Reflexology is a natural healing therapy practiced thousands of years ago by the Chinese and Egyptian people, based on the principle that every organ, system and part of the body has a corresponding reflex area or zone in the feet.
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This holistic healing art is a fascinating
science and an extremely effective form of therapy. It is a science
because it is based on physiological and neurological study; and an art
because much depends on how skillfully the practitioner applies his or her
knowledge, and the dynamics, which occur between practitioner and
recipient.
Reflexology falls into the realm of "alternative" medicine. As with most
practices in this category, disease is approached from the understanding of
man, as a complex organism comprised of body, mind and spirit. The object of
holistic treatment is to induce a state of balance and harmony throughout
the entire organism.
The term " alternative " medicine in the modern
context refers to any form of medicine which does not fall into the
mainstream of orthodox Western medicine. This is in fact misrepresentation.
Orthodox medicine should be referred to as the "alternative" due to its
relative infancy in the history of medicine. The term "complementary" is
more accurate. Both orthodox and complementary practises have their place in
health care and should ideally work together, as no one therapy can claim to
be able to deal with every disease. And neither could claim to be total
health care systems. No one can deny the benefits of modern technology, but
in the race for better and more expensive treatment a vital aspect of
healing, the human element has been left in the background.
Chinese
medical "philosophies" are of vital importance in explaining reflexology.
There is extensive evidence that reflexology evolved in China at the same
time as acupuncture and was intended to be utilized in accordance with these
concepts. The Chinese were undoubtedly aware of the importance of the feet
in treating disease. In AD 1017 Dr Wang Wei had a human figure cast in
bronze on which were marked those points on the body important for
acupuncture.
When this knowledge was put into practice in treating
the sick, practitioners positioned the needles in the appropriate areas of
the body and then applied deep pressure therapy on the soles of the inside
and outside edge of both feet. They then applied a concentrated pressure on
the big toe. The reason they used the feet in conjunction with acupuncture
needles was to channel extra energy through the body. Dr Wei said that the
feet were the most sensitive part of all and contained great energising
areas.
The human foot is an architectural masterpiece. This
intricate structure, but a fraction of the size of the body, balances,
supports and transports the entire body weight. The ease with which these
relatively small appendages adapt to their task is nothing short of
astounding. The structure of the foot forms our base and foundation. A
strong foundation relies on correct alignment and joint function and any
impairment to the functions will displace the centre of gravity. Other areas
of the body will then overcompensate causing knee, leg and calf pain as well
as back problems.
Poor circulation, incorrect posture, sore
backs and headaches can be attributed to tired, aching feet and swollen
ankles. Foot deformities and irregularities also affect the reflexes and
meridians on which they manifest. These can, in turn, affect the
corresponding body parts by causing congestion in energy flow, and possibly
affecting associated organs.
Balance & Proprioception
The intricate structure of the foot forms our base and foundation. Its strong foundation relies on correct alignment and joint function. Any impairment to its functions will displace the centre of gravity. Other areas of the body will then overcompensate causing knee, leg and calf pain as well as back problems.
Increased
Sensation
Reflex stimulation to the feet, can result in a greater increase of sensation over a period of time. Which in turn reduces the problems that are associated with the lack of sensitivity and awareness of the feet during exercise.
Treatment for hypersensitivity
Quite often, clients affected by paralysis suffer from hypertonicity (high muscle tone) and hypersensitivity in the feet. The effect is often the trigger for the onset of muscle spasm especially during partial weight bearing or full weight bearing situations. Individuals often compensate 'naturally' by keeping the weight off the affected area leading to further anatomical mal-alignment. We have found that reflex therapy has provided a means of 'normalising' the sensitivity of the feet reversing the effects of hypertonicity and hypersensitivity.
Physical Changes
The highly arched foot is usually stiff which limits maneuverability and therefore prevents efficient functioning of the foot. Due to the exaggerated height of the arch, the toes will not have correct contact with the ground when standing. The unnatural shape and position of the toes makes them particularly susceptible to external pressures.
