The concept of Reflexology runs on the belief that all the glands, organs, and parts of our body have corresponding reflexes on the feet, hands, face, and ears. Focusing on certain points and applying pressure directly affects the energy pathways of the relative organ. Interesting, isn’t it?

The first sign of pressure massage was seen being practiced in 4,000 BC in China and Egypt as they believed it has therapeutic effects that help prevent people from many different ailments. Known as Zone Therapy at that time, many other cultures including Japan, India, and until the middle ages in Europe had practiced it which evolved culture after culture and it led to the modern reflexology that we know today. There are several types of reflexology, let us explore:

• Foot Reflexology is the pressure focus massage of the bottom of the foot using hand and finger techniques that may help with the:
  • Reducing Stress
  • Pain Management
  • Digestion
  • Eyestrain
  • Better Sleep
• Hand Reflexology is the pressure focus massage of the palm of your hands using hand and finger techniques that may help with the:
  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Headaches
• Ear Reflexology is the pressure focus massage of the auricle of the external ear using hand and finger techniques that may help with:
  • Allergy Relief
  • Addiction Control
  • Muscle Relaxant
• Facial Reflexology is the pressure focus massage on the face. It is a hybrid practice including principles of reflexology and meridian theories that may help with:
  • Fine Line Reduction
  • Collagen Stimulation
  • Muscle Tension Release

More modern reflexologists have created treatment-specific reflexology like:

• Fertility Reflexology is a treatment that targets specific reflex points which correspond with organs and endocrine glands that are involved with reproduction.
• Dermoneural Reflexology or Clavitherapy is non-invasive and helps stimulate the nervous system using clavicles to activate receptors of neurochemicals.
• Craniosacral Reflexology is a trauma treatment and stress release by balancing the distribution of CSF within the four ventricles of the brain.
• Maternity Reflexology is a treatment that can be used safely during pregnancy, labor, and post-pregnancy. 

Even though there is little scientific evidence to prove the benefits of reflexology, some studies have concluded that it may stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities. Studies out there suggest that it’s a helpful complementary treatment, people have also reported that reflexology helped them with:

• Boosting their Immune System
• Colds and Bacterial Infections Recovery
• Clearing Up Sinus Issues
• Back Problem Relief
• Increasing Fertility
• Improvement of Digestion
• Reduction of Arthritis Pain

Reflexology is very safe, even for people with serious health conditions as it is non-invasive and relaxing to receive, so it might be worth trying if it’s something you are looking into as it may even turn out to be a supplementary treatment to any current therapies you are taking. Finding a reflexologist or a spa near you isn’t hard, again Reflexology has been practiced for many years and continues to be due to its many benefits and treatment specific massage therapy.