Reflexology
Reflexology is a healing
art of ancient origin.
Although its origins are
not well documented,
there are reliefs on the
walls of a Sixth Dynasty
Egyptian tomb (c. 2450
B.C.) that depict two
seated men receiving
massage on their hands
and feet. From Egypt, the
practice may have
entered the Western
world during the
conquests of the Roman
Empire. The concepts of
reflexology have also been traced to pre-dynastic China
(possibly as early as 3000 B.C.) and to ancient Indian
medicine. The Inca civilization may have subscribed to the
theories of reflexology and passed on the practice of this
treatment to the Native Americans in the territories that
eventually entered the United States.
Reflexology is a therapeutic method of relieving pain by
stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet. This
controlled pressure alleviates the source of the discomfort.
In the absence of any particular malady or abnormality,
reflexology may be as effective for promoting good health
and for preventing illness as it may be for relieving
symptoms of stress, injury, and illness.
Reflexologists work from maps of predefined pressure points
that are located on the feet. These pressure points are
reputed to connect directly through the nervous system and
affect the bodily organs and glands. The reflexologist
manipulates the pressure points according to specific
techniques of reflexology therapy. By means of this touching
therapy, any part of the body that is the source of pain,
illness, or potential debility can be strengthened through the
application of pressure at the respective foot or hand
location.
Reflexology promotes healing by stimulating the nerves in
the body and encouraging the flow of blood. In the process,
reflexology not only quells the sensation of pain, but
relieves the source of the pain as well.
Anecdotally, reflexologists claim success in the treatment of
a variety of conditions and injuries. One condition is
fibromyalgia. People with this disease are encouraged to
undergo reflexology therapy to alleviate any of a number of
chronic bowel syndromes associated with the condition.
Frequent brief sessions of reflexology therapy are also
recommended as an alternative to drug therapy for
controlling the muscle pain associated with fibromyalgia and
for relieving difficult breathing caused by tightness in the
muscles of the patient's neck and throat.
Reflexology applied properly can alleviate allergy symptoms,
as well as stress, back pain, and chronic fatigue. The
techniques of reflexology can be performed conveniently on
the hand in situations where a session on the feet is not
practical, although the effectiveness of limited hand therapy
is less pronounced than with the foot pressure therapy.
A reflexology session involves pressure treatment that is
most commonly administered in foot therapy sessions of
approximately 30 minutes in duration. No artificial devices
or special equipment are associated with this therapy. The
human hand is the primary tool used in reflexology. The
therapist applies controlled pressure with the thumb and
forefinger to both of your feed.
Stefan Rippel’s
Directed Care Back Pain Clinic