Info about Reflexology
Learning about Reflexology for the First Time
Reflexology is the art and science of applying pressure to the hands and feet with specific hand techniques without using oil or lotion to achieve a certain effect. It is an alternative, complementary, and integrated medicine technique that seeks unleash physical change in the body through manipulation of the hands and feet. The latest medical studies do not show that reflexology is a convincing treatment for any medical condition.
Reflexology comes from an understanding that there are certain zones or reflexes in the feet, hands, and ears that refer to specific areas, parts, glands, and organs in the body. With the use of pressure on these areas without tools, creams, or lotions to assist, you can relieve tension, get circulation going again, and promote the natural functions in different areas of the body. There is no unified consensus on how reflexology works specifically, but it is generally understood that certain parts of the foot correspond to certain parts of the body. One can improve health through their qi. Reflexologists stipulate that the body is divided into ten equal zones, and there are many other viewpoints and practices involving reflexology, but conventional medical science agrees that it is dangerous to treat potentially deadly conditions with reflexology because there is no proof that it works.
Reflexologists essentially say that there are blockages in the Qi throughout the body and by getting the Qi unblocked, you can get the whole system flowing again with endorphins and chemicals that create chemical sensations akin to that feeling of Qi, but it is not so mysterious as universal life energy or anything like that. Conventional medical science has redefined what Qi feels like and what it is. Reflexologists are regulated on a voluntary basis in many areas.
There are several criticisms of reflexology like there is a claimed lack of evidence for its effects, that there is no accreditation or licensing, and there is no medical training provided to reflexologists.
Reflexology is an inexact science, and people at the health food store are just as likely to know as much as people at the doctor’s office.