Reflexology: For Injury Prevention and Relaxation
Reflexology is a very simple, safe and effective form of non-invasive holistic healing. It is based on the permise that all the organs, limbs, muscles and glands of the body are represented with various reflex points on the feet, hands and ears. By stimulating those point with a variety of specialised finger, thumb and knuckle techniques there will be a direct effect upon the corresponding organ.
While it has been around in one form or another since apporx 2500 BC, it was only at the turn of the 19th century that it began to formalise into a recognised therapy with specific charts outlining the location of organs and limbs.
To explain the layout of everything simply, all the limbs, organs, glands and muscles located on the left side of the body are represented with reflexes on the left foot, hand and ear, and likewise with the organs, limbs, etc on the right side.
The toes, fingers and ear lobe represent everything connected to the head(including the teeth, mouth, nose and brain) with the neck being represented at the base of the big toe, base of the thumb and where the lobe joins the rest of the ear. This would be the place to work to help alleviate any tension or stiffness in the neck pre and post exercises.
The ball of the foot represents the chest and breast area, including the trapezius muscles, while the deltoids muscles are located on the lateral aspect directly undermeath the little toes. Again, this would be the place to work for injury prevention or maintenance to the upper back and shoulders.
The arch of the foot represents the latissimus dorsi muscles and all the internal organs of digestion(e.g., stomach liver, gall bladder, spleen), while the lower half of the arch also represents the intestines and bladder. The heels are the place to work for tight glutenous muscles or sciatic problems.
The spine, meanwhile, is represented on the medial aspect of the foot running from the tip of the big toe down to the heel, so pain or tension anywhere along the spine could be alleviated by messaging this region of the foot.
Any imbalances in organs or injuries/ tightness of muscles or limbs will usually show up during at consultation, as either congestion or the ‘feeling of crystals’ under the skin felt by the therapist or possible mind discomfort felt by the client.
Long term imbalances or injuries can also sometimes be identified with visible marking on the feet. For example, horizontal lines crossing the Achilles tendon can indicate tightness in the lower back muscles or muscle cramps, while bunions could indicate neck or shoulder problems.
Reflexologists do not diagnose, prescribe or treat specific conditions but, rather, aim to create the right
environment for the body’s own innate healing to occur and it’s ability to bring itself back into balance.
Reflexology is a little like having a tune up for a car. It’s incredibly relaxing; kind of like a full body massage
without having to get undressed!
Reflexology is suitable for people of all ages and health or fitness levels from babies to the elderly, from those
starting out on a fitness regime to elite athletes.
It is very beneficial for helping with back, neck and muscular/skeletal problems, digestive disorders, reproductive and fertility issues, asthma conditions or stress, and is used by many as a preventative or maintenance program.
Source Fitnessfirst
