What is Reflexology? Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands, feet and ears that correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and promotes the natural function of the related areas of the body. Although Reflexology does not diagnose or treat specific ailments by definition, it has proven highly successful over time to relieve symptoms or ease pain or discomfort that have manifested themselves physically in the body - either as a result of stress, trauma or disease.

Origins of Reflexology

In ancient times we stimulated reflexes naturally by walking barefoot over rocks, stones and rough ground, or by using our hands more often to climb, build or work. In today’s modern world we have lost much of nature’s way of maintaining a balanced and healthy equilibrium. Reflexology helps to restore this balance and promote natural health and vitality.

Reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years in such places as India, China and Egypt. An ancient Egyptian wall painting of the 6th Dynasty (approx.2400 B.C.) found at Saqqara in the tomb of Ankhmahor, an ancient Egyptian physician, depicts two men working on the feet and hands of two other men.

Reflexology has been used as a healing therapy by the North American native people for generations, and was thought to have been passed down by the Inca civilization.

All major chronic health problems like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, menstrual disorders, infertility, BPH, allergies, kidney stones, frozen shoulder, thyroid problems, insomnia, migraine, sciatica, depression, sinusitis, vertigo are all amenable to treatment with Reflexology.

In problems like migraine, for instance, medicines would suppress the symptom.  But Reflexology works to root out the cause of the migraine and helps the body to heal itself by boosting the immune system.

Reflexology is used as a preventative therapy since it acts to strengthen the body’s immune system and boosts its healing power, not only to fight infection, but enables patients to recuperate from chronic conditions.  Since it promotes good health, even healthy individuals can have regular Reflexology sessions to keep themselves healthy.

Touch and contact that is part of reflexology, helps to calm certain emotional and mental conditions as well.  Especially in children, therapy can help aggressive, disturbed behavior and bring about calm.  Social interaction and behavior improves helping the individual cope better with their external environment.  Even normal adults who are quarrelsome or prone to anger and aggression, can be helped with reflexology to be calm.

Reflexology has been shown to aid relaxation, relieve stress and restore energy.  By restoring balance and harmony to the body, it can help reduce the side effects of psychotropic medications and help moderate the highs and lows of mood swings. 

The normal duration of a Reflexology session is 20 to 90 minutes and is performed with the clients being fully clothed, except for removing socks or gloves.  Usually a six week course of one session per week is recommended.  We give a gap of at lease 4 days between sessions to allow the body to respond to the treatment, for detoxification and elimination of toxins to take place. There is a profound feeling of relaxation at the end of a session and the duration of time for which the feeling lasts is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the session.

Individuals with chronic conditions are advised not to break from their weekly sessions until completion of the initial six sessions.  After a Reflexology session the individual should drink plenty of water to help flush out the toxins released during the session.  Following a session, avoid junk food, oily or spicy food for the next 24 hours.  Go slow with exercise for 24 hours as well.  Caffeine, alcohol and smoking should be avoided in addition.  

Although Reflexology does not diagnose or treat specific ailments by definition, it has proven highly successful over time to relieve symptoms or ease pain or discomfort that have manifested themselves physically in the body - either as a result of stress, trauma or disease. The stimulation brings about a physiological change in the body by improving circulation, thus reducing stress and it helps eliminate toxins and bodily waste, thus restoring bodily functions and equilibrium.  The healing may take place in a single session or it may require more sessions, depending upon individual conditions.  Usually a series of 6 weekly sessions are recommended.

Recent popularity of Reflexology
Reflexology has enjoyed a lot of popularity recently for several reasons. Firstly, today we are exposed to high levels of stress in our jobs, our homes and travels. Stress is without a doubt one of the main causes of physical and mental pain and suffering, as well as contributing to making symptoms of other diseases or conditions much worse. Reflexology is a great stress reducer. Secondly, even though many people are trying to eat organic or healthy foods, even those 'healthy' foods grown today are grown in soil conditions that are greatly depleted in basic minerals and nutrients compared to the days of our grandparents. This means that even though people are trying to improve their diet, it is not easy to do. This lack of minerals combined with stress puts more pressure on our immune system and health. Reflexology works to allow the body to work to heal itself and normalize functions. Thirdly, people are turning more and more to alternative or natural health care which focuses on pro-active maintenance and holistic or entire body well-being. Traditional 'western' medicine tends to focus on reactive and specific treatment of disease or symptoms. Reflexology offers an all natural therapy which does not require anything other than gentle manipulation to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms to normalize and heal. It is relatively easy to learn, and is quickly becoming one of the most popular methods of natural therapy primarily due to the enthusiasm of those who have found and realized the benefits.

Teresa Rispoli, the Author is the founder of Complete Health located in Agoura Hills, CA.  She has helped many  people gain a profound sense of peace and balance through Reflexology.  She has a Ph.D. in Nutrition and is a Licensed Acupuncturist.  For more information or an appointment call (818) 707-3126.