Alternative Health Care Approaches.
Reflexology.
The nature of the treatment.
Reflexology (zone therapy) is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging or applying pressure to parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.
The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex" areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For example:
* The tips of the toes reflect the head
* The heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
* The liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot.
* The lower back and intestines are towards the heel.
It is believed that pressure applied to the feet generates a signal through the peripheral nervous system. From there it enters the central nervous system where it is processed in various parts of the brain. It is then relayed to the internal organs to allocate the necessary adjustments in fuel and oxygen, Finally a response is fashioned that is sent onto the motor system.
This message is feed forward to adjust the body's tone or overall tension level. If applied properly the tone will reset itself to a lower operating tempo. A lower operating tempo means a lessening of stress and less wear and tear on the body's systems. There are a variety of people doing reflexology from concerned parents to doctors in China. It is a useful tool for a variety of situations. Many professions have taken up reflexology from cosmetologists to nurses.
Reflexology is now being introduced into hospitals and HMO's. It is even being considered for insurance reimbursement.
History/background.
The practice of reflexology is known from ancient times. The most common theory is that the earliest form of this therapy originated in China around 5000 years ago. Many healing systems originated from the early Taoists.... [continues]
Reflexology.
The nature of the treatment.
Reflexology (zone therapy) is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging or applying pressure to parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.
The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex" areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For example:
* The tips of the toes reflect the head
* The heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
* The liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot.
* The lower back and intestines are towards the heel.
It is believed that pressure applied to the feet generates a signal through the peripheral nervous system. From there it enters the central nervous system where it is processed in various parts of the brain. It is then relayed to the internal organs to allocate the necessary adjustments in fuel and oxygen, Finally a response is fashioned that is sent onto the motor system.
This message is feed forward to adjust the body's tone or overall tension level. If applied properly the tone will reset itself to a lower operating tempo. A lower operating tempo means a lessening of stress and less wear and tear on the body's systems. There are a variety of people doing reflexology from concerned parents to doctors in China. It is a useful tool for a variety of situations. Many professions have taken up reflexology from cosmetologists to nurses.
Reflexology is now being introduced into hospitals and HMO's. It is even being considered for insurance reimbursement.
History/background.
The practice of reflexology is known from ancient times. The most common theory is that the earliest form of this therapy originated in China around 5000 years ago. Many healing systems originated from the early Taoists.... [continues]
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