  |
|
||
|
|||
|
|||
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
  |
Rae West Massage Therapies, Inc.
324 Washington Ave, SW
Roanoke, VA 24016
540-344-0097
Reflexology is based on the premise that there are reflex points in the hands and especially the feet that correspond to every part of the body. Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to these points in order to stimulate the body's natural healing powers. Although reflexology does not treat specific diseases, your Practitioner believes that stimulation of the proper reflex point in the foot will affect a particular organ, gland, or body part and can alleviate many health problems. It is used primarily to relieve stress and tension and to promote deep relaxation. Your practitioner uses no instruments or devices, and involves only the application of pressure by hand on certain spots on the sides, soles, and tops of the feet. It is therefore safe for everyone. There may be pain during the treatment when pressure is applied to specific points. It should, however, not be painful once the pressure is lifted. Description Reflexology has its roots in the ancient civilizations of several different non-Western cultures. It first appeared in the West in the early 20th century as the "zone therapy" of American physician, William Fitzgerald, who divided the body into ten vertical zones. In the 1930s, the physiotherapist Eunice Ingham used this therapy on her patients and found that their feet were by far the most responsive areas to work, so she created a map of the entire body on the feet. Viewing the soles of the feet as a miniature representation of the body, she charted the toes as reflecting the head and neck; the soft balls of the feet, the shoulders and chest; the upper arch, the area from the diaphragm to the waist; the lower arch, the waist and pelvic area; and the heels, the sciatic nerve. The inside and outside curves of the feet as well as the ankles also corresponded to certain body areas. Reflexology employs the principle that these "reflex points" on the feet, when worked by hand pressure, will reflexively stimulate energy to a related muscle or organ and promote healing. Although reflexology is medically unproven and no one really knows exactly how it works, it is known that the thousands of nerve endings in the feet have extensive interconnections through the spinal cord and can send messages via the brain to all areas of the body. Your first session Your practitioner will ask you about your medical history and health conditions, as well as habits, work, and lifestyle. You will need only to remove your shoes and socks, and a cream or massage oil will be applied. Your practitioner then "works" the reflex areas using several techniques, but always employing the thumbs or fingers. Blocked areas or blocked energy is often felt as deposits under the skin, and your practitioner will target these areas for breakup by manipulation and pressure. This can be slightly painful, although most people report feeling more relaxed after treatment. Risks Since your session is being administered by a qualified Practitioner, there are virtually no risks involved in reflexology for people of all ages. However, it should not be used in cases of a serious illness or in place of traditional treatment for conditions that require medical attention. Normal results Since the goal of reflexology is to normalize body functions rather than to cure any particular condition, it should be considered primarily a "whole system" kind of therapy. Many people do find however, that it works especially well on conditions that need to be regulated or cleared up, such as stress and fatigue, skin conditions, and menstrual or digestive irregularities. At a minimum, treatment is relaxing and can help relieve stress. Reflexology |
