Reflexology is based on the well established science of reflexes relationships in our body. It is a specific pressure technique that makes use of reflex points to stimulate the feet. The reflexes found on the feet correspond with organs, systems and structures within the entire body.
The aim is to reach homeostasis (stabilise and sustain our body’s functions, regardless of changing outside circumstances) through balancing the body and all its systems, prompting the body to work as designed 🙂

 

There are different forms of reflexes in the body, most are conveyed through the nervous system. These include:

 

Reflexology also recognises that there are connections between points on the feet and hands and in the organs, systems, and structures in the body as a whole. These links are not visible or verifiable in anatomy and physiology, nor yet by scientific equipment – (although recent research is changing that), but we know the effectiveness of these relationships because in practical empirical experience over many decades, thousands of users of reflexology have observed the effects. Such energetic reflexes cannot yet be ‘seen’ or measured, but they definitely exist because contacting them gets results.

 

Physical responses:

 

As the reflexologist gives treatment to the feet or hands, she/he discovers imbalances in the reflexes. These may be experienced by the client as: sensitive, tender or even acutely painful at the moment when pressure is applied. Or there may be no tender sensation at a reflex, yet the therapist can sense changes in the tissues that also indicate imbalance: tension or congestion of tissue, or grittiness – sometimes referred to as crystals, or changes of temperature which the client is not even aware of. Such tender, tense or congested reflexes indicate that the area of the body corresponding to that reflex is itself imbalanced.

 

Homeostasis is the body’s condition of relative stability, i.e. its balance within its internal environment. Any disturbance in this balance is to some degree a type of stress and the body responds by adjusting its internal processes to meet the challenge. All these changes happen automatically and we are often not even aware of them. Reflexology, professionally applied, helps the body to return to this normal state of homeostasis, its internal harmony and balance.

Long-term adrenal stimulation with no discharge of energy will deplete essential minerals and vitamins from the system, for example vitamins B and C, which are vital for the functioning of the immune system. This will result in lowered resistance and increased susceptibility to diseases directly related to the immune system. Long-term adrenal accumulation can also affect blood pressure and cause a build-up of fatty substances on blood vessel walls, as well as damaging the functioning of the digestive system.

When an organism must face continual or repeated stress, the response system enters the chronic phase, during which resistance declines below normal and eventually becomes exhausted. Several diseases result directly from this stage, but the most important effect is a decrease in the body’s ability to fight infection.

 

Everyone is confronted daily with potentially stressful situations. One’s vulnerability to stress can be influenced by life events, which cause undue emotional strain. Emotional distress is one resistance-lowering factor. Another important factor, according to some health professionals, is the impact of major life changes.

It is believed that 75 per cent of modern diseases have a stress-related background. These include hypertension, high blood pressure, coronary thrombosis, heart attack, migraine, hay fever, and allergies, asthma, peptic ulcers, constipation, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual difficulties, nervous dyspepsia, flatulence and indigestion, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, skin disorders, tuberculosis and depression.

 

One of the most important benefits of reflexology is its effect on stress. As reflexology encourages the body to relax, other functions are affected. Every part of the body receives its nerve supply from the spine. Abnormal tension causes tightening of the muscles of the spine, thus nerves are affected, resulting in pain. When tension is relaxed the muscles cease to contract. Blood vessels too are relaxed, reducing vascular constriction and allowing circulation to flow freely, thereby conducting the necessary oxygen and nutrients to all body tissues and organs. This is turn helps cleanse the body of toxins and impurities.

 

Reflexology helps reconnect and restore the balance between our mind, body and emotions and to maintain those connections at optimal levels. Working on the feet with clarity and calmness of mind a reflexologist can help a client relate the sensations to his or her present condition, to the experiences, feelings and mental attitudes that may be contributing to the imbalance. The client begins to take responsibility for her or his health.

 

Source: Thank you to the Brighton School of Massage website for this informative summary 🙂