Reflexology is a holistic healing therapy based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet/hands that correspond somatotopically to every part of the body, organs and systems. There are over 7000 nerve endings on the feet, which makes them very important; feet are also important because they support your entire body. Feet tend to store a lot of congestion and they are indicators of what is happening in the body; this is how reflexology helps.
Reflexology requires exact pressure to be placed on areas of the hands or feet in a certain order to stimulate the body's natural healing system. It is based on the principle that the body (organs and systems) is reflected on the feet and by applying pressure to specific reflex areas, energy blockages are removed and the body is encouraged to heal itself from illness. The flow of energy is increased and the body balances itself. Reflexology improves circulation and therefore blood and oxygen supply which aid in healing.
Both the hands and the feet can be treated but I normally treat the feet as there is a greater surface area to work with and many more nerve endings are found in the feet than the hands.
An imbalance is felt as crystalline deposits, air bubbles or hard areas and that is an indication of an imbalance in a specific area of the body. By applying pressure to the congested areas, the deposits are broken down and removed naturally and that corresponding body part is returned to health. The treatments are very relaxing and as the body de-stresses, it can heal.
When tender areas are discovered, they are worked on gently until the sensitivity has been reduced. At the end of the treatment, all areas are repeated as a reminder to your body to continue working out its problems. The feet (and hands) are precise maps of the body so, when there's a problem, we focus on the entire foot (or hand) and pay particular attention to the system that is out of balance (on the foot as it corresponds to a part of the body).
The right foot/hand corresponds to the right side of the body and the left foot/hand to the left side of the body. Visualize the body being sliced in half. Both need to be treated because different organs are represented on each foot and since we're treating holistically, we want to treat the entire body.
Reflexology is simple, requiring very little equipment. It can be practised anywhere, it is safe and has no harmful side effects. The treatment has an effect on the whole body, not just the system or organs being treated. Reflexology is a great health maintenance tool.