Being in the fitness and wellness industry I try to take care of myself. Like most of you though, there are times when I give out to the point that my tank runs empty and I am in desperate need of refilling. This happened recently and I thought wouldn’t a reflexology massage be amazing right now! So, off I went to my local Massage Envy spa and what an amazing therapeutic experience I had. I was relaxed from head to toe as if I actually had a full body massage. After my amazing reflexology experience I decided to look a bit of deeper into this method of massage to find out where it originated from and how it came to be. Let’s start with what it really is, reflexology is a type of therapeutic massage. Reflexology deals with the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands, and ears relative to each and every organ and all parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes properly can help many health problems in a natural way. For instance my reflexologist performed a general reflexology massage, where she focused on the feet, hands, and ears. Here are a few examples of reflexology points that are found on the feet:
- The tips of the toes are related to the head.
- The reflexology points on the ball of the foot are connected to the chest and the heart.
- You will find the reflexology points of the intestines and lower back on, the heel of the foot.
- The reflexology points of the pancreas, liver, and kidney are found on the arch of the foot.
Reflexology massage therapists focus point’s areas on the feet, hands, and ears that correspond to specific organs, bones, and muscles of the body. Did you know the outer part of your ear cartilage is in direct reference to the spinal column? Next time your back is feeling a little sore, trying massaging your outer ear to release those tight back muscles. Doctors have agreed that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to our nervous stress. Reflexology improves nerve and blood supply to the feet and organs throughout the body. It’s a great way to help relieve foot pain, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis and common forms of arthritis, as well as decrease stress and anxiety in the entire body. I found that the idea of reflexology is not new, in fact, it was practiced as early as 2330 B.C. by the Egyptian culture. Reflexology symbols are also thought to be recorded on the feet of statues of Buddha in India and later China. Who had any idea this amazing therapeutic form of massage has been around for so long? Chinese doctors believe that our bodies are composed of the opposing forces of Yin and Yang that need to work in harmony for us to achieve health and vitality. Chinese practitioners believe that when these energy channels become blocked a person can feel sick or fatigued. Reflexology aims to dissolve and or release any blockages causing ill-health by encouraging the free flow of vital energy through the body. If you enjoy regular massages then you will for sure enjoy the therapeutic benefits of foot Reflexology massage. As with any therapeutic service the benefits are greater when experienced on a consistent basis. The more you go, the healthier you feel. Trust me, your body will thank you.
