Every individual responds differently to treatment; however, commonly reported reactions include extreme relaxation, light-headedness or feeling more energetic after taking part. It is advised to drink plenty of water after each session for optimal results.
Butternut squash contains calcium and potassium which help prevent muscle cramps; magnesium stimulates nerve impulses to contract muscles; while Vitamin C supports immune health while healing wounds.
Improved Circulation
Reflexology, a massage-like technique involving applying pressure to specific points on your feet (and sometimes hands and ears), dilates blood vessels and improves circulation, providing more oxygen to organs and tissues for healing, alleviating any aches or pains while speeding healing processes.
Foot reflexology is based on the belief that areas of congestion or tension in your feet correspond with various organs and parts of the body. It has its roots in late 18th Century when scientists first identified how skin connects to nervous system. Later, Dr William Fitzgerald introduced zone therapy, while in 1930 Eunice Ingham refined Dr Fitzgerald’s work into what we now refer to as Western reflexology.
Research by the National Institutes of Health has indicated that foot reflexology can reduce stress and increase relaxation for people suffering chronic low-back pain. Although further investigation needs to take place, foot reflexology can serve as an adjunct therapy alongside traditional treatments for some conditions.
As with any new treatment, prior to beginning reflexology it is advisable to speak to your physician first. If you suffer from gout or have had blood clots in the past, pregnant or have open wounds on your foot which require dressings as well as bleeding issues then foot reflexology might not be appropriate therapy for you.
Reflexologists who specialize in foot reflexology typically follow a set of methods to apply pressure to different zones on your feet, such as tracing the heels, pressing deep into your arch, and massaging the soft fleshy ball of your foot. A reflexologist may also utilize lotions and creams during their sessions in order to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
If you are interested in foot reflexology, look for a qualified practitioner who has completed at least 110 hours of accredited program and been certified by a national reflexology board. They should provide you with a receipt that allows you to claim them as medical expenses.
Pain Relief
Reflexology (sometimes referred to as foot massage) is a type of bodywork that involves applying pressure to specific points on your feet (and sometimes ears and hands) according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, with each spot representing different organs or body systems that correlate to them. A reflexologist uses maps of these points as guides when performing reflexology sessions – the theory being that this helps relieve stress while improving bodily performance.
Migraines, back pain and tension headaches have all been shown to respond favorably to reflexology treatments. A six-month study revealed that migraine sufferers who received regular reflexology treatments experienced significantly fewer attacks and reduced severity in symptoms.
Reflexology may offer more than physical benefits; it may also promote relaxation and help make people feel better emotionally. Reflexology has even been used as an adjunct therapy to reduce stress levels and enhance sleep quality.
Reflexology utilizes pressure applied during treatment to stimulate nerve endings and send healing impulses throughout the entire body, making it possible to treat conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, anxiety and depression effectively.
Reflexology may offer relief for digestive, sinus and respiratory conditions, menstrual difficulties and postpartum depression as well as injury recovery. Furthermore, reflexology could possibly bring balance to the body’s energy centers to decrease cancer symptoms and other diseases.
Reflexology works on the theory that your body contains vital energy (qi), which becomes blocked under stress. Reflexology helps keep qi flowing freely so your body can heal itself naturally.
Reflexology involves lying on a massage table without your shoes on, with your practitioner asking questions about your health history before working on your feet using their thumbs and fingers. If possible, try to avoid eating prior to treatment as this will divert blood away from areas being worked on; morning is best as that’s when circulation is at its highest point. It is advised to find a certified reflexologist who has completed a training program.
Stress Reduction
Reflexology is a relaxing massage technique that involves manipulating specific points on your feet and hands to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself, such as relieving pain. Reflexology sessions typically last 30- 60 minutes and combine small focused movements, manipulation and massage techniques; an experienced reflexology practitioner may use a foot chart or map to identify points on both feet that correspond with different parts of the body, before pressing or pressing them gently in order to alleviate ailments and restore equilibrium within your system.
Reflexology practitioners use thumb, finger and hand massage techniques to apply pressure directly onto specific reflex points without using lotion or oil. Reflexologists usually work with their client sitting or lying prone in a comfortable chair or on a massage table; prior to commencing their work they’ll ask questions about health and lifestyle concerns to gain an understanding of potential issues that may exist for the client; be sure to inform your therapist of any specific health conditions or allergies so they can tailor the session appropriately and avoid areas that might cause discomfort or cause an allergic reaction!
Reflexology sessions provide physical contact and an overwhelming sense of well-being to reduce stress, which in turn stimulates the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin to encourage relaxation by shifting our bodies from sympathetic (fight or flight) mode into parasympathetic mode (rest and digest), thus decreasing cortisol levels and encouraging peace and serenity.
Stimulation of these reflex points also encourages lymphatic system function to remove waste and toxins from your body, further aiding detoxification. Furthermore, increased immune function may help your body combat infections more effectively.
Recent studies showed that scalp massage and reflexology provided women living with early breast cancer greater quality of life improvements compared to social and medical support alone. If you are dealing with cancer, speak with your nurse or doctor about whether reflexology might be of benefit for you; it is a non-invasive complementary therapy which won’t interfere with regular treatments; reflexologists are widely available across communities while some hospitals and cancer centres even offer complimentary therapies at no cost for their patients.
Relaxation
Reflexology promotes healing by applying pressure to specific points on the feet that correspond with organs and other parts of the body, stimulating its natural processes of restoration and well-being. Stressful individuals often benefit greatly from regular reflexology treatments.
Reflexologists use light to moderate pressure on the feet during sessions that typically last 30-60 minutes. A reflexologist may focus on specific trouble spots or work across all points on each foot to strengthen all systems simultaneously. Drink plenty of water after your treatment to flush away toxins released by this treatment and flush them from your system more effectively.
Reflexology can do more than reduce stress; it also has been found to bolster immunity and energy levels, according to one 2015 study. According to this research, reflexology was shown to decrease anxiety levels among cancer patients, increasing quality of life while providing relief from emotional distress caused by diagnosis and treatment.
Many individuals living with chronic health conditions like arthritis and heart disease find their symptoms improve when their stress levels decrease, as lessened strain on the body allows it to heal more efficiently. Reflexology treatments offer an ideal opportunity to relax deeply and practice mindfulness – helping both mental and physical wellbeing alike.
Reflexology may help those living with chronic illnesses to better manage their symptoms by relaxing the body more quickly, which allows healing processes to accelerate faster. Reflexology should not be seen as an alternative treatment and it does not diagnose or treat illnesses directly.
Reflexology can provide tremendously therapeutic relief to virtually everyone, including children and elderly patients. Reflexology offers gentle yet effective care administered either professionally by a reflexologist, or at home using socks equipped with pressure point maps on them. A trained physiotherapist can advise if reflexology would benefit your condition and how best to utilize the treatment for maximum effect.