Reflexology is another type of massage which is supposed to relieve tension in the body. Another name for reflexology is zone therapy. Reflexology is more focused on the hands and feet. It is believed that by massaging certain points on the hands and feet that it will induce relaxation to other parts of the body. There is no unified theory of reflexology massage so there are different practitioners work reflexology massage and different ways.
But fear not, there is some common ground in the reflexology world. Reflexology targets specific points of the hands and feet. Massage movements stimulate specific reflexology points that are supposed to be connected to other organs within the body. Although reflexology has been around for centuries, no clinical studies have been performed to validate the benefits of this type of massage.
It is interesting that many of these traditional, natural therapies have not been studied by Western science. Reflexology has been traced back to the ancient Egyptians and been practiced for many generations. Clinical studies are expensive and are normally pursued for proprietary procedures and for patented pharmaceuticals. This is perhaps the biggest hurdle for traditional therapies to be validated.
The Ingham method of reflexology is used primarily for releasing tension in the body. This method is good for reducing stiffness from stress. Many health professionals agree that stress is one of the biggest contributors to health problems. This method of reflexology is used improve nerve and blood supply while also relieving stress.
Reflexology is a natural thing which applies particular massage movements to stimulate major organs throughout the body. There are no known side effects of getting a reflexology massage. When these reflexology points are stimulated, its corresponding organ is relaxed.
Certification and reflexology massage is not mandated by any laws. There are certification programs and boards such as the Reflexology Association of America. Students must meet the minimum criteria in order to receive a certificate in this program. This includes book study as well as hands-on practice.
Reflexology massage is interesting assets only apply to mainly the hands and feet. This has made it somewhat difficult for practitioners to only specialize and this technique. As massage gains more notoriety as a natural treatment, reflexology will also increase in popularity.
There isn't a lot of research on reflexology. This area is starting to get more attention with the emphasis on more natural therapies. You can find some further research at Reflexology Association of America. Most of their research is around pain control.
For further research, look for pain control or nausea control. Many times reflexology is used as part of a variety of treatments. Reflexology is good for reducing stiffness and tension in the body. It will be quite exciting to start to see some clinical studies being done for reflexology. There are many natural treatments that have yet to be validated by medical science.
Reflexology is a very interesting field. It has long-standing traditions which were initiated in Egyptian times. It is quite fascinating to see how much our predecessors knew about the relationships of the body. It seems that Western science has much to learn from these ancient practitioners.