ReflexologyZone therapy is a form of holistic medicine. It is a form of bodywork involving the application of pressure to specific areas of the body. It is based on the skilful application of pressure to specific areas of the feet, hands, face and ears called reflexes. However, the feet receive the most attention, as reflexology specialists believe they are linked to other systems and organs.
Where did reflexology come from?
The origins of reflexology date back to around 5000 BC in China. It is based on the assumptions of traditional Chinese medicine, which states that the human body consists of energy channels - meridians - through which the life energy flows, and that disorders in the flow of energy manifest themselves through various diseases and ailments.
In modern times, the subject of reflexology was first addressed by William H. Fitzgerald in 1917, but its real renaissance came in the 1980s. At that time, Professor Bui Quoc Chau, who was a specialist in acupuncture, began to use reflexology to combat various ailments in his patients.
In Poland, reflexology has already been included in the official list of professions published by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.
What is reflexology?
Not everyone is aware that there are 7,200 nerve endings located in the feet, which are connected to the brain and through it to other parts of the body. This in a way confirms the assumptions of reflexology, according to which, first and foremost on the feet, but also on the hands, ears and face, there are points called reflexes, which are linked to individual human organs. Applying pressure to these points can help with many ailments.
Reflexology therefore focuses mainly on a detailed knowledge of the connections between the individual receptors on the feet or hands and the corresponding organs. The toes are linked to the head and neck area, the foot arch to the digestive system, the heel to the pelvic area and the ankles to the sexual organs. On the other hand, the inside of the foot, from the heel to the big toe, is linked to the spinal column. If there is a pronounced pain when a particular area is pressed, this is likely to indicate a disease of the associated organ.
On the hands, we find analogous areas to those on the feet. The fingertips, correspond to the head and sinus area and the inner part of the palm from the thumb to the wrist corresponds to the thoracic, lumbar and cervical vertebrae.
Reflexology techniques
There are different types of reflexology techniques. Foot reflexology involves the stimulation of points located on the feet. A slightly different technique is meridian therapy, which assumes that there are so-called "meridian points" on the feet. meridiansThese are the energy channels on which the acupuncture points are located. Stimulating them unblocks the zones of energy flow.
What are the indications for a reflexology treatment?
The main indications for foot reflexology are:
- skin problems,
- certain mental health conditions,
- genitourinary problems,
- insomnia,
- migraine,
- asthma,
- overweight,
- back and joint pains,
- degenerative diseases,
- hyperacidity, heartburn,
Facial reflexology treatment, on the other hand, can help with conditions such as:
- headaches,
- insomnia,
- concentration problems,
- fatigue,
- depressive and anxiety states.
It also improves blood circulation, rebalances the body and stimulates thinking processes.
What are the contraindications to reflexology?
Reflexotherapy can be performed on people of all ages. However, it should not:
- during infectious diseases,
- for varicose veins and leg ulcers,
- with fractures
- in tinea pedis.
- in osteoporosis
- in pregnant women.
It is important to note that reflexology is an aid to various ailments, but due to the lack of clinical research, making a diagnosis based on a foot examination can only be a suggestion as to the source of the condition and is not a substitute for a sound medical diagnosis.
