One therapeutic approach to relieving pain is reflexology — which is performed by stimulating specific pressure points in the body. Hand and foot reflexology are among the most common forms of this method as there are maps of different pressure points located on the hands and feet, which reflexologists and other physical therapists work from.
These pressure points are directly linked with the body’s nervous system, actively affecting the glands and other body organs. There is an art behind reflexology; as renowned therapists must possess skilled hands. Specific approaches to reflexology therapy must be thoroughly followed to be able to manipulate the pressure points properly.
Reflexology can be then considered as a ‘touch’ therapy. With a mere application of pressure at specific locations within the hand or foot, any source of pain or potential frailty can be lifted away.
Early Beginnings
The origin of reflexology traces back to ancient times. Though not well-documented, there were early images found on a sixth dynasty Egyptian tomb dating back 2450 B.C. which depicts two men getting a massage on both their hands and feet. Since then, it is widely believed that the method began in Egypt before it was able to spread across the western world during the time of the Roman Empire conquests.
Other scholars were also able to establish findings linking reflexology back to ancient China, long before dynasties were established and plausibly as early as 3000 B.C; while others have traced it back to ancient Indian medicine of the Inca civilization. Because it is likely that the Inca people followed the theories of reflexology, they might have passed on the method to the Native Americans who eventually settled in the United States.
Today, hand and foot reflexology remains one of the most popular natural approaches to address common health problems like pain and fatigue. The practice has significantly grown all across the globe — from Brazil to Singapore, thanks to the help it offers in easing anxiety, reducing headaches, and enhancing one’s general wellbeing.
How Does It Work?
There are a lot of theories explaining why reflexology works wonders. Benefits of foot reflexology has brought about a positive impact on the whole therapeutic approach, hence is why more and more people opt to have a quick reflexology session at www.dearreflex.com in Singapore over the weekend or after a long day at work to relieve them of their stress.
But perhaps the most famous explanation behind its effectivity is that it helps release stress, and by doing so it allows the body to heal and regenerate tissues and cells.
Reflexology and the Nervous System
From a research conducted in the 1890s, it has been found out that there is a relationship existing between the nerves of the skin and the other internal organs, of which enables the entire nervous system to adjust to any stimulus.
This scientific finding prompted the explanation as to how every application of pressure done by a reflexologist sends a calming sensation, in form of a message, from the extremities of the peripheral nerves to the nervous system. The body then adjusts to the tension levels. Not only does the practice allow the body to relax, but it also enhances the functioning of the internal organs and their respective systems to their prime.
Reducing Stress and Improves Mood
How reflexology is able to relieve the body of pain is also believed to be because of the gate control theory, which has been recently termed as the neutromatrix theory of pain. The theory explains that pain is nothing but an abstract figment produced by the brain, which is no more than just a subjective experience.
The brain is capable of working independently of any sensory input, hence is why things that influence how we think such as our mood or other external factors can affect how we experience pain. With this theory, it explains why reflexology is effective in reducing pain by getting rid of stress and improving our over-all mood.
Some foot reflexology centers often give the therapeutic experience a boost by tapping the help of external factors. Foot reflexology in Singapore, for instance, plays soothing music and fills the space with gentle, uplifting aroma to compliment the best therapeutic session of your life.
Keeping “Vital Energy” Flowing
Another explanation incorporates the presence of a “vital energy” in the body. If no efforts are made to relieve or address stress, it often results to a congestion of the energy — causing inefficiencies in the body and even a number of possible illnesses.
Reflexology, however, helps keep the vital energy flowing in various parts of the body. This is because a couple of benefits of foot reflexology include encouraging a healthier flow of blood as well as stimulating various nerves in the body.
Zone Theory
The practice of reflexology heavily relies on an idea that our bodies are divided into 10 vertical zones, with each zone spanning from your fingers and toes up to the top of your head. The concept of zones are somehow similar to that of the meridians in Chinese medicine, but not entirely the same.
Reflexology believes that every valve, muscle, or organ that is situated within a particular zone can be accessed by applying pressure on a particular area on the feet or hands. By doing so, it taps the pathways existing between different pressure points and other parts of the body as they are previously described in this article as connected via the body’s central nervous system.
Revitalizing your health doesn’t have to be difficult. With Foot reflexology in Singapore made available in a number of centers, you can reward your body with a reflexology session and reap off the many benefits it provides. Allow your stress to be lifted away and your muscles to feel unburdened to feel rejuvenated once again. Your body will thank you later, that’s for sure!
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