What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is not a foot massage but a powerful complementary therapy that has been practised for thousands of years.

A non-invasive form of holistic therapy, it is based on the principle that the body is mapped on to the feet. Reflexology involves applying pressure using the thumb, fingers and hands to specific reflex points on the feet that correspond to all organs and systems in the body. Through the manipulation and massage of these reflexes profound results can often be achieved.

While Reflexology does not purport to heal or cure any particular symptom or condition, it does however put mechanisms in place to allow the body to heal itself and strive to attain balance and harmony.

Courtesy of Jubilee College

Reflexology is a holistic form of therapy involving body – mind -spirit. When treating a client it is important to take all factors into account that may be affecting the client’s health rather than viewing the symptom in isolation as it the case with allopathic medicine. Reflexology puts the client in charge of his/her own healing; in communicating all factors that may be impacting the client’s health, the client thereby allows the reflexologist to tailor the treatment and after-care advice accordingly in order to facilitate healing and help to promote good health.

Research

Reflexology can:

Help the body to achieve a state of deep relaxation.
Help to alleviate tension and stress which in turn helps to combat stress related illnesses.
Help to combat fatigue and help with sleep disorders.
Improve blood flow which in turn aids better physical and psychological health.
Help with the stimulation of the immune system.
Help to eliminate toxins from the body which can prevent some illnesses from manifesting.

There has been a wealth of research carried out to date world-wide in Reflexology and many research papers that have been published highlighting in the findings various benefits of Reflexology as listed above. To enable you to find the one that will help you the most, they are listed here in alphabetical order by the condition that was being researched: