Courtesy of Wendy Keller Photography
ReflexologyA common question I hear is: "What is Reflexology? & Does it Really Work?"
It's not the easiest question to answer, but here's my view on Reflexology after being certified in Integrative Reflexology for 5 years. It is based on Chinese Medicine and involves working spots on your feet and/or hands to help bring issues that you may be having back to your body's 'normal.'
As for does it work? In my experience I have seen some amazing things. I have found that sinus issues, problems with imbalances of the colon, and pain in the joints are most effective in my clients. The most dramatic result I have seen was soon after I received my certification. I was working on a client and on initial intake reported no problems. I progressed through the different reflexology points and came to the knee point. The client said "ooh I feel that in my knee!" I checked to see if it was painful, and it wasn't but the client definitely felt something. I my finger on the point as I felt a quick pulsing on the bone. After completing the session, the client began to bend the knee, kicking it in the air. "I haven't been able to bend or move my knee in years!" I became a firm believer.
Reflexology is most effective when the whole foot (or foot and hands) are worked and not pressing on isolated points. Like massage therapy, it is also important to drink plenty of water after a reflexology session as your body needs to be flushed out.
Two experts in the field of Reflexology who continue to perform research are Barbara and Kevin Kunz. They have written excellent books on foot reflexology, hand reflexology, among others. Their website has a wonderful interactive reflexology section. When the cursor is placed over a part of the foot (or hand), that section of the foot lights up and states what area of the body that area of the foot (of hand) corresponds to. Remember that consulting a certified Reflexologist is important when working on yourself or others.
Here are some examples of Kunz & Kunz work. Enjoy playing with and exploring the diagrams!
Are you surprised by the locations of some of the reflexology points?
What point(s) are of most concern to your body?
Happy New Year & May 2012 Bring You Peace, Health, & Happiness! Jessica & Manasha
Foot Reflexology
Hand Reflexology
