Reflexology – Everything You Need to Know

Apr 11, 2019 | Tips |

To many people, reflexology is one of the most misunderstood holistic practices on the planet. Generally speaking, a lot of people work under the assumption that reflexology is nothing more than a fancy foot rub when in reality this couldn’t be further from the truth. Did you know for example, that in our feet we have 7200 nerve endings? No? How about the fact that in our hands we have 5000 nerve endings or 500 in the ears? Pretty crazy, right? As a result of this, many holistic healers and health practitioners believe that reflexology is one of the keys to longevity and optimal physical and spiritual health and well-being. Reflexology has been practiced in many parts of the world for thousands of years, and the primary health benefits are well documented. If you’re considering the possibility of reflexology treatments, or if you simply wish to learn more about this ancient practice, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about reflexology.

What exactly is reflexology?

To kick things off we’ll begin by looking at exactly what reflexology is. Reflexology is an alternative health and wellness treatment with holistic origins. It is used to help treat and heal a wide range of ailments and conditions, both physical and mental. It has been practiced for thousands of years, particularly in China as well as in ancient Egypt. Though the process is a lot more complex than what we’re about to talk about, the very basic premise of reflexology is that a qualified reflexologist will apply pressure onto specific areas of the ears, hands, and feet. This then will have a knock-on effect on certain reflex areas located throughout the body. You see, virtually all areas of your body are connected and aligned between specific zones in your hands, ears, and feet. It is all to do with realigning your qi (pronounced chee) despite the fact that this isn’t necessarily widely accepted in the medical world. What is accepted, however, is the fact that reflexology can provide countless health and wellness benefits to the human body.

What are the primary benefits of reflexology?

Some of the primary benefits associated with reflexology include the following:

Improved circulation

One of the main advantages associated with a reflexology treatment is the fact that the individual in question will benefit from better circulation. Reflexology has been found to improve circulation, which means more oxygen and nutrients can be transported around the body and can be delivered to the major organs. This, in turn, will optimize their performance and help to promote improved health and well-being. It also promotes cellular health and regeneration and can increase energy levels by boosting metabolism.

Enhanced nerve function

The human body has nerve endings everywhere, especially in the extremities. Unfortunately, as we grow older, these nerve endings become less sensitive. Another wonderful benefit associated with reflexology is the fact that it has been found to stimulate more than 7000 nerve endings in various parts of the human body, and that is just from one individual treatment session. By improving the reactivity of these nerve endings, we can open and cleanse neural pathways throughout the body. This helps promote flexibility as well as functionality in countless parts of the body. Neural pathways in the body can be treated as muscles, in that they need to be worked fairly regularly in order to function at their best. Reflexology treatments help you to do precisely that.

Detoxify your body

Every single day we are exposed to toxins, whether we’re aware of this fact or not. They’re in the foods we consume, the beverages we drink, the cleaning products we use, and they’re even in the air that we breathe. Over time, these toxins can begin to accumulate in the body, which is where danger sets in. Toxins in the body can affect our mood, major organ health and function, and even our health. Reflexology, however, has been proven to improve liver, kidney, and bladder function, thereby helping to assist with the removal of harmful toxins from the body. Think of these organs as filtration devices, and a reflexology treatment as a cleansing and servicing of the filter in question. Regular treatments will keep your filtration devices working as they should, subsequently helping you to more efficiently rid the body of harmful toxins and chemicals.

Who can benefit from reflexology?

Before we leave you to book a reflexology treatment with your nearest practitioner, we’ll finish up by looking at who reflexology is optimally suited for. In truth, the answer is everybody. Reflexology is suitable for people of all ages, all genders, all shapes, all sizes, from all walks of life. Ranging from infant babies to people in their 90s and beyond, reflexology is suitable and effective for everybody