexology session is to balance internal organ, gland and body functions. It is believed that Reflexology can improve functions of musculo-skeletal system, circulatory and lymphatic systems and profoundly affect the internal organs of the body. Specific techniques are used with the fingers and thumbs in a rhythmical fashion to work through the body’s systems: endocrine, which regulates hormone functions, digestive, and so on.

Is Reflexology Painful?

In some parts of the world Reflexology is applied using a very strong pressure. This is very common in several Asian styles of Reflexology and can be uncomfortable or painful. One Reflexologist communicated that when the recipient is in pain or uncomfortable he is not able to fully relax and the full benefits of a session may not be experienced.

A recipient of Reflexology shouldn’t experience pain during a Reflexology session. Some areas of the feet are naturally more sensitive than others and some reflex points may feel tender during a session. A Reflexologist is trained to follow the client’s cues and decrease pressure if it is uncomfortable for the client.

How Often Should Someone Have Reflexology?

Frequency is dependent on the client’s goals for the sessions. A typical approach is to receive Reflexology weekly for three to four weeks and then begin to space the sessions farther apart as improvements are noted. For those without specific health complaints a rule of thumb is monthly or every six weeks for ‘maintenance’ sessions.

Common Reactions to Reflexology

What to Expect During and After Your Session

Reflexology might have you feeling warm and sleepy, or you may need to relieve your bladder half way into the session. Discover these responses and more.

Every body responds uniquely to a Reflexology session – some may feel tired after their session, others may feel energized. It is not uncommon to go through several stages of emotions and body sensations during a session and over the next few days.

The primary benefits of receiving a Reflexology session include relaxation and stress reduction. Other benefits include an improvement in your body’s circulation which is responsible for delivering oxygen and vital nutrients to the farthest reaches of the body.

During a session or soon after you may have the sensation of being cold; this can happen when the body lowers the core temperature as you relax – the same as when you go to bed at night. Or you may experience perspiration as your body warms up, especially following a session when you have to drive back to work or go home.

After Karen’s* second session she reported “I feel so sleepy now but I didn’t feel sleepy after my first session.” Her practitioner reassured her “Your body is appreciating the cumulative effects of the first and second session. Pay attention to your sleeping patterns over the next few days and see how you feel.” Karen continued her sessions and found her body responded subtly different after each session, “like it is working on different areas of my body each session.”

Paul* had a different experience during his session, “I felt tingling from my feet up my legs and into my thighs when the Reflexologist worked different parts of my feet.” That night he had very vivid dreams “with a lot of colors” in them. Jane* saw colors while relaxing in her session, “it was yellow and sometimes orange and at the end I saw purple.”

One of the most common physical responses after a session is an increase in eliminatory functions – increased bowel movements and more frequent urination. This can start shortly after a session; many have a strong urge to relieve their bladder towards the end of a Reflexology treatment, and can last for one to two days afterwards. Ann* has a history of constipation and “sluggish bowels” and benefits greatly from her sessions, “I can tell when I’m due for another Reflexology session when my digestion starts slowing down again. Reflexology is so much more pleasant, and gentler, than taking a laxative.”

So the next time you’re experiencing a Reflexology session see how your body responds while you’re in the recliner – do you get a sensation of floating away? Do you experience an emotional release during or after the session? How are you sleeping after a session; is your sleep deeper or lighter? All of these are signs that Reflexology is helping your body find balance and relaxation. Your practitioner can answer any questions you may have about how your body is responding so don’t hesitate to ask him/her.

*Names changed to protect privacy.