Reflexology - A different Form Of Massage Therapy
Posted by Owen Jones in Uncategorized, tags: aromatherapy, fitness, happiness, health, hobbies, leisure, massage, other, recreation, relaxation, self help, stress management, Uncategorized, weight loss, wellnessNumerous individuals do not know it, but reflexology is a different form of massage albeit a very localized one to the feet. Reflexology is also incorporated into some other forms of massage including Thai massage, Shiatsu and other Ayurvedic massage techniques.
Basically, reflexology is the application of pressure and massage to small fields of the feet in order to affect other parts of the body, like say, the heart or other internal organs. Reflexologists believe that all areas of the body have connections with the feet.
Reflexology sounds like a new, Third Age word, but reflexology is really an ancient art. Looking at ancient murals in burial chambers, it seems that reflexology was being carried out in Japan in 690 BC, in Egypt in 2330 BC and in China in 2704 BC.
And why ought it not to have been? There is nothing more natural than to fancy a foot rub when you have been on your feet all day. This may begin with washing the feet to remove dust, perspiration and foot odour; followed by the application of sweet-smelling oils or powders; followed my the rub.
As it happens, that is precisely the same sequence of activities employed in reflexology. This process is sometimes applied to the hands as well and some people believe that it is relaxing on the ears as well, but this is not true reflexology.
Reflexologists maintain that the feet are connected to every organ and part of the body, so they can manipulate the other areas from the feet without having to touch them - a bit like using a radio control handset.
They claim to be able to alleviate digestive disorders, backache, menstrual issues, headaches and the like, because our stress levels are controlled by the tension in our feet, which may be caused by tension elsewhere in the body too.
So, an example may be: a bad back might cause the heel of your right foot to ache and if you can quit the heel of your right foot aching, your backache will disappear too. However, if you have any medical conditions, you should tell the reflexologist before he or she begins. Pregnancy is also something you ought to notify them of.
Not everyone in the Western world is convinced by the claims for reflexology in the same manner that they are not convinced about acupuncture, however it is not at all painful and is very soothing after standing up or walking all day.
Having said that, a good foot rub or massage does help get the blood coursing out of the feet and legs and back to the heart, so it is frequently used in hospitals for patients recuperating from operations and for those who have spent a long time in bed.
This kind of massage is performed fully clothed, except for shoes and socks, seated in a comfortable chair and normally lasts 30-60 minutes. It is a firm favourite with women shoppers and shop assistants and fits into a luncheon hour quite nicely.
Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on numerous topics, but is at present concerned with the massage therapy school online. If you have an interest in massage, please go over to our website now at Classes For Massage Therapy
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