BETTER HEALTH WITH FOOT REFLEXOLOGY

by Bertie Palenstyn
Nature has provided the body with an astounding capacity to heal itself. Since approximately 75% of todays diseases are attributed to stress and tension, various body systems are affected in different ways and to varying degrees. Reflexology deals with reflex areas in the feet and hands that correspond to all glands, organs and parts of the body. Through skillful application of pressure to those reflex points, stress and tension are relieved. This will stimulate all body systems to improve their nerve and blood supply, eliminate the body of toxins and produce dynamic healing.

The Roots of Reflexology

One of the theories is that reflexology originated in China some 5000 years ago.However, the only documentation of the practice of reflexology was found in Egypt on a 2330 B.C. wall painting in the tomb of Ankmahor at Saqqara , which is known as the physician's tomb. (It depicts four men, two are working on the hands and feet of the two other men.)

The studies of European medical minds from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and the research and hard work of some American doctors, laid the foundation for reflexology, as we know it today.

The American Influence

While studying in Europe , Dr. William Fitzgerald, born in the U.S. in 1872, got intrigued by the study of treating organs with pressure points. Back in America he continued his study and divided the body into ten equal longitudinal parts, by creating lines from the head to the toes, and additional lines from the head to the fingers. The theory being that because of energy flow within a zone, a part of the body within that zone can influence another part, within the same zone. As an ear, nose and throat physician he discovered that if pressure was applied by putting elastic bands around the fingers, he was able to perform minor operations on his patients without them feeling much pain. Eunice Ingham, a therapist, was highly impressed by this technique and applied it to the foot. Because of the highly sensitive nature of the foot she began to probe them, finding tender spots and equating it with the anatomy of the body. She developed a map of the feet by carefully marking all the organs, glands and parts of the body. Eunice Ingham traveled throughout America for over thirty years to teach her method and is therefore called "The Mother of Modern Reflexology".

Reflexology Today

In order to understand the reflex areas on the feet you have to consider the feet to be a mirror image of the body. At the toes you find the reflex points to the head 1, on the outside that of the shoulders, arms and legs 2. The inside of the feet correspond to the reflex points of the spine 3, the upper part of the feet to the chest area 4, while the bottom represents the area from the diaphragm down the waistline to the pelvic line 5. While addressing the reflex areas it is also possible to include accupressure and shiatsu work on the meridians with reflexology technique. Meridians are pathways through which the energy of the body flows. Illness or pain occurs when the pathways become blocked, disrupting the energy, breaking the body's harmony, so that a build up of waste products within the body occurs. An hour-long session will benefit the entire body by breaking the blockages, restoring the flow of energy and promoting total healing. Reflexology cannot harm your body, it simply helps nature to normalize and balance.

Many health problems can be overcome with Reflexology treatments:

allergies . arthritis . back pain . constipation . depression . diverticulitis . emotional and stress related . insomnia . fibromyalgia . hemorrhoids . menopausal problems and labor pains . minor to chronic diseases . neck tension . hypertension nervousness . sciatica . shingles . incontinence . asthma . bursitis, etc.

Reflexology is beneficial for all, from small children to the very elderly. Reflexology is a simple, natural, and safe way to heal your body, giving you a feeling of vitality and well being after each treatment. It will help you to meet the demands of your daily life, enjoy it to the fullest, and keep vibrant health!

 

Bertie received her initial training in the Netherlands and later became licensed in America through her study at the International Institute of Reflexology, St. Petersburg , Florida . She feels very privileged that she is able to help people toward better well being and most importantly to maintain good health. If you would like to try a reflexology session, please give me a call. Sources: "Better Health with Foot Reflexology, the original Ingham method" by Dwight C.Byers and "The Art of Reflexology" by Inge Dougans. Licensed and Certified Foot Reflexologist

TEL: 781-582-0262 E-MAIL: pnsd7@cs.com