.Traditional Reflexology
Getting It Right
Reflexology is great because it helps the body get and stay balanced. This state of balance, Homeostasis, is the biochemical balancing act our endocrine glands perform every day.
Some of the functions controlled by homeostatic mechanisms are:
Heartbeat
Blood production
Blood pressure
Body temperature
Salt balance
Breathing
Glandular secretion
It is not just the glands that can cause imbalance in the functions of the body. The major organs can become overloaded, tired or injured. The muscles, skin, bones, hair, fingernails, joints and all other parts of the body may show signs of imbalance. Bringing balance back to the body through stimulation is one goal of the reflexologist.
Stressed Out?
Reflexology promotes the production of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are the feel-good hormones made by the pituitary gland in the brain. The flow of endorphins in the body acts on the nervous system to help reduce pain.
Some Conditions for which Reflexology has been used
Diabetes: for improving and maintaining circulation as well as nerve function
Cancer: Helps with lymph system detoxification during chemotherapy and radiation, helps with depression and anxiety, nausea, sleeplessness
Menopause: Reflexology is a balancing act and therefore helps to regulate hormones
Fibromyalgia: Helps to decrease pain and increases energy levels
MS: Reflexology significantly improves paresthesia, urinary symptoms and spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis, according to recent research.
And many more.....
Most of the scientific research of the effectiveness of reflexology has been conducted in China, Denmark and Great Britain - three countries that have integrated the practice of reflexology into the mainstream health care system. A few studies have been conducted in North America and other countries despite the extreme difficulty of accessing trained research personnel and facilities to fulfill the standards for publication.
Most of the published studies find that reflexology is an effective therapy for between 75% and 80% of the subjects. This is pretty impressive when compared with other therapies. There is no therapy that is 100% effective, and, considering that it is safe for everyone, from babies to the elderly, that is an impressive statement.
Barbara McIntosh,
RCRT
Registered Canadian
Reflexology Therapist
250-864-7749
