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Mint, A Boutique Spa PHONE: 804.651.7298 EMAIL: shirley@mintspa.org ADDRESS: 1811 Huguenot Rd. Midlothian, VA 23113
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The principles of Reflexology are not new, as records of reflex healing in Ancient Egypt can be found in the physician tombs. The Ancient Egyptians recorded in hieroglyphs and pictorial images of healers manipulating the feet and the hands of their patients. There are many records in the ancient world of the healing benefits of working with the feet.
The Beginnings The modern day principles of reflexology begin with the studies of Dr. William H. Fitzgerald. He publish his studies on Zone Analgesia in 1917, in a book entitled “Relieving Pain at Home”. He was the first to make a map of the longitudinal zones of the body. Dr. Shelby Riley worked closely with Dr. Fitzgerald and expanded on his Zone theory by adding horizontal zones to the map. This map allowed instruction on which reflex zone directly applied to a specific region of the body. Eunice Ingram, a physical therapist who worked closely with Dr. Riley, is credited with refining the technique that is taught today. She was able to combine all the teaching of Dr. Fitzgerald and Dr. Riley into what is known today as Reflexology. Her nephew Dwight C Bryer still carries on her legacy and teachings today. These teaching are used by chiropractors, physical therapist, massage therapist and sports therapist.
What is Reflexology? Reflexology massage is a technique that applies pressure to specific areas of the foot, hands, and ears corresponding with a specific region of the body. These reflex zones can help enhance the body’s natural balance and relieve pain. Research has shown that when pressure is applied in the zones, the body releases endorphins that can help heal the targeted area. This was expressed by patients as a marked decrease in their pain. There have been studies done about the benefits of reflexology and the management of pain in cancer patients. The result were positive with
10/28/2014 7:11 AM
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patient reporting a decrease in their level of pain with easier management. Reflexology has been used in the treatment of many different illness from digestive disorder, arthritis, and back pain.
Tools Used in Reflexology There are many tools are used by a practitioner during a session. These can include wooden pins, rubber bands and the hands of the practitioner. The procedure should not cause any additional pain to the patient. If the patient does experience pain they need to inform the practitioner. This way the amount of pressure being applied can be adjusted to the patient comfort level. Some patient after a session will experience minor discomfort but it should not be painful.
Expectations What can the client expect from the session of reflexology massage? The massage is different from the traditional Swedish foot massage, but the overall experience should still be relaxing. The session will consist of the practitioner taking a medical history of the client to asses which reflex areas need the greatest attention. Although it should be noted that a client does not have to have an illness to benefit from a session of reflexology massage. Many see this as a natural and non-invasive approach to total body health. The ball of the foot, for example, is associated with the heart, shoulder, and lungs. The Reflexologist will apply pressure to the specific point to help alleviate pain and illness in these organ systems.
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IMAGE CREDIT http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Foot-massage-chart.jpg http://pixabay.com/de/massage-fu%C3%9F-f%C3%BC%C3%9Fe-spa-therapie-272845/
10/28/2014 7:11 AM