Reflexology

Reflexology (otherwise known as zone therapy) is a natural healing art in which every organ and gland in the body can be mapped out via reflex points on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands. Reflexology is one of the oldest forms of natural medicine. It is thought to have originated in China and records indicate that a form of reflexology was practised there 5,000 years ago.

 

 

 

What are the benefits of reflexology

Reflexology is recommended by reflexologists as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment. It:

·         Stimulates the thousands of nerve endings in the feet

·         Stimulates the body’s self-healing mechanism

·         Reduces tension, which can lead to a number of stress, related conditions

·         Increases blood flow, helping to clear accumulated waste products and toxins

How does reflexology work

The reflexologist applies pressure, using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques, to reflex points that show tenderness. This stimulates the flow of energy, corrects imbalances in the body’s ten Zen zones, and restores health.

Some waste products appear in the form of crystals made of uric acid and calcium. These feel like grains of sugar or sand under the skin and usually accumulate around the joints. By working on them, they can be broken down, carried away in the blood and flushed out of the system.

Who can benefit from reflexology

Reflexology can be helpful in a wide range of conditions, including:

·         Back pain

·         Fertility

·         Kidney disorders 

·         Menstrual problems

·         Migraine

·         Sinus problems

Reflexology for fertility

Many couples have used reflexology to help them conceive. This may partly result from decreased stress and anxiety levels, but studies have shown that it can be very effective, particularly when both partners receive treatment.

Reflexology is a holistic therapy that can rebalance body, mind and spirit, and prepare the body for the incoming soul. It is wonderfully effective at inducing deep relaxation, allowing the mind to address any disturbances at a very deep level.

There are several fertility-enhancing benefits of reflexology. It:

·         Regularises menstruation

·         Stabilises the body's systems

·         Helps to rebalance the reproductive system

·         Stimulates the ovaries at the time of ovulation

·         Works with the endocrine system to balance hormone production, which is necessary for conception to occur

·         Helps to increase the sperm count in men

Research in the UK and Denmark has shown that reflexology can increase fertility and works best if both partners commit to treatment and agree to sustain it for a certain period of time, which is ideally once a week for 4-10 weeks as part of an agreed treatment plan.

A regular reflexology treatment during pregnancy is completely safe and can help to maintain a healthy pregnancy and guide you towards a safe, natural and healthy birth experience. Treatments normally begin after twelve weeks of pregnancy and can continue to term, during birth and post-natally.

Reflexology during birth

A reflexology treatment during birth can help to relax the mother, stimulate the body to produce the hormone oxytocin, encourage the cervix to open, and strengthen contractions through gentle working of the uterus reflex.

Reflexology treatment has also been known to increase a baby's downwards movement towards the birth canal and encourage a natural induction on an overdue birth.

Post-natal reflexology

Many women find post-natal treatments invaluable in helping their bodies to accelerate the natural healing processes following a natural or Caesarean birth. On a more physical level, reflexology can boost hormone levels to stimulate more, or better quality, breast milk. Reflexology encourages healing on every level, helping to stabilise mood swings, adjust to the body’s new sleeping and eating patterns and revitalising both body and mind. A relaxed, centred woman is invariably a calmer, more patient mother.

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All content within is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.LSCT is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the LSCT website.Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
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