Reflexology is a type of massage and therapy that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands and ears. With the idea that these parts of the body are connected to certain organs and body systems, it is done to create an effect on organs and body systems. In this technique, which is applied through maps of reflex points, the feet are the most dense part of the body where it is connected to organs and body systems. It is a practice that is thought to help a number of medical problems.
The person who applies this technique is called a reflexologist. The technique, also called area therapy, is also thought to be effective on psychological factors such as stress and is thought to reduce stress. The body is thought to work better and more efficiently after the treatment. Like other therapies, this practice is complementary to medical treatments. It can be done alongside conventional care, but it is not an alternative to it and reflexologists do not diagnose or treat diseases.
How is Reflexology Practiced? What are the Benefits?
It is applied by an expert reflexologist trained in the field by pressing and massaging certain points of the foot, depending on the area of pain or discomfort. The massage technique applied to certain points is thought to benefit a number of diseases. The massage technique is planned and applied by the reflexologist depending on the age and general health condition of the person.
The technique is thought to be linked to many potential benefits; It has many benefits such as improving nerve functions, increasing energy levels and increasing blood circulation. Reflexology benefits can be listed as follows:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Reduces pain
- Improves mood
- Strengthens the immune system
- Improves the digestive system
- Eliminates toxins
- Accelerates metabolism
- Increases energy levels
- Corrects hormonal imbalances
- Strengthens the brain and memory
- Increases fertility
- Improves nerve function
Which Diseases is Reflexology Good for?
Reflexology is preferred by many individuals as a supportive treatment due to its many potential benefits. Although it is not a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure, it helps to control and reduce the symptoms of psychological effects such as stress, anxiety and anxiety or certain chronic diseases. The diseases that reflexology is considered to be beneficial and good for are as follows:
- Diabetes
- Migraine
- Rheumatic diseases
- Hypertension
- Psychological disorders (such as anxiety, worry, depression, anxiety, stress)
- Digestive system disorders
- Asthma and bronchitis
How does reflexology work?
There are different theories about how exactly reflexology works. However, the main concept of all of them is that different areas of the feet are connected to specific body parts and that pressing on one area of the foot can have an effect on the organ.
According to the zone theory, the foot is divided into five zones, extending from the toe to the heel. Zone 1 is the big toe and zone 5 is the little toe. The body is divided into 10 zones from head to toe. Zone 1 is aligned with the left and right center of the body and zone 5 is aligned with the left and right sides of the body. Pressure on zone 1 of the foot can relieve pain in the part of the body that is connected to that zone.
Dating back to the 19th century, another theory is that this practice works by stimulating the nervous system. Applying soothing pressure to the foot areas activates the nerves there, sending a signal to the central nervous system. This technique helps the body to relax and has a positive effect on many systems such as respiration, blood circulation and immunity.
Another theory is that this technique helps to balance the way the brain registers pain. Foot massage can help improve mood while relieving stress. This in turn helps to reduce the tendency to perceive pain deeply.
According to traditional Chinese theory, factors such as stress affect the body's "vital energy" (pronounced qi or chee). Without working to reduce stress, it is thought that the body will not function as it should and a number of diseases will arise. The technique is thought to help maintain the flow of vital energy if practiced correctly.