Reading GOOP this morning, I was inspired by reading some practical uses for reflexology and wanted to pass on this information highlighted by Chantel C. Lucier from Angel Feet as well as some of my own research. Whether to feel connected with another person or to help what ails you, reflexology has many benefits. And hey, who wouldn't enjoy this attention from a partner?
Basically, reflexology is defined as"a system of massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands and head linked to every part of the body." This technique is not a modern day invention but dates back to the Egyptians and Chinese over 5000 years ago. Here, the Reflexology Association of Oregon gives a bit more background:
"The principle of this therapy is scientific in that by giving deep, controlled compression with the thumb to reflex points on the feet, hands or ears, corresponding to certain parts of the body tensions and blockages are released, allowing the free flow of vital energies and helping the body to heal itself.
"REFLEXOLOGY can bring relief to sufferers of many disorders. It is an entirely natural therapy without painful side-effects. Only the hands are used to give a treatment, making it a safe, simple and effective method for the holistic healing of the body."
EGYPTIAN REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT
EARLY 6th DYNASTY ABOUT 2,330 B.C. WALL PAINTING IN TOMB OF ANKHMAHOR
(HIGHEST OFFICIAL AFTER THE KING) AT SAQQARA, AND IS KNOWN AS THE PHYSICIAN'S TOMB. TRANSLATION READS "DON'T HURT ME." THE PRACTITIONER'S REPLY: "I SHALL ACT SO YOU PRAISE ME." (Courtesy of the Reflexology Association of Oregon)
Chantel Lucier offers the following tips to relieve two common ailments: headaches and stomach aches:
Headaches
• Big toes, little toes, inside and belly of the foot. The big toes are where the head, brain, pituitary/pineal glands, & upper cervical spine (neck) reflexes are located. The tips of all the little toes too coincide with the head, brain and sinus reflexes (give more attention to these toes if you have a sinus headache).
• The spinal reflex resides along the inside or medial aspect of each foot, also very effective since the spine is where the nervous system is housed.
• Dehydration is a common cause of headaches too, sometimes hunger and/or a digestive issue might be a cause for a headache as well. In this case, the digestive system reflexes are located on the bottom or plantar aspect of the foot and can be reflexed accordingly.
• Since it is sometimes difficult to isolate where a headache might be emanating from, there is no harm in giving attention to all these areas. If you want to be really precise, refer to a reflexology map.
Tummy Aches
The area that corresponds to the digestive system reflexes is located on the bottom plantar aspect of each foot. Many of the reflexes to the integral organs that contribute and play key roles in the digestive process are all located here.
• This is a delicious area to give attention to in general as the arch of the foot can really use the care after a day in shoes pounding concrete as well. I refer to this area as the belly of the foot as it's the softer portion of the plantar aspect (between the ball and heel) of each foot.
• Again, refer to a map (below) for more precise reflexology points and where each organ reflex is located.
Reflexology dates back to the times of the Egyptians as shown on their pyramid wall paintings. Reflexology is the Study of reflex areas on the feet and hands and applying pressure to these areas.
For those up for the challenge, here is a website offering free foot and hand maps for reflexology. Just drag your cursor over the area of ailment and the map will highlight the exact area of the foot or hand to concentrate on - don't worry if you are not a professional, your other half will appreciate the thought and benefit instantly!
http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/features/reflexology/footchart.html
0 comments:
Post a Comment