Home » Helpfulness

Foot reflexology explained! Effect, Implementation – Application, Origin – Risks »

reflexology

What is Foot Reflexology??

The roots of foot reflexology therapy are in acupuncture as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the present form of foot reflex massage, it was founded by the American physician, William Fitzgerald, at the beginning of the 20th century.

The reflex zones are areas on the sole of the foot that are related to all other parts of the body and organs. By the massage of the area for the head, z. Headaches can be alleviated or cured. Conversely, pain in certain areas may indicate an illness in the body.

How to perform a reflexology massage, when the procedure can help, what the risks are, and all other important information, can be found below.

origin & development

The reflexology is a form of therapy, which is classified in the alternative medical treatments. This method is originally from the Far East. It comes from the traditional massage techniques and experiences a rebirth in both medicine and wellness.

For many centuries, the foot reflexology massage in Asia and in the Indian healing arts is an integral part. Around 1917, Wiliam Fitzgerald, an ear, nose and throat doctor from America, dealt with foot reflexology.

He introduced this application to the Western world and adapted it to existing needs. This means that Wiliam Fitzgerald developed a completely new concept from the traditional reflexology.

This was based on the subdivision of the body into a total of ten areas. These areas were the cornerstone of the so-called zone therapy according to Fitzgerald, which has been mandatory since 1917 for the reflexology performed today.

In the middle of the 20th century, the reflexology was subjected to further changes and extensions. Masseuse Eunice D. Ingham, who also lives in America, supplemented the previously implemented foot reflexology massage with various efficient pressure and grip options.

Implementation, function & aims

Execution, function, goals and effects of foot reflexology

The foot reflexology massage can be done by yourself or by another person. By their very nature, foot reflexology is a hands-on or manual treatment. Above all, special body areas such as the feet are worked on. The hands mainly touch the sole of the foot. This causes irritation of the reflex zones.

For a better understanding of foot reflexology, it must be explained here that each reflex zone of the sole of the foot is assigned a specific body structure or a specific organ. This becomes clear on the basis of the body zones divided into a kind of net (altogether ten), to which a field on the foot sole is assigned.

Furthermore, foot reflexology is based on the concept of an interaction between zones of the foot and organ systems. By pressing, kneading or brushing these components can be specifically addressed or irritated.

The first step is an appraisal of the feet pixabay / clerk-free-vector-images

Preparation – Assessment

Before the foot reflexology massage begins, a manual assessment of the feet is implemented. This first session lasts the longest with almost an hour. The practitioner scans the feet so that different properties can be recognized.

These result from pressure points, the shape of the foot, perspiration, the temperature of the skin and swelling or other anomalies.

If painful discomfort to the touched area occurs when pressing with the thumb or forefinger, this is an indication of a pathological impairment of organs.

The foot reflexology massage involves both feet. The right foot represents the right half of the body, the left foot represents the left side of the body.

Aids, techniques & duration

The therapist’s most important aids in foot reflexology are the fingers. They touch the soles of the feet, the toes and the edges of the foot. At the beginning, it is rubbed and lightly pressed to warm the skin. Gradually, different handles are used. These are characterized by varying intensity.

For example, the massage techniques can be strong or weak. This results in either a calming or a stimulating effect. Sedative or soothing grip techniques are ideal when it comes to relieving acute pain. Under more pressure, for example, tensions, indurations or circulatory disorders are resolved.

The duration of a foot reflexology massage is about half an hour. Usually a maximum of three individual treatments are weekly. In total, depending on the complaints, at least seven and no more than twelve sessions are scheduled. Also noteworthy is the notion that the zone under the left toe is in communication with the left brain. The bale of the left foot should be linked to the heart.

In numerous therapeutic or massage practices, the conventional simple reflexology massages are extended by interesting healing methods. These include the color, the light and the gemstone treatments.

FRM helps against

  • lymphatic congestion (Accumulation of lymph) by promoting the outflow of lymph in the extremities
  • muscular tension and blockages
  • Pain, for example due to injuries
  • Insomnia and allergies
  • Malaise and a poor physical condition
  • weakened immune system
  • Impairments of the autonomic nervous system
  • Disorders of the function of the muscles and the digestive system
  • Constipation or constipation
  • Discomfort during the menstrual period
  • Back, shoulder, neck and sciatic pain
  • Asthma and migraine
  • exhaustion
  • a headache, arthritisor arthritis
  • lymphedema or a swelling of tissue due to accumulation of lymphatic fluid
  • Hormonal disorders and residents complaints
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • multiple sclerosis
  • Toothache, limited kidney activity

The foot reflexology massage is technically correct also referred to as Umstimmungstherapie. The reason for this choice of term lies in the stimulation of the self-healing powers in chronic disease states. The foot reflexology massage is a gentle method to support an already ongoing conventional medical therapy or occurring symptoms or to relieve symptoms.

The massage promotes & strengthens

  • the function and resistance of organs
  • the well-being
  • relaxation
  • the musculature of the feet and legs
  • the breakdown of stress hormones
  • the blood circulation by stimulating the blood circulation
  • the relief of depression
  • the digestive activity
  • the activity of the heart
  • a healthy blood pressure
  • a normal bowel movement
  • the decline of pain
  • the health of the feet
  • kidney function

Massages of individual foot reflex zones or the complete foot contribute to the fact that parasympathetic and sympatheticus are addressed. In addition, the many bones, tendons, nerve cells and muscles are stimulated, so that people feel pain-free, vital and relaxed after such a treatment. By means of a foot reflexology massage, it is possible, after consultation with a doctor, to dispense with various medicines that pollute the body.

Who treated? To which doctor?

  • Naturopaths
  • medical or cosmetic chiropodist with appropriate training
  • physiotherapists
  • Doctors practicing alternative medicine such as homeopaths
  • Employees in wellness facilities

The healing of illnesses and the relief of the triggers as well as the symptoms can be done both with orthodox medical as well as alternative medical procedures. The foot reflexology massage is in this respect above all as gentle action without great side effects usually offered in addition to another therapy concept.

In particular, when patients or patients show a hypersensitivity or aversion to individual drugs, the foot reflexology massage can easily be a favorable supportive treatment option.

risks & side effects

  • slight itching and sweating
  • unpleasant pain
  • urination
  • diarrhea
  • Inner unrest
  • nervousness
  • dizziness
  • Circulatory collapse
  • increased intestinal activity

These are side effects not too questionable. Often a lying position or a sip helps to drink so that the patients recover. After a reflexology massage, it is recommended to forego driving with the vehicle and operating machinery first. Working with fragrant aromatic oils may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Contraindications & hazards

  • Complaints with ankles and foot bones
  • Presence of athlete’s foot
  • infectious infections
  • Fractures on the limbs
  • rheumatism
  • varicose veins
  • osteoporosis or bone loss
  • so-called diabetic foot with diabetics (should only be treated by a podiatrist)podiatrists are not cosmetic, but medical pedicurists
  • open, poorly healing wounds on the lower legs, respectively gangrene
  • Existence of fever in connection with an infectious disease
  • psychosisor a severe mental disorder
  • acute inflammatory processes of the veins
  • Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels
  • risk pregnancy
  • cancer
  • Sudeck’s disease in the first stage (painful illness in which different limbs and always at least one joint are injured)

As foot reflexology is about a pressure similar to acupressure, treatment may cause more discomfort. Therefore, it is important to know in advance whether such therapy is actually helpful and does not worsen existing conditions. In addition, the foot reflexology massage can not replace diagnostics and scientifically sound treatment.

Our conclusion to the reflexology

Not all health insurance companies cover the costs for foot reflexology, so they have to be worn by the patient. Both the school physicians and the naturopaths can provide in-depth advice in this regard.

additional Information

Further information on foot reflexology:

Trade associations:
German Association for Manual Therapy (Maitland Concept) e.V .: https://www.dvmt-maitlandkonzept.de

Training periods:
(These figures are indicative and may vary depending on the form and location of training and prior knowledge):
depending on the education a few hours / days

Related Posts

Like this post? Please share to your friends:
Christina Cherry
Leave a Reply

;-) :| :x :twisted: :smile: :shock: :sad: :roll: :razz: :oops: :o :mrgreen: :lol: :idea: :grin: :evil: :cry: :cool: :arrow: :???: :?: :!: