Mountain Top Yoga: Reflexology

Reflexology & the Healing Power of Touch

The sense of touch is very important to us. We use it instinctively to calm and alleviate pain in others, from soothing a crying infant to comforting a friend. Reflexology is an extension of these natural gestures. Healing by touch is as old as humanity itself, and applying pressure to specific points of the body has historically been used as a restorative to health. For good health, the body's processes need to be kept in a state of correct balance and flow. When that flow is impeded, a condition of "stagnation" or congestion occurs and a particular area becomes out of balance. Stimulation of the body by touch is believed to restore the body's natural state of balance. Reflexology helps to clear nerve and tissue congestion, removing accumulated toxins and encouraging the body's own innate healing ability.

About Reflexology

What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a type of treatment in which pressure is applied to specific areas of the feet. It is a noninvasive, natural therapy that induces a deeply relaxed state, which in turn alleviates tension and anxiety. It triggers the body's own inner healing processes.
Reflexology is a science dating back to 2330 B.C. It deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet that correspond to all of the glands, organs, joints and parts of the body. By stimulating these relexes in the feet properly, many health problems can be helped in a natural way. Pressure on a reflex point helps to stimulate the normal function of the corresponding body part involved (for instance, secreting a hormone or digestive enzyme, improving circulation, and relaxing the body), and thus aids self-healing, bringing about both physical and mentl well-being.
The purpose of reflexology is NOT to treat or diagnose for any specific medical condition. It is a unique modality in the health field. Reflexology should not be compared to massage or any other kind of manipulative procedure.
What Does Reflexology Do?
Reflexology improves nerve and blood supply and helps nature to bring the body back into balance. It is used primarily for relieving tension. Doctors agree that over 75% of health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension.
Reflexology acts as a type of preventative maintenance. It promotes better health and well-being in the same way as an exercise or nutrition program. Its effect is cumulative - the more you do it, the better it works! Over a period of time, many medical conditions are relieved naturally.
Is Any Special Equipment Needed?
Reflexology is done only on the feet, with or without socks on. The client reclines in a comfortable reclining chair. Susan uses only her hands - no lotions or oils - making reflexology a safe, simple, yet hightly effective method of helping the body to heal itself without the use of special equipment. Susan says: "Put your feet in my hands!"
Can Reflexology Make Things Worse?
No, reflexology will not make any condition worse. It helps nature take it's course, to normalize body functions. A reflexology session relaxes the stress that can adversely affect your health. It is a save, effective way to achieve optimum health.
How Long Does it Take?
A typical reflexology session takes 45 minutes to an hour. For "the works" (which includes massage with essential oils), allow an hour to an hour and a quarter.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of a typical reflexology session is $45. The cost of "the works" is $60. Packages of several sessions reduce the price per session.

References

Byers, Dwight C., "Better Health with Foot Reflexology"
Ingham, Eunice D., "Stories the Feet Can Tell/Have Told thru Reflexology"
Crane, Beryl, "Reflexology, a Basic Guide

International Institute of Reflexology
P.O.Box 12642
St.Petersburg, FL 33733