Reflexology

  Reflexology is a type
  of therapy which
  concentrates on
  human feet, hands
  and sometimes ears.
  According to the
  sources there are
  certain points,
  especially on our feet,
  that are connected to
  a specific apparatus
  or gland through a
  human complex
  nervous system.
  By applying a
  pressure to those
  points the
  “life energy” is
  optimised to its
  “healthy” status and
  thus affects the whole
  body system.

There are many different stories and references to the origin of reflexology. Some of them date back to the old Egypt and hieroglyphs but the most accepted one is that it came from China about 5000 years ago. It was introduced to the modern world in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald who was an ear, nose and throat specialist and a surgeon. He discovered that when the pressure is applied to the certain points on our feet it affects some organs in the human body in a very positive way. It can be used in many medical areas and human body was separated into 10 vertical zones especially for this purpose. After that the Reflexology became more and more popular and now it is considered to be a form of complimentary medicine and is used not only to heal minor difficulties but more complex and serious ailments as well. But it should only be used as a supportive treatment in those cases.

A properly trained therapist can apply a pressure to the areas where irregularities are determined and this way support and encourage the blood flow, nerve impulses and energy supply to the corresponding apparatus and glands.
This might result in many different positive effects on human body depending on what might be the aim of the therapy.

Benefits
-    pain relief and muscle stiffness caused by excessive exercising or physical effort
-    better blood circulation and elimination of toxins
-    renovation and revitalization of the body’s natural balance
-    boost of the immune system
-    relief of stress and anxiety and support of relaxation and proper sleep
-    reduction of a discomfort and pain
-    hands and legs flexibility improvement

The Reflexology massage can be used to treat the following conditions:
-    migraine
-    back pain, sciatica
-    constipation problems
-    insomnia
-    liver dysfunction
-    asthma and respiration problems
-    anxiety
-    skin allergies
-    infertility and hormonal imbalance
-    constipation problems
-    stress related problems

If you decide to undertake this therapy you shouldn’t eat at least one hour before the treatment. On the other hand, it is advisable to drink a lot of water after the massage to eliminate as much toxins as possible. You shouldn’t take a bath about an hour after the Reflexology massage to prevent yourself from coldness.

People who are bleeding internally and pregnant or menstruating women should avoid this therapy at all. And if you are after a heart attack you should consult with your GP if this treatment is the right choice for you.