The thought of slipping away for a relaxing massage is enticing for a lot of people, however for those who don't feel comfortable hopping up on a massage table, there's now a great alternative. Amy, a regular client at FeetFlex in Scottsdale, Arizona explains, “I tried a regular massage once, but I felt too self conscious about my body. My sister told me about reflexology, so I tried it and fell in love.” Reflexology, with origins dating back 4000 years, is catching on fast in the United States as spas, airports, resorts, celebrities and even dental offices are discovering the many health benefits of “baring those tootsies.”
Reflexology can be found in the ancient histories of many cultures around the world. The earliest known evidence of this practice was revealed in drawings at the tomb of Ankhmahor in Saqqara, Egypt from 2330 BC. In the 1920s, Dr William Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose and throat specialist began his reflexology theories after discovering that applying gentle pressure to one part of the body could relieve pain in other areas. Then in 1938, Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, determined that “the reflexes of the feet were an exact mirror of the organs of the body.” She then created the original foot mapping chart, which launched modern day reflexology in the West.
Reflexology works the body from the inside out, whereas a typical massage works from the outside in. More people are turning to reflexology treatments as a way to release tension and create a state of well-being. Research is showing that the health benefits and popularity of reflexology may be far exceeding those of traditional massage.
An estimated 5% of dentists nationwide are now offering reflexology to their patients as a way to calm those who suffer from dental phobias. A research study at the Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine showed that “blood pressure can actually decrease during a session...and found that it is especially beneficial for circulatory issues.” St. Rita's Medical Center confirms, “The human body has the unique capability of healing itself. Following an injury, illness, stress or disease, the body is in a state of imbalance...reflexology is used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing.”
A reflexologist can activate the body's innate self-healing mechanisms to restore health and mental balance by applying pressure to the reflex points, also known as trigger or pressure points, of the feet and hands. These reflex points correspond to all the various parts of the body, including internal organs. In simple terms, when pressure is applied to a particular point, energy then travels along the meridian to the corresponding area, opening up circulation to blood flow and lymph, which enables the body to heal itself.
An hour reflexology session will help detoxify and de-stress organs. Today, stress is a key contributer to nearly 80% of physical ailments. Stress creates tension in our bodies and this tension restricts the natural energetic flow of our systems. When our energy is blocked, toxins can crystallize, which feels like grittiness under the skin of the feet and hands, making organs susceptible to disease. Reflexology techniques break up these blockages so that energy is able to flow freely again. When our energy is flowing our bodies remain healthy. It's just that simple.
So if you are someone who finds traditional massage intimidating, or one that loves massage, but has never tried reflexology, you might check out your local massage school clinic where rates are nearly half of what a professional charges. Many chiropractic centers have reflexologists on staff as well and your health insurance could cover a large portion of the cost.
Reflexology is noninvasive, feels fantastic, has phenomenal health benefits and only requires the removal of your shoes. How easy is that? Your health is now in your own hands - and feet!
Original Public Interest Piece written November 2010