Bohemia Holistics
Bohemia Holistics
Providing Therapeutic Complementary Treatments
Reflexology
Reflexology
This page contains the following information;
Reflexology - An overview
The history of Reflexology
The benefits of Reflexology
An overview
The body is a complex machine. To maintain a healthy balance all parts need to be working together. If the body's balance is disrupted in one part, for example an injury, the rest of the body compensates and works harder to achieve balance. If the imbalance continues then this could lead to further problems.
Reflexology is a holistic therapy. I will treat the whole person, body, mind and spirit, to induce a state of balance and harmony. This stimulates the body's own potential to heal both physically and emotionally.
Reflexology is performed on the feet. It is based on the principle that there are reflex zones in the feet which are linked by energy pathways to corresponding parts of the body. When pressure is applied, it will stimulate the movement of energy along these pathways. I will apply pressure and massage the reflex zones which will provide a valuable benefit to any client.
If you have an underlying condition
We are, today, far more aware of complementary therapies and options available to us.
Complementary therapies are beginning to become recognized by the NHS to have benefits for patients. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) makes reference to 'recognizing that Reflexology and massage may be helpful for people with Multiple Sclerosis'
Although there is only a small amount of research conducted in this area and as a result less recognised amongst traditional practitioners, this is a huge step in recognising and accepting the value of natural therapies for patients.
If you have an illness or underlying condition you can benefit from a complementary therapy. I will discuss this with you at a consultation.
There are some illnesses which may prevent treatment or require treatment to be adapted however, wherever possible I will try to work with you.
I recommend prior to any consultation and treatment that you discuss your intentions with your GP. I will ask you to sign a declaration form confirming that you have done so. In some instances I may wish to write to your GP prior to any treatment being given.
History of Reflexology
Reflexology is evident throughout history. Earliest records have been found in Egypt in picture form on the walls of tombs. Egyptian medical practitioners were renowned throughout the world for their expertise and their work was well documented by artists of the day.
Reflexology has been practiced in ancient India and China. Buddhist monks who traveled to China took with them the techniques. This later traveled to Japan.
The Chinese had been using acupuncture for healing. By 2500 BC they had divided the body into longitudinal meridians (or channels). It is believed that pain or illness can be caused by a blockage in one or more meridian. The blockage disrupts the body's natural flow of energy, therefore an imbalance is created.
Traditionally an acupuncturist uses needles to unblock the energy flow. When practice of Reflexology reached China, pressure was applied to acupuncture meridian points and energy was unblocked in the same way.
Although no evidence, It is believed that a form of Reflexology was used by Native American people. The Cherokee Indians have practiced a form of Reflexology, putting pressure on the feet to heal andbalance the body's systems.
In the United States, in the early 20th Century, Dr William Fitzgerald practiced medicine. He was head of the Nose and Throat department at St. Francis Hospital in Connecticut. He discovered that applying pressure to certain points in the nose, throat, mouth and on the tongue deadened the sensation in certain areas of the body. He also found that exerting pressure on the hands and feet produced pain relief. This lead him to map out areas of the body, their connections and conditions affected by the pressure points. He called it 'Zone Therapy'. He divided the body into 10 longitudinal zones, similar to Chinese acupuncture. Each zone linked to a flow of energy and when manipulated had an anesthetic effect. He also discovered that parts of the body in each zone can have an effect on each other.
Eunice Ingham known as 'the mother of Reflexology' developed zone therapy much further. She mapped out the entire body on the feet and developed reflex points. She also discovered that an alternating pressure stimulated healing. She taught Reflexology to other professionals such as Chiropodists, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists. Her work continues today.
Known benefits of Reflexology
Balances energy
Provides pain relief
Prevents problem occurring
Detoxifies the body
Aids relaxation
Increases circulation
Stimulates the nervous system
References used;
Reflexology. Susan Cressy. 2006. Heinemann Educational Publishers