Part of my personal healing was getting Reflexology treatments regularly, and I have seen first hand how this affected my health positively. The ‘touching’ therapy has been in my family for several years now: my big sister is a massage therapist and my oldest sister is a Reflexologist (but she lives in Europe – so I’m not benefiting) And lately, my mom, my sweet dear mom took a course in Reflexology to help me. What is a mom to do, right?
Reflexology is a gentle, noninvasive, totally holistic therapy based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears that correspond to every organ, gland and part of the body. It is a whole body treatment – not just foot, hand or a face massage.
In a reflexology treatment, pressure is exerted on these reflexes by the thumbs and fingers, combining this with massage, relaxation and joint mobilisation techniques. The result is homeostasis (internal balance) in the body. It is a form of acupressure, which has been around for thousands of years. Dating back as far as 5000 B.C. – it’s really been tested throughout the ages so it makes sense to trust it’s healing promises. People who have not yet experienced the healing benefits and immense pleasure of reflexology find it hard to believe that something so enjoyable can be so good for you!
In a reflexology treatment, pressure is exerted on these reflexes by the thumbs and fingers, combining this with massage, relaxation and joint mobilisation techniques. The result is homeostasis (internal balance) in the body. It is a form of acupressure, which has been around for thousands of years. Dating back as far as 5000 B.C. – it’s really been tested throughout the ages so it makes sense to trust it’s healing promises. People who have not yet experienced the healing benefits and immense pleasure of reflexology find it hard to believe that something so enjoyable can be so good for you!
These are Reflexology Maps that point to all the pressure points on the body.
A pain in a certain spot on your hands and feet may indicate a problem area
with that organ or body part shown on the map.
HOW WILL REFLEXOLOGY BENEFIT YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING?
Stress Reduction
When we are stressed our body’s defences break down and we become more susceptible to illness and disease. Reflexology reduces stress by generating deep tranquil relaxation, helping the body balance itself and allowing healing energy to flow.
Improved Circulation
Blood needs to flow freely throughout the body carrying oxygen and nutrients
to all the cells and removing the waste products of metabolism and other toxins.
By reducing stress and tension, reflexology allows the cardiovascular vessels to conduct the flow of blood naturally and easily.
Stimulated Nerve Function
By stimulating more than 7,000 nerves in the feet, reflexology encourages the opening and clearing of neural pathways. It interrupts pain pathways, reducing
pain.
Improved Immune System
Reflexology stimulates the lymphatic system thus reducing risk of infection. It cleanses the body of toxins and impurities and also stimulates the production of endorphins, leading to an improved immune system and sense of well-being.
Increased Energy
Reflexology revitalises energy throughout the body by relaxing and opening up energy pathways. (source)
I have some personal SELF-HELP tools to also assist me in between sessions. I swear by them, it’s fantastic stuff, I feel lighter in my feet and I get a boost of energy. I recommend this type of therapy for everyone, even kids.
This here is the CIRCULATOR. It’s a Reflexology mat that I use a few times a week or even daily especially when I’m really tired. It quickly improves my wellbeing and increases my energy level. Sometimes I keep it by my bedside for a morning boost, sometimes it’s under my desk so I continue massaging my feet,
and at times it’s even in the shower especially in the summer when I’m in flip flops all the time and my feet get a little rough with the heat and sand on them.
Another Reflexology SELF-HELP I carry around are these great sandals from Relaxus. I love them. They are fantastic my feet feel so light after wearing them
- it’s like I just had a pedicure foot treatment done.
Lastly, I have a Reflexology Stick for getting those pressure points on the hands.
It’s a great tool that quickly warms up the hands and brings in proper circulation throughout the body. Not to mention all the other benefits that Reflexology
brings, mentioned above. I found this little tool from my Yoga instructor – so I knew it was SERIOUS stuff. Guess what, I have an EXTRA ONE for one of my great READERS.
THE REFLEXOLOGY STICK IS MY GIVEAWAY. (giveaway closed)
Giveaway Details:
Prize is one Reflexology Stick (as pictured above)
Contest ends Sunday, May 9th (Mother’s Day – yay this would be a great gift for you – if you’re a mom ;P)
Winner chosen at random. One entry per person.
To enter: In the comment section tell me something that you do to relax and get rid of stress that leaves you completely revived.
Comments
It involves applying pressure to the endpoints of the meridians, or channels, through which energy flows through the body. Jarrod Tools
Great article! Everyone should know the benefits of reflexology.
Being a certified reflexologist now for over 5 years I have seen tremendous benefits for myself, my family and my clients. The number one reason people see me for reflexology is stress. It helps them reflex and gets them through a stressful world.
To relax I wake up early every morning before the kids and the husband and go for a walk. No ipod, just listening to myself and taking deep breaths for just 15 minutes. It goes a long way and is a great way to start the day.
I work out to reduce my stress. :)
I’m a big fan of yoga for stress reduction. Now that I’m pregnant it also helps to work out my end of the day pains and leaves me feeling refreshed. I’d love to give reflexology a shot – I took a weekend course on it in high school and haven’t really thought much about it since. Maybe it’s time to give it a real go?
Blogging is a talent that you certainly have. All your great work is clearly apparent in how you express yourself through writing.
Stress and Anxiety Treatment…
People who face such kind of infections can suffer from it for a long period of time. Some of the common symptoms of thrush include, occurrence of creamy white, slightly raised lesions in the mouth. These lesions normally occur on the surface of the to…
I do head massage by combing with big tooth comb atleast for fifty times every day this gives me a relaxation. I am a mom of two boys( age 3 & 7) this massage gives me everyday energy
That is a great tip Sandhhya. Thanks I will try to take my time next time I brush my hair ;)
actually I’ve met someone that was/is into reflexology and get to have my feet, legs, and also hands massaged frequently, whereas before this meeting I dealt with stress really poorly. A disabled grandmother raising 2 grandchildren I stayed pretty much stressed and depressed, but as I said reflexology has changed my life…. I plan on looking into it as a career, in order to help other people.
Some helpful tips here, thx. I have had a reflexology foot roller for many years which definitely seems to relieve many daily aches and pains. Thanks for sharing!
I like being in my room, lights out and listen to my favorite music!