Reflexology

Scientific Basis of Reflexology

In the 1890s knighted research scientist, Dr. Henry Head, proved the neurological relationship that exists between the skin and the internal organs. Nobel Prize winner, Sir Charles Sherrington proved that the whole nervous system and body adjusts to a stimulus when it is applied to any part of the body. In Germany, Dr. Alfons Cornelius observed pressure to certain spots triggered muscle contractions, changes in blood pressure, variation in warmth and moisture in the body as well as directly affecting the “psychic processes” or mental state of the patient.

Currently, research studies to further validate reflexology are being conducted in many countries including Switzerland, Denmark, the United States and Australia. In Japan and Denmark, reflexology has been incorporated into the employee health programs of several large corporations saving those companies thousands of dollars annually.

Reflexology: a holistic approach to medicine

Reflexology is a study of the links between reflex points of the feet and hands and longitudinal (vertical) pathways or zones. It is a complimentary alternative technique that works by applying pressure to particular points on the hands and feet to affect physiological changes in the body. As reflexologists work on the feet, we form a picture of the entire body. In this way the feet or hands are considered a microcosm of the body with all organs and glands reflected in them. Reflexology provides the means whereby the body can be synchronized to balance (homeostasis).

All processes that take place in the cells of the body need energy. The energy transfer that is central to reflexology allows the body’s integrated systems to achieve homeostasis. Since all the systems of the body interrelate, only one area needs to be slightly out of balance to lead to disorders in other areas. These problems can often be observed to travel up and down a zone and even affect other parts of the body. Ill health often falls into what is known as the “vague symptom” category: a general malaise is often felt, every part of the body aches with general stress in the neck and shoulder or low back. The person may be irritable, not sleeping properly, picking at or eating too much food, making them feel ill or tense.

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that is a natural, non-invasive and drugless path to self-help, helping to restore a person to a more tranquil temperament, improve their mental condition and enable the person to cope better with life’s demands. Reflexology treatment encourages a generally healthier body by facilitating the proper functioning of the circulatory system, so enabling the supply of nutrients and oxygen to reach all cells of the body.

When the body is totally relaxed, its healing mechanism is given a chance to right itself as blood flow and nerve transmission are allowed to occur unimpeded. The benefits of reflexology are therefore multiplied; all parts of the body can be reached through precise stimulation of the reflexes through the feet and hands. A return to homeostasis can be achieved after approximately 40 minutes of such stimulation. Reflexology works the nervous system and makes you feel good from the inside out.