Reflexology, past and present
Technique reduces stress, tension, anxiety
Asian art tells us that foot massage has been practiced for centuries, most famously in the pictographs found in the tomb of an ancient Egyptian physician. In the late 19th century, osteopathic doctors began investigating and talking about reflexology. These pioneers used reflex points all over the body to diagnose and heal. Their research showed a connection between a stimulus applied to the body and specific effects, often in places distant from the original stimulus. In more recent times, Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist who worked for osteopath Dr. Joe Shelby, popularized reflexology to the feet in her book published in the early 1940’s, Stories the Feet Have Told.
Current research
Today, research shows the benefits of foot reflexology for the whole body, including improved circulation, increased flexibility and reduced muscle tension. Reflexology research demonstrates increased circulation to kidneys and intestines, reduced anxiety, and improvement of such ailments as post-traumatic stress and multiple sclerosis. In China, the government considers reflexology a means of preventing and curing disease, and in both Japan and Great Britain it is an accepted health care treatment.
Especially for women
Women with PMS improved with reflexology treatments, pointing to a relationship between reflexology and the endocrine system. Reflexology even helps reduce the anxiety and depression common with infertility problems. In fact, the Danes use it to improve fertility because it reduces the stress of women trying to conceive. Try a session of reflexology, even a brief one. You can discover for yourself how good your whole body can feel from pressure applied to specific points on the soles of your feet.
Massage & Wellness – Bradenton, Florida