Reflexology as a Complimentary Therapy

Reflexology as a form of treatment is based on the stimulation of nerves to treat medical disorders. Our feet, hands and ears are rich in nerve endings. There are about 7000 nerve endings in the feet alone. Each of these nerve endings lead to specific organs in our body. Stimulation of a particular nerve in the feet, hands or ears, stimulates the corresponding organ in the body. In the course of stimulation, these organs are induced to work at their utmost potential, thereby bringing relief to the medical disorder emanating from the sub-optimal condition and performance of that organ.

Reflexology professionals use reflexology foot chart and reflexology hand chart which display distinct portions of hands and feet and the organs of the body associated with these distinct portions. They use their hands, fingers and especially their thumbs to stimulate the nerves of the afflicted. Nerve stimulation is done by pinching, pushing, squeezing, massage in strokes or circular movements. Five minutes of reflexology therapy is all that is required for the afflicted to experience a relief from the symptom. However, repeat sessions at set intervals are recommended for permanent relief.

The immediate benefits of reflexology therapy are numerous: improved blood circulation, relief from pain, diminishing stress and a charged up immune system. People who have used reflexology have reportedly found relief from chronic headaches, migraines, sinusitis, asthma, constipation, pre-menstrual syndrome and stress.

Hence reflexology therapy is advocated to be used at best as a complementary therapy along with western medicine. For instance, when the afflicted suffers both pain and inflammation of a body part, she or he may take western medicine for inflammation and reflexology therapy for relief from pain.