November 18, 2015

Reflexology: How it Works What is Reflexology? Reflexology is a gentle therapy focusing on specific points in your feet, hands, or ears. Each point is connected to a specific organ or system in the body. When I apply gentle pressure to these areas, I help promote overall wellness and restore balance. My goal is to support your body’s natural ability to heal. What are the Benefits of Reflexology? Reflexology is unique in that its benefits span across the body and its systems. You can come to an appointment experiencing back pain, headaches, sleep problems, stress, or other issues. Whatever it may be, we can often find specific points in your feet, hands, or ears to address it. As a whole, it provides holistic benefits such as: How Does Reflexology Work? When I apply pressure on specific reflex points, it sends signals through your nervous system, encouraging relaxation and healing. This process can release tension and improve your energy flow. Life Energy To understand how it works, we have to first explore the concept of energy and how it flows through our body. What is Energy? You’ll find that different cultures, ideologies, and parts of the world have unique definitions of energy. At the core, they all describe a powerful, connective force: Energy therapist Dr. John Veltheim puts it perfectly: ‘Science tells us that everything is energy and that matter is nothing more than energy in a different form.’ Meridians ‘Qi’ or energy flows through our bodies in specific channels called “meridians.” Try visualizing meridians by thinking of how blood flows through blood vessels. Meridians are not visible like arteries or veins but can sometimes be seen with infrared imaging. It is through the meridians that the energy from our vital organs is transported to the body’s surface. When we are in a state of disease, it is believed that there is a blockage in the energy flow of that particular organ. The main meridians either begin or end in our feet or hands. This is where reflexology comes in. Unblocking Uric Acid & Calcium Crystals The feet lie farthest from the heart. As a result, circulation in this area often slows down. Gravity pulls waste materials, like uric acid and calcium crystals, to the bottom of the feet, where they can build up and create blockages. By working the underpart of our feet (or hands and ears), we are trying to clear blockages, thereby reestablishing correct energy flow. This allows the body to bring itself back to optimal health. So, as I tell many clients, reflexology alone cannot diagnose or cure any disease. However, it can reunite the body with optimal balance and facilitate internal healing. Reflexology “Thumb Walking” Technique A specific technique is used called “thumb walking” whereby the practitioner uses their thumbs and fingers to “walk” across specific zones on the feet or hands. This technique (combined with pressure) helps break down uric acid or calcium crystals. Also, traditional reflexology does not use lubricants like oil or lotion. Still, it is done just on the skin or with talcum powder. My understanding is the lack of lubrication increases friction, and direct contact aids in breaking down blockages. Reflexology Foot-Zone Mapping There are several theories about the “mapping” of the foot. From what I’ve seen, the most widespread method is “zone therapy.” This was created by the American Dr. William Fitzgerald. During his research into pain relief, he established that pressure applied to one part of the body could have an anesthetic effect on another part away from the pressure site. For example, applying wooden cloth pegs to the fingers created an anesthetic effect on the ear, nose, face, jaw, shoulder, arm, and hand. In this way, he was able to perform minor surgery using just zone therapy, without anesthetics. So, what we are trying to do in a reflexology treatment is apply pressure to areas in the ten zones. This sends a signal throughout the nervous system to the brain. In turn, this stimulates the internal organs to regulate and improve their function. Reflexology In The Treatment Room: What to Expect Let’s put aside the “science” for a moment. Allow me to expand briefly on the client experience. I am always amazed by the profound relaxation effect of touching or massaging the feet. During a session at Balance Spa, as I begin working the feet, it’s as if a wave of relaxation washes over the room. I even find myself becoming more relaxed (in a focused way) while working on a client’s feet. Performing reflexology versus a massage on the feet only intensifies the relaxation effect. Next time you receive a massage and the therapist begins working your feet, notice how your body reacts. There is definitely a special energy in the feet that affects the entire body. How Long is a Reflexology Appointment? Our reflexology sessions are usually 30 minutes. During this time, we will do the thumb walking technique on both feet covering all zones. H3: Are Reflexology Appointments Painful? No — reflexology appointments should be relaxing. There may be some tension when we first map out your preferences and pain levels. As I’m working the feet, I pay attention to what I’m feeling under my fingers and thumbs. Suppose I feel anything slightly “crunchy” or hard. In that case, I will usually go back and cover the area again (unless it’s painful to touch, I would avoid that area). We also incorporate some relaxation techniques at the beginning or end of the session. The pressure is usually firm but is always adjusted according to the client’s preference. Is Reflexology Safe for Everyone? Reflexology is a gentle therapy that’s typically safe for most people. Speak with your doctor first before booking your appointment if you’re: While generally safe and low-risk, we want to make sure you’re 100% ready to receive the benefits. Book a Reflexology Appointment in Boca Raton For total relaxation and re-balancing, I would highly recommend adding a 30 minute reflexology session to