Americans spend more than one billion dollars every year on nonprescription medicines, and a vast majority of them are the elderly. And not only are they expensive, the medications provide only temporary relief and in no way address the root of the problem. What can you do about arthritis, constipation, fatigue, loss of muscle control, and other common complaints by the elderly sector of society? There are some easy and effective holistic treatments that do alleviate symptoms. One of them is reflexology.

Reflexology is one complimentary treatment that is beneficial for everyone and especially for people suffering from muscle, joint and circulation problems. Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure in a strategic manner to areas of the feet and hands, and even the face and ears. Reflexologists see the hands and feet as an open door to the bodies systems. Each section of the feet and hands correlate to a specific organ. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, you can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. And because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. It helps reduce body tension and definitely brings a sense of relaxation.

Independent studies have shown that using reflexology in the areas related to the adrenal glands, one could reduce the need of cortisone, a common treatment for arthritis. The body also produces its own natural painkillers during reflexology treatments, known as endorphins, which inhibits the transmission of pain through the spinal cord. There are many areas that a trained reflexologist may pay special attention to including the kidneys, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands and solar plexus.

In a society that relies on chemically laden prescription drugs to cure the sick, especially in the elderly sector of society, reflexology is providing success stories worth examining. Did you know that elderly patients that routinely get reflexology treatment could reduce cholesterol, lower and maintain blood pressure and treat painful digestion better than drugs? Not only that but elderly patients that have reflexology mats in their homes experience less pain and a greater sense of control when walking.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Studies have shown that patients that received reflexology treatment after surgery experienced far less pain than the patients that received painkillers alone. Moreover, reflexology was shown to be more effective than catheterization in patients with retention of urine after surgery.

Reflexology also appears to have a positive affect on patients with arthritis according to many case studies. However, it is good to note that the affects on mobility in particular, only last a short time. It is most beneficial to have treatments on a regular basis. On a good note, reflexology definitely was beneficial to problems relating to swelling and oedema, because of an improvement in circulation reflexology brings. Elderly patients have many health complaints that can be successfully helped with reflexology treatment.

Once you have looked into reflexology and decided that reflexology is a therapy that you would like to try, you will have to decide whom to go to for the treatment. There are many specialties in reflexology, so you may have the choice of seeing one that specializes in your symptoms. Keep in mind that most reflexologists see patients with all sorts of health issues. It is not vital that you go to one that specializes in your particular illness, however if it makes you feel more secure you can certainly do so.

Probably not surprisingly, the most common reason for seeing a reflexologist is for stress relief. Stress is literally killing us. And hey, who doesnt have stress? The effects of stress have been studied for quite some time and it is known that if you do not release stress from your body on a regular basis, it will eventually wreak havoc on your body in the form of one of many different sicknesses or diseases.

In the world of reflexology there are specialists for

Infertility & maternity
Insomnia
Menopause
Back pain
Stress relief
Depression
Autism
Children
Elderly patients
Now you may be wondering what you can expect from your reflexologist at your treatment appointment. You may also be asking yourself, what if I am embarrassed about my feet, or my feet are ticklish, how will I be able to handle the therapy? All of these are viable questions.

As far as the appearance of your feet, dont worry about them. This is a common fear for new patients. All feet are different and there is nothing to be ashamed about. The only possible thing that might come up in direct relation to the appearance of your feet may be if you have a severe problem with corns or something of that nature. In this case, your reflexologist may recommend treatment options.

Ticklish feet are not usually a problem for a reflexologist. Once pressure is applied, the sensation will quickly turn from a tickle to massage and you should be ok. However, if you are one that gets aggravated by the simplest touch of your foot, this therapy may not be for you.

Your therapy session will usually begin with a questionnaire or a one on one question and answer session. This is, of course to get your personal history and determine where your therapy should be most concentrated. Next, your ears, feet and hands may be thoroughly looked over for discolorations and tender spots. According to the theories reflexology stems from, these things can be warning signs that correlating body parts are not functioning, as they should.

Your therapy will usually start with rubbing of the ears, hands or feet and then will turn into a pressing technique. It closely mimics acupuncture, but without needles. By pressing in certain areas of the feet, hands and even the ears, the brain will send signals and release neurochemicals to stop pain and relieve tension. You will become very relaxed during the therapy. Believe it or not, some people even fall asleep. It is one of the single most powerful ways to relax and eliminate stress in your body. Once you try it you will be hooked for life.

Reflexology is a type of alternative therapy that has been used for centuries. As opposed to many types of conventional medical treatment, a reflexologist focuses on massaging parts of the feet and the hands in order to achieve results. In this article, well be reviewing some of the history of reflexology so that you can get a good idea of where the practice came from and where it is going.
Many feel that reflexology actually had its roots in ancient Egypt, as inscriptions found in the tombs of physicians appear to seem suspiciously like they pertain to reflexology. Experts in the field believe that the practice was taught to the ancient Egyptians by the Roman empire. Whatever the case, reflexology has been traditionally used in Asian countries, as well.
As far as modern day times go, reflexology was first brought to the publics attention around the year of 1917, when a man named Dr. William H. Fitzgerald published a book on Zone Theory, which contained many of the basic ideas that would lead to our modern understanding of reflexology. In the book, Fitzgerald stated that many of the problems that individuals have with pain are a result of a dysfunction of the body that can be aided via the manipulation of special pressure points or zones located throughout the body. He stated that by manipulating one part of the body, another part of the body might feel an anesthetic effect. Fitzgeralds works would be improved upon in the 1930s by a woman named Eunice D. Ingham, a physical therapist who stated that the reflexes that were located within the feet mirrored the organs of the body to a large degree. This idea created much of the basis of modern reflexology as we know it today. She created a basic system that could be used for individuals to practice reflexology on themselves or on other people, creating the first uniform treatment plan of reflexology. She continued to spread her knowledge of the procedure, touring throughout the rest of her life to help to bring reflexology to the masses. To this day, many people continue to follow
These days, more and more people are beginning to see the merits that reflexology can offer when it comes to helping to get over various symptoms. Hospitals and HMOs have begun to employ reflexology practitioners in order to provide a more complete service for their patients. Some insurance companies have begun to cover reflexology therapy on their plans, a clear sign that the procedure can be of merit when it comes to helping individuals to overcome problems with both the body and the mind. For all that we know about the procedure, however, there is still a lot that we have to learn. While we know that reflexology can be effective for treating problems, there are many conflicting viewpoints regarding exactly how the procedure works. The number of reflexology practitioners in the United States and abroad continues to grow, and in the future, we will hopefully have some better indications of how the reflexology procedure works to help the body so we can make the procedure even more useful than it already is.

Reflexology is a type of alternative therapy that has been used for centuries. As opposed to many types of conventional medical treatment, a reflexologist focuses on massaging parts of the feet and the hands in order to achieve results. In this article, well be reviewing some of the history of reflexology so that you can get a good idea of where the practice came from and where it is going.
Many feel that reflexology actually had its roots in ancient Egypt, as inscriptions found in the tombs of physicians appear to seem suspiciously like they pertain to reflexology. Experts in the field believe that the practice was taught to the ancient Egyptians by the Roman empire. Whatever the case, reflexology has been traditionally used in Asian countries, as well.
As far as modern day times go, reflexology was first brought to the publics attention around the year of 1917, when a man named Dr. William H. Fitzgerald published a book on Zone Theory, which contained many of the basic ideas that would lead to our modern understanding of reflexology. In the book, Fitzgerald stated that many of the problems that individuals have with pain are a result of a dysfunction of the body that can be aided via the manipulation of special pressure points or zones located throughout the body. He stated that by manipulating one part of the body, another part of the body might feel an anesthetic effect. Fitzgeralds works would be improved upon in the 1930s by a woman named Eunice D. Ingham, a physical therapist who stated that the reflexes that were located within the feet mirrored the organs of the body to a large degree. This idea created much of the basis of modern reflexology as we know it today. She created a basic system that could be used for individuals to practice reflexology on themselves or on other people, creating the first uniform treatment plan of reflexology. She continued to spread her knowledge of the procedure, touring throughout the rest of her life to help to bring reflexology to the masses. To this day, many people continue to follow
These days, more and more people are beginning to see the merits that reflexology can offer when it comes to helping to get over various symptoms. Hospitals and HMOs have begun to employ reflexology practitioners in order to provide a more complete service for their patients. Some insurance companies have begun to cover reflexology therapy on their plans, a clear sign that the procedure can be of merit when it comes to helping individuals to overcome problems with both the body and the mind. For all that we know about the procedure, however, there is still a lot that we have to learn. While we know that reflexology can be effective for treating problems, there are many conflicting viewpoints regarding exactly how the procedure works. The number of reflexology practitioners in the United States and abroad continues to grow, and in the future, we will hopefully have some better indications of how the reflexology procedure works to help the body so we can make the procedure even more useful than it already is.

Many people these days are working towards becoming certified in reflexology so that they can perform the alternative therapy as a career. Along with learning about all of the reflexology points that are found throughout the body and how to manipulate them successfully to cure problems, reflexology students are also taught to adhere to strict ethics. In this article, well go over some basic reflexology ethics information so that you can get a better idea of the kind of moral standpoint the practice requires. Reflexology requires dedicated responsibility to conducting the art respectfully at all times.
One of the most important parts of running a reflexology practice is to ensure that you create lines of trust between you and your patients. To that end, you should work towards learning all that you can about the practice from both a physiological and business viewpoint so that you will be readily prepared to answer any questions that a patient might have. Also, realize that your patients are individuals who deserve a high level of respect. Work towards fostering ongoing relationships with your patients from a business standpoint in order to ensure that they will be back for return visits.
The fourth rule in the American Reflexology Certification Boards code of ethics is that you will work towards not infringing on the practices of other reflexologists. That means that you should avoid using deceptive business practices and therefore not to try to attempt to steal customers from other reflexologists in the area. Also, the fourth rule states that you should only perform the services that you are qualified to perform. In this manner, you will be better able to avoid leading your customers down an unethical path of business.
Another clearly stated rule in the code of ethics for reflexology is that you should never refer to yourself as a medical practitioner. These types of statements can be confusing, and there are some problems that an individual may have that can not be successfully resolved through reflexology. To that end, patients who are suffering from serious illnesses that cannot be addressed with reflexology should be encouraged to visit a doctor or hospital.
All of these ethics need to be followed by a reflexologist for many different reasons. For one, following the ethics code accordingly helps you to ensure that you are giving reflexology a good name as a practice. As it is an emerging type of complementary therapy, many look towards reflexology with a wary eye, meaning that you must be very careful when it comes to making reflexology a respectable practice. Also, you will find that following the rules of ethics will help you to keep customers and foster relationships for years to come, ensuring your success as a reflexologist. Operating with ethics is a win/win situation for you, your patients, and the art of reflexology on a universal level. Be sure to operate your business with diligence, ethics, and care, and you can rest assure that you will find that your efforts will not be in vain.

Both massage therapy and reflexology are becoming more and more popular options when it comes to treating certain types of symptoms in the western world. Few people understand both of these topics to an in-depth degree, however, so in this article, well give you a good idea of what some of the differences between the two practices are in order to give you a more complete understanding of your treatment options.
One of the major differences between reflexology and massage therapy lies within the area that is manipulated by the specialist. Massage therapists tend to concentrate on massage of the whole body in order to achieve a universal sense of relaxation and stress relief. Reflexologists, on the other hand, work very precisely on specific areas of the body in the hopes that it will relieve certain symptoms an individual is having. The feet, hands, and ears are the most common areas that a reflexology works with in order to achieve results, while massage therapy principally focuses on all of the muscles of the back and torso.
Another difference between reflexology and massage therapy is the type of technique that is used to perform the work. Massage therapists often work with wide, broad strokes, using their whole hands either cupped or with the fingers together in order to massage broad ranges of the body. Reflexologists, on the other hand, work towards affecting nerve endings that are located within very specific points of the feet, hands and ears, and to that end, they employ small movements with their fingers in order to manipulate them.
Whereas massage therapists work to help someone to overcome an injury or just to feel good in general, people often visit reflexologists in order to treat specific symptoms. It can be useful for numerous problems, with a study from China showing that it can be helpful in treating at least sixty three different heatlh-related problems. One study conducted in the United States showed that a full one third of all cancer patients turn to reflexologists in order to help them with pain relief, clearly illustrating how useful and specific the practice can be.
One similarity that the two arts share is that they work to help an individual to feel a lot more stress-free and relaxed. The American Medical Association has stated that approximately eighty five percent of all illnesses are stress related, so visiting a massage therapist or reflexologist can be immensely helpful when it comes to maintaining your quality of life.
A visit to a massage therapist and a visit to a reflexologist are actually pretty similar in some ways- both of them take an average thirty minutes to a full hour in order for the work to be done. If youre unsure of whether you should visit a massage therapist or a reflexologist in order to treat your problem, your best bet is to heavily research the two topics before coming to a decision, as they both offer different and specific benefits that can be great for your health.

Reflexology is a form of treatment started by the ancient Chinese in centuries past. It was found that by stimulating specific reflexes of the feet and hands, you could not only bring healing to the body, but could cleanse the body of common toxic substances and even parasites. Reflexology was brought to the West in the early 1900s and has been proven to be a very successful therapy for most sicknesses and diseases.

So why is this technique so beneficial on babies and children? The biggest reason that reflexology is so beneficial to children is that they do not have years of toxic buildup in their systems. Furthermore, they have not yet been programmed to societies way of handling sickness. When the mind is more receptive and does not contain the boundaries that many adults have, it is understood that the body works more effectively and efficiently. Moreover, practicing reflexology on your baby is a great way to bond, stimulate and provide the tender touch that actually promotes health.

If you are curious as to what types of problems reflexology can alleviate in babies and children, here is a list I have compiled. Keep in mind that it is just a sample list and in no way represents everything that reflexology can benefit.

Ear infections
Teething pain
Asthma
Colic
Allergies
Constipation & tummy problems
Childhood eczema
Colds and flu symptoms
Sports related injuries
Respiratory infections
Depression and other emotional problems
Hyperactivity & auditory problems
Learning and concentration challenges
Acne and psoriasis
And many more

You may be asking how to do it safely and effectively. First of all, I would recommend that you seek the advice and expertise of a trained reflexologist. If you simply want to try the techniques for yourself without formal training, keep in mind that when applying pressure to an infants foot, it should be done with a gentle forward creeping motion.

If you want basic instructions on where to start, check out the information at universalreflex.com. The following instructions are directly from their website.

Start on the sole of the right foot start at zone 5 and work heel to toe, then move over to zone 4 and work heel to toe, then zone 3, 2 and finally zone 1. Remember to work the inner aspect of the foot, which relates to the spinal reflexes. Stay on the same foot and follow exactly the same procedure - gentle pressure working from heel to toe, again starting at zone 5 and moving across to zone 1. Finish off by gentle stroking of the entire foot. Move over to the left foot and carry out the same routine.

Because baby’s feet are so small, the procedure can be carried out once or several times and the entire session can be as short as a couple of minutes to just over five minutes. The golden rule is little, lightly and often! Better to give many two-minute sessions than one long one - or none at all!

Foot reflexology is not foot massage. The distinct difference is that foot massage is ultimately to benefit the feet and reflexology is not. Massage therapy is applied to the whole body for the purposes of local muscular relaxation, to improve circulation and to reduce muscle tension. Reflexology is applied to the reflex points in the feet, hands or ears using specific hand and finger techniques in order to affect the corresponding body part or organ.

Although reflexology is proven to be beneficial for a multitude of problems, your reflexologist cannot diagnose or claim to cure any diseases. They are not medically trained. Reflexology is meant to bring your body to a state of well-being. Only in this state is your body able to heal itself. If your body is full of toxins, your immune system is severely compromised, making you much more likely to succumb to sickness.

So what can you expect at a reflexology treatment? The reaction to a reflexology session varies greatly from person to person. Your therapy session will begin with a questionnaire or one on one question and answer session. This is, of course to get your personal history and determine where your therapy should be most concentrated. For example, if you are going in suffering from frequent migraines and neck pain, your reflexologist will concentrate on the areas of the feet and sometimes the hands, in areas that deal with the head and neck. Of course, you will be treated in all areas of the feet. In order to bring your body to a state of well-being, you must detoxify your organs and this is exactly what happens during reflexology therapy.

After the initial interview, your ears, feet and hands will probably be thoroughly looked over for discolorations and tender spots. According to the theories reflexology stems from, these things can be warning signs that correlating body parts are not functioning, as they should.

Reflexology should not be painful (overall). The reflexologist does apply firm pressure deep enough to reach the reflexes, however the feeling mimics a deep tissue massage. If sensitivity is felt, it is an indicator of where tension is in the body, and that is a good thing. Without locating these areas, you cannot take care of the problem. The areas that show the most sensitivity usually form a pattern that corresponds to the medical condition reported before the therapy.

The reflexologist should work within your comfort level and if not, find another one. Reactions, which may occur between sessions, are usually mild and last only a day or two. In actuality, this is a good thing, as it indicates the body is returning to a state of balance and is eliminating the toxins the therapy released. Overall, clients usually feel energized and naturally more positive after a reflexology session.

Success with reflexology depends on the level of commitment you are willing to contribute. The more often you go for therapy, the more energized you will feel and longer lasting results you will have.

Students who are interested in becoming a certified reflexologist need to learn a lot about the practice in order to do so. The American Reflexology Certification Board offers an exam that should be passed by anyone who is seriously considering a career in reflexology. The certification exam consists of three separate parts: a written exam, a practical exam, and documentation showing the results that you have gotten from performing reflexology on patients. In this article, well give you a basic idea about some of the things that you should study for if you are considering taking the written exam in the near future. The exam consists of three hundred multiple choice or true and false questions, and you need to successfully answer two hundred and forty of them correctly in order to pass the exam. Hopefully, the following information will help give you a good point to start on when it comes to studying for the exam.
- In addition to learning about the actual methods of performing reflexology on a patient, there are many other aspects of the business that you will need to learn in order to successfully pass the certification exam. The study guide created by the American Reflexology Certification Board stresses that candidates should learn the history of reflexology as one of their principle studies so that they can see where the practice came from and where it is going.
- Additionally, candidates are required to learn about the different theories on why reflexology works the way that it does. There are several theories that are being propagated regarding reflexology, including the Qi hypothesis which states that there is an invisible energy that flows through the body. When this energy flow is disrupted, illness occurs. Reflexologists who believe this theory state that blockages in the energy flow system often originate in the feet, and by performing reflexology, the blockages can be removed so that the energy can flow more freely and the body can begin to heal itself to the best of its abilities.
- You will also need to familiarize yourself with contraindications. Contraindications are health problems that may result in a person being unable to receive benefits from reflexology treatment. If you work on someone who has contraindications that should prevent them from receiving the treatment, you may actually be doing them more harm then good. Some common contraindications that might prevent an individual from receiving reflexology treatment include recent fractures, open wounds, or an active case of gout.

These are just a few of the things that you are going to have to study up on in order to successfully pass the exam. It currently costs one hundred and fifty dollars to take the exam, so be sure that you are well-prepared going into the exam or you may find yourself disappointed. That being said, having a certification in reflexology is one of the most important things that you can do for your practice and for reflexology as a whole, ensuring that you are performing the art exactly the way that it should be performed.

Reflexology is when nerves are stimulated on three different body parts: the feet, hands and sometimes the ears. The stimulation is done by applying pressure and by massage. The purpose is to cause any blocked energy to release from the body. It is a practice that is natural and promotes self-healing within the body. Those who practice reflexology believe that we have areas of the foot and hands that correspond to other areas of the body and when pressed, or massaged they can have an effect on the body part that they correspond with.

There are two main theories about reflexology, the nervous system and the Qi theories.

The nervous system theory the reason reflexologist can relieve stress is because they apply a pressure and massage technique to the over 7200 nerves that are located in our feet. It is much like a telegraph signal traveling from the area being pressed on the foot that creates a release of a “message” that follows the path from the area being pressed or massaged to the corresponding area of the body. The nerves are all part of our central nervous system and they travel to the brain relaying messages and then going on to the body part that it corresponds to and delivers energy and oxygen, which are needed for healing and well-being.

Then there is the Qi theory or otherwise known as the “life force” explanation about how healing is obtained through the flow of energy. This flow of energy can release blockages of energy. The reflexology therapist will use hands to massage areas of the feet and hands in a precise manner that will open any “imperfections” that may be present.

Others believe that reflexology releases natural painkillers that the body uses called “endorphins”.

The practice of reflexology involves a therapist applying an exact pressure to a particular area of the foot or hand, or a stretch or a movement that will have an effect on a corresponding body part. They believe that manipulating the feet and hands they can relieve stress on other body parts because of the connection between them.

Reflexologists view the feet and hands as the gatekeepers for the rest of the body. They firmly believe that there are areas of the feet and hands that can have an effect on the other body parts because of a relay system of nerves that travel along from the feet or hands through the nerves to the brain, where a processing takes placed and then it travels to the internal organs of the body where it is turned into energy or oxygen which is then transported into movement in the motor system of the body.

Reflexology is practiced by individuals, those who practice cosmetology, nurses and doctors in China. There are fulltime professional reflexology therapists and families who continue the care of reflexology at home. Most professional sessions last around 30 minutes but practicing it at home should take roughly 5 minutes, 6 days a week for maximum benefit.

The benefits of reflexology are that it is good for stress release. Those who practice it professionally will have clients either sit in a chair or lie on a table. Clients keep their clothes on but do remove their shoes and socks. Most therapists will do the massage, pressure or movements without oil, which is often called a “dry technique”, though some do use oil. The client should feel comfortable at all times during the session.