Reflexology
Reflexology is an ancient complementary medicine system for prevention and treatment, which consists of the application of pressure on specific points and areas on the feet, corresponding to different zones and organs in the body.
Intervening on these points has a beneficial effect on a person’s overall health and can significantly improve the physiological functioning of all parts of the treated area.
Reflexology comes from East Asia, with the first detailed codified maps originating from traditional Chinese medicine practices. It was then introduced later to the Western world at the beginning of the 20th century by Otolaryngologist William Fitzgerlad, who developed Zone Therapy; a type of therapy in which the body is segmented into 10 longitudinal zones and addresses each organic system.
Reflexology works based on the principle of indirect action. The stimulation travels through the “reflex arch” that initiates from the sensorial nerve endings up to the brain areas where the message is elaborated and sent through the motor nerves to the specific organ, influencing its physiology.
The body projects its inner condition outward to the extremities on hands, feet, face, ears, and tongue—all areas that are provided with a major presence of nerve sensors. In reflexology, we focus mainly on the plantars as areas where the reflex points express the best and most precise manipulation possible. The reflexologist gains information by observing the condition of the tissue and by palpation of trigger spots, which show signs of energetic organ imbalance.
Don’t underestimate your feet. You stand on them; they walk you through the world and carry you everywhere, every time in life. We keep them hidden, remote, without deserved care and attention. They reflect you; you can mirror and recognize your body structure in them.
In human bipedal locomotion, the feet have the role of energy valve exchange. We release and receive energy from Mother Earth through our feet. Due to gravity, toxins and crystalline deposits obstruct the microcirculation bloodstream, impeding nutrient supply to the specific organ.
With the comfort of a modern lifestyle (thick sole shoes, paved surfaces, sedentary lifestyle), we have lost this spontaneous contact massage with the ground and its benefits to maintain correct posture, good health, and homeostasis.
The feet are considered the second heart because they are where the exchange between arterial and venous circulation carries back metabolic waste. The net of the vascular system, known as the “Lejart sponge”—where with every step circulation is pumped upward—is located here. That’s why it is fundamental to take good care of your feet by practicing frequent long walks, possibly a barefoot footbath, and also looking for a good reflexology session as a powerful tool to reset good health and well-being.
“The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art”
- Leonardo da Vinci
Every thought, constructive or destructive, has an effect on the chemical content of the blood, which affects the organ‘s functionality. For instance, worries affect digestion, which can lead to ulcers. State of mind is a big factor in constipation and colitis condition. Anger can compromise the liver and gall bladder functionality, while a weak liver creates a tendency for anger. Fear can deplete energy levels and affect the kidneys, anxiety and sadness can affect the lungs, and so on.
We are our emotions. What we feel is our state of mind in the immediate present. Feet don’t lie; they tell our story and indicate unbalanced emotional and physical conditions, and reflexology treatment aims to trigger the body’s innate healing abilities.
