History Of Reflexology
As Reflexology is a very ancient therapy, it is hard to say exactly where and when it was discovered, but historians believes that it was first used in Egypt in 2330 B.C, and then by the same time in China and India. The technique was brought to United States by Willian H. Flitzgerald, an ear, nose and throat specialist who believed that it was possible to give anaesthetic effect on human body by applying pressure in some points of its feet, ear and hands.
How Does It Work?
The principle about Reflexology, as it technique´s name says, is reflex. Applying pressure point under the feet, hands or head reflex effectively a distinct part of our body, following a chart that maps the body zones under the feet. The left foot, corresponds on the left side of our body as all the organs found there, same as the Right foot which relates to the right side of the body. The big toe, correspond the head, and the inside curve of each foot is related to the spine.
There are many theories behind how Reflexology works and how our body respond to it, but the one that reflexologists agrees more is that it works through our nervous system. The big bosses in our nervous systems are the brain and the spinal cord. Think that our skin is full of nerve endings who send messages to the bosses. Applying the right pressure in the right point can activate this nerve endings, promoting a destress sensation, calming down the nervous systems and relaxing the body. Also, our feet have 7.200 nerve endings each, what means there is a lot to explore!
By stimulating the nerve response, we stimulate the healing response.
What Are The Benefits Of Reflexology?
First of all, a good foot massage always feels amazing! Considering that our foot are two warriors who support a lot of stress, like walking, jumping, running, dancing, sometimes wearing heels and uncomfortable shows… How tight would they be? A lot of injuries in our foot and ankle comes from overuse foot. They deserve our care, don´t they?
Apart from it, clients who have regularly foot reflexology massages shows that the technique:
- Improve blood flow
- Increase energy
- Reduce stress
- Reduce anxiety
- Promote relaxation
- Helps on sleeps disorders
- Helps to minimise headaches
- Helps to minimise the symptoms of sinusitis
- Relieves tightness on legs
How To Get The Best Out Of Your Treatment?
If it is believed that our foot is a mirror of our body, why don’t combine it with a full body massage? I personally think that clients get more of the relaxation sensation from the foot reflexology after an overall massage, when our body is capable to achieve the parasympathetic nerve system, which is responsible for the “resting” state of our body, when we are relaxed, our heart rate slows down, blood pressure reduces, mind gets quiet and make stress goes away. When we reach this state is when we are great to work on the nerve endings and send the messages through the nerve system to get the best benefits from reflexology.
Don’t forget: happy feet, happy life!
Isabella is a graduated Physiotherapist back in Brazil and has Diploma in Remedial Massage in Australia. She has always been passionate about how powerful the human body is and how it can heal itself. Isabella offers full body and reflexology 90 min massages and is available on Wednesdays and Fridays. To book in with Isabella click here or call 0420 644 852.
