Reflexology is a type of therapy that uses gentle pressure on specific points along your feet (and possibly on your hands or ears as well) to help you feel better. It’s also known as zone therapy.
The process reflexology goes through to connect spots on the outside of your body to the inside is a bit of a combination of acupressure and massage but this doesn’t apply to the whole body, only applies to the hands and feet and sometimes the ears.
Stimulating certain pressure points under the feet, in the palm, and/or around the ears has a way of relieving your stress and making you relaxed in a natural state after which there would be a sudden flow of energy through your whole body.
Reflexology is performed by a specialist called a reflexologist. The professional knows when to apply oil and when not to apply oil at different points in times, were to stimulate more and where to stimulate less depending on the particular level of relaxation he/she wants her client to reach or experience.
Despite the fact that there are professionals for this, there are simple reflexology techniques you can perform at home to help release stress from time to time, both in the palms and under the feet. You may get some benefits from just 5 minutes of reflexology on your hands. It’s easy to do anytime you feel stressed, even at your desk. It can be as simple as wrapping one hand around each finger of the opposite hand, one at a time. Start with the thumb and hold for 1 to 2 minutes before moving to the next finger and so on until you reach your pinkie, then switch hands and repeat.
The simple act of walking barefooted on regular gravels in your home or around the compound stimulates and massages the pressure points underneath your feet to help release stress. There is a direct action to your heart and lungs and a rush of relaxation through your whole body. If you don’t have gravel at home, you can get simple reflexology slippers or pads to put in your shoes and walk about in it, it produces the same effects.
A booking with a professional reflexologist once in a while guarantees a nice experience and better health for your body. You’ll probably be in a soothing, spa-like setting with soft music, low lights, and possibly aromatherapy. You might sit in a reclining chair or lie down on a massage table. You’ll keep your clothes on, but wear something comfortable so you can better relax.
Many reflexologists will begin by gently smoothing oil or cream on your feet. Next, they’ll put mild to moderate pressure on one foot at a time using different techniques. They might return to certain pressure points a second time, but they’ll cover the entire area during the session, not just the points connected to any trouble spots you might have.
Sessions are usually 30 or 60 minutes long. At some point, you might feel so relaxed that you fall asleep, or you could feel a rush of emotions as energy moves through your body. Afterward, you could feel energized or have a sense of calm.
It is important that pregnant women, people with gout, and people recovering from an injured foot would avoid this until they are delivered or healed before getting involved.
This is a simple way of managing stress, take care of yourself, book a reflexology session and get relaxed, your body needs it.
See you some other time.
Reference
By: Ernest Edem Ayer
     Medical Herbalist Intern
