Meet the Doctors

The Broadway Homeopath

Reflexology

On this page we will provide a brief overview of reflexology.

Facts about Reflexology

WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY ?

Reflexology is a science which deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes properly can help many health problems in a natural way, a type of preventative maintenance. Reflexology is a serious advance in the health field and should not be confused with massage.

IS REFLEXOLOGY NEW ?

The idea behind Reflexology is not new - in fact, it was practiced as early as 2330 B.C. by the Egyptian culture. Reflexology as we know it today was first researched and developed by Eunice Ingham, the pioneer of this field. Her first book on the subject was published in 1938. And since 1942, Reflexology workshops have been conducted year round.

WHAT DOES REFLEXOLOGY DO ?

Reflexology is used primarily for relaxing tension. Doctors agree that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension. Reflexology improves nerve and blood supply, and helps nature to normalize.

WHAT SPECIAL EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED ?

Only the hands are used, making it a safe, simple, yet effective method without the use of gadgets. Let your fingers do the walking.

CAN REFLEXOLOGY MAKE A CONDITION WORSE?

No, it will not make any condition more acute. Reflexology helps to normalize body functions. A Reflexology session relaxes the stress that can affect your health. It is a safe effective way to Better Health.

   1. Top of Head

   2. Sinuses

   3. Pituitary Gland

   4. Temporal Area

   5. Neck, Cervical

   6. Upper Lymph Area

   7. Parathyroid Gland

   8. Ears

   9. Eyes

10. Thyroid Glands

11. Shoulder

12. Lungs and Bronchi

13. Heart Area

14. Heart

15. Spine, Vertebra

16. Pancreas

17. Solar Plexus

18. Stomach & Duodenum

19. Liver

20. Spleen

21. Spleenic Fixture

22. Gall Bladder

23. Adrenal Glands

24. Hepatic Flexure

25. Kidneys

26. Transverse Colon

27. Waist

28. Ureters

29. Ascending Colon

30. Descending Colon

31. Lumbar

32. Small Intestines

33. Sacral

34. Bladder

35. Ileo-Caecal Valve

36. Appendix

37. Sigmoid Flexure

38. Hip & Lower Back

39. Coccyx
40. Sciatic Area

Reflexology is gaining in popularity

Where conventional medicine has failed, natural medicine can make a real difference. This is true of herbal medicine, meditation, and massage. This article deals with how reflexology is helping to alleviate symptoms and improve one's overall health.

Far Eastern cultures have been using alternative treatments for thousands of years. In most places of the world, natural medicine is the first line of defense against sickness and disease. Even the most technically advanced countries such as China and Japan appreciate the effectiveness and simplicity of natural medicine. We could benefit from the knowledge that has been gathered by those cultures. Where conventional medicine has failed, natural medicine can make a real difference.

Natural medicine and alternative treatments has become a booming industry.

Our society has become interested in how to help cure us from common problems such as allergies, depression and anxiety. With so many products claiming to be the next miracle cure, how do you really know what kind of alternative therapy to use? Maybe it is time to give reflexology a try.

If you are unfamiliar with reflexology, here are the basics:

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure in a strategic manner to areas of the feet and hands, and the face and ears. Reflexologists see the hands and feet as a portal to the body's systems. Each section of the feet and hands correlate to a specific organ. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, you can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.

Although reflexologists cannot diagnose or claim to cure a sickness or disease, it is one of the most sought-after treatments today. Not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. Many with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; menstruel cramps, PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

History

The most concrete evidence of the practice of reflexology(1) in ancient culture was the discovery of the above wall painting depicting the practice of hand and foot reflexology in the tomb of Ankhmahor (highest official after the Pharaoh) at Saqqara, Egypt which is also known as the physicians tomb.

This Egyptian wall painting is dated at the 6th dynasty, about 2330 B.C.. Prior to this discovery it was widely believed that reflexology had ancient origins only in ancient Oriental practices of acupuncture and Tui-na (Chinese traditional massage, mother of Shiatsu and Swedish Massage). Similarly, North American Indian medicine men are believed to manipulate and stimulate the feet as a part of their healing practice.

However Traditional Chinese Medicine has long touted the benefits of stimulating certain points (reflex points) along the body that correspond to specific organs or body parts. Foot reflexology is based on this theory. In the Shang Dynasty, around 1200~1700 B.C the oracle inscriptions on bones show that Tui-na was a quite important method to treat infant and adult digestive conditions.

As information is gathered it seems that variations of the modern practice of reflexology existed in all of the ancient healing cultures.

What benefits does reflexology provide?

It is a method of bringing balance and healing through the stimulation of specific points on the feet, or hands. Reflexology demonstrates four main benefits:

1. Relaxation with removal of stress.
2. Enhanced circulation.
3. Assists the body to normalize its metabolism naturally.
4. Complements all other healing modalities.

The ultimate purpose of the therapy is to promote wellness; fundamentally it is a form of preventive therapy.

How does reflexology work?

When the reflexes are stimulated, the body’s natural electrical energy works along the nervous system to clear any blockages in the corresponding zones. A reflexology session seems to break up deposits (felt as a sandy or gritty area under the skin) which may interfere with the flow of the body’s electrical energy in the nervous system.

Manipulating specific reflexes removes stress, activating a parasympathetic response in the body to enable the blockages to be released by a physiological change in the body. With stress removed and circulation enhanced, the body is allowed to return to a state of homeostasis.

Traditionally it is believed that energy flows through channels in the body. When these become blocked or depleted, parts of the body are starved of energy and become diseased. Reflexology clears these channels and restores the free flow of energy. A more modern theory is that reflexology works through the nervous system. There are 7200 nerve endings in the feet which connect through the spinal cord to all parts of the body (you sneeze or get a runny nose when you walk barefoot in cold water). By working on the nerve endings, reflexology stimulates the nervous system back into normal functioning.

Other theories include interaction with electromagnetic (bio-energetic) fields, working with the body’s own natural vibrations and healing potential, or breaking down waste products which accumulate in the feet due to stress, disease, or lack of exercise.

Our practice is mainly oriented to alleviate stress because reflexology is particularly effective in stress related conditions. It provides a deep sense of relaxation so that tensions are released, circulation is improved and toxins can be more easily eliminated from the body. As the body’s natural energies flow more freely there is an increased sense of well-being and health.

With respect to stress management the amount of technique application of reflexology, and number of sessions is strictly related to the goals and expectation of the individual who receives the therapy.