Reflexology
An Ancient and Modern Healing Art and Science!

By Regina Wright

Reflexology is a method of touch therapy that is a universally acclaimed healing art and science. It has been practiced in diverse cultures for centuries with the first record of Reflexology dating back to an Egyptian physician’s tomb of 2330 BC. Researchers believe that “foot work” as practiced in ancient India, China, Japan, and the Americas is over 5,500 years old. Today, in countries all over the world, reflexology is quickly being embraced for its ease of use and wonderful relaxation and stress management benefits. The Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC) defines Reflexology as “a natural healing art based on the principle that there are zones and reflexes in the feet, hands, and ears that correspond to every part, gland, and organ of the body. Through systematic pressure and stimulation of these reflexes, the body is assisted to return to natural functioning. During a Reflexology session energy channels are opened, natural painkillers are released and there is increased blood and lymphatic circulation. Reflexology allows the body to enter into a state of “rest and repair” as relaxation of the parasympathetic nervous system takes place. The Reflexology Experience Reflexologists do not diagnose, prescribe or treat for specific conditions, rather is used as part of an overall wellness plan for the client. The whole body is treated with each foot completed in its entirety each session. Before an initial session a detailed health history is taken and the foot is inspected in order to tailor the session to the needs of the client. Reflexology can be performed on everyone, with modifications for the very young, elderly, pre and post-surgery patients, pregnant woman and diabetics, etc. During a session the client is comfortably reclined in a special chair or on a massage table with soothing music playing if the client wishes. A series of relaxation or “warm –up” techniques are performed at the beginning of the session. Although reflexologists may access sensitive reflexes, technique should be firm but not painful. Sensitive reflexes often reflect tension and congestion in the related area of the body. Reflexology has a cumulative effect and after successive reflexology sessions , the sensitivities dissipate. Sessions range from 45 minutes to one hour with variable cost at different locations. Each person responds to reflexology in a unique way. However, after a session clients frequently report feeling a sense of intense relaxation, inner calm while at the same time feeling energetic. They often report feeling more in touch with their bodies, more centred and deeply connected to the ground and paradoxically, feel their feet are lighter as though they are walking on air. Frequency of visits depends on the health and wellness goals of the client. Clients with chronic conditions often benefit from bi-weekly or weekly sessions. Usually, the time between visits lengthens as the body begins to regain a state of natural balance and vitality. Research Results The 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report found foot reflexology to be 93.6% effective in treating 63 disorders. After an analysis of 8,096 clinical cases, Dr. Wang Liang reported that reflexology was significantly effective (the cure) in 48.68%in all the cases, and an effective/improved treatment in 44.95% of the cases. One study had fifteen women receive half-hour reflexology sessions for eight weeks. The findings included noticeable physical and emotional improvements, increased self-esteem/confidence, an ability to stay motivated, and an improvement in concentration. A research paper published in the prestigious American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reported that 38 emotional and physical pre-menstrual symptoms were reduced by an average of 46% for the two months during which the 18 women being studied received weekly reflexology sessions. In addition, the pre-menstrual symptoms continued to be reduced by 41% for two months after the reflexology sessions ended. The journal concluded that these clinical findings support the use of reflexology for the treatment of PMS. It is not necessary to suffer from a particular complaint to enjoy the benefits of reflexology. Regular reflexology sessions can be a very pleasant strategy for stress management and overall wellness. Regina Wright Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist (RCRT) Dynamis Health Centre St. John’s. Phone: 727-9986 Email: rwright94@hotmail.com. Back to Articles

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