There are over 38 reflexology clinics spread all over Pinecrest, Florida. The clinics have inviting outer appearances and comfortable interior designs with services such as massage therapy, spa services, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, tui nai, shiatsu, aromatherapy, and cupping, offered.
The Relationship between Reflexology and Natural Body Systems and Their Functions
Reflexology facilitates the healing and regeneration of the body through stress relief. The central nervous system, gate control, and neuro matrix theories explain how this process works. It postulates that a relationship exists between the brain, skin, internal organs, and the nervous system adjusting to a stimulus. Reflexologists calm the central nervous system, optimize the functioning of internal organs and their systems, increase the blood supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells, and speed waste removal and healing (Whatley et al., 2022). The gate control and neuro matrix theories of pain relief posit that the brain creates pain to respond to the sensory pain experience. As such, Reflexology works by reducing pain through stress reduction and easing mood.
How Reflexology Restores and Promotes Health
Reflexology works to restore balance and harmony while also releasing tension from the body. Reflexologists believe that it facilitates a deep relaxation state, calms emotions, and makes the mind serene, which is beneficial for healing and illness prevention. Health is achieved when there is a state of balance among the body systems, which reflexology works to achieve.
Reflexology History and Evidence for Its Effectiveness
Reflexology, as an ancient practice, has a long history whose origin is elusive and has been passed down through oral tradition. A pictograph on reflexology on an Egyptian tomb and Buddha statues in India and China dating back to 2330BC showed foot-zoning therapy was used to heal a gamut of illness (Whatley, Perking & Samuel, 2022). A Chinese classic on reflexology also dates back to 1000BC and depicts the use of massage to treat minor accidents. In the 1300s, Marco Polo introduced reflexology to Europe and his translations into Italian from Chinese reflexology was incorporated into hospitals to boost treatment outcomes. Dr. Adamus and Dr. A’tatis published the first known book on reflexology in 1582 showing how to use reflexology to complement treatment. A Medical Doctor, William Fitzgerald, wrote about different practices of reflexology to treat minor accidents and avert surgery possibility in 1917, later expanded in the 1930s by Dr. Shelby Riley, Eunice Ingram, and Dr. Paul Nogier in the 1930s.
Bertrand et al. (2019) posit that reflexology practice in Denmark has worked to reduce sick leave and absenteeism, which is a substantial economic saving. Choudhary (2021), in a study done in Denmark, also shows employee work improvement and satisfaction after stress release by reflexology. With its long history and modern practice, reflexology has been proven to improve health and treatment outcomes.
References
Bertrand, A., Mauger-Vauglin, C., Martin, S., Goy, F., Delafosse, C., & Marec-Berard, P. (2019). Evaluation of efficacy and feasibility of foot reflexology in children experiencing chronic or persistent pain.Bulletin du Cancer, 106(12), 1073-1079. Web.
Choudhary, S. (2021). Efficacy of reflexology in the prevention of post-operative nausea-vomiting after general surgery.International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Research, 5(2), 116-126. Web.
Whatley, J., Perkins, J., & Samuel, C. (2022). Reflexology: Exploring the mechanism of action.Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 48, 101-606. Web.