Haven't heard of reflexology yet? Are you wondering what this is all about?
It is a therapeutic manual practice which consists of stimulating reflex points in the body.
Depending on the needs of the person consulting, the practitioner will apply plantar, palmar, ear or facial reflexology.
But how can this practice do us any good? How does it work? How does a reflexology consultation take place? We'll answer you!
Why is it useful?
It is useful because by stimulating the nerves associated with the organs, reflexology can promote the production of endorphin and increase the circulation of lymph in the body. Through these effects, it allows the body to be rebalanced and activates the natural self-healing process. We know that during a consultation, a state of deep relaxation appears after about ten minutes in the patient. As a result, reflexology also has positive effects on stress and emotions. It should be seen as a complementary natural therapeutic practice.
How does it work?
Reflexology uses nerve endings located in the hands, feet, ears and face to rebalance the body. The practitioner uses a map including reflex zones to relieve tension and blockages. These reflex zones are all linked to a particular organ or part of the body. By stimulating the reflex zones, we can act remotely on the parts of the body presenting disharmonies.
The 4 major specialties of reflexology
This natural therapeutic practice can be carried out on 4 distinct parts of the body.
Plantar reflexology
In the foot, there are different reflex points associated with the organs (kidney, spleen, liver, lungs) and other parts of the body. With foot reflexology we can therefore relieve digestive problems, bladder problems, joint problems or back pain, for example.
Hand reflexology
It always works by stimulating reflex points and is carried out by massaging the hand. As this diagram of the reflex zones in palmar reflexology shows me, we can relieve and act on different areas of the body or organs by stimulating the hands through touch.
Ear reflexology
Perhaps less known to the general public, ear reflexology is nevertheless very useful for relieving pain, allergies and tobacco dependence, for example.
Facial reflexology
Facial reflexology is used to relieve migraines, dizziness, sinusitis and depression in particular.
Good to know: reflexology is recognized as traditional medicine by the WHO.
Its benefits
Reflexology can provide the following benefits:
- Reduction in body tension (contractures, aches, etc.)
- Reduced anxiety, stress
- Harmonization of mood and emotional rebalancing
- Revitalizes the body
- Helps reduce fatigue
- Helps improve the quality of sleep
- Improves digestion
- Relieves pain
- Reduces the intensity of headaches
- Rebalances the subtle energies of the body
How does a reflexology consultation take place?
During a reflexology consultation , the practitioner first takes time to talk with his patient.
Depending on the needs of the person and the reason for the consultation, he will define the area of the body to be stimulated (foot, hand, ear or face).
During the stimulation of the reflex zones, the person naturally emits neurovegetative signals . The practitioner pays attention to these signals to identify disturbances in the body associated with stimulation of the reflex zones. These signals are for example chills, tremors, redness or an increase in heart rate. By touching the reflex zones, it will release tension and reduce pain .
