subject: Reflexology And Its Basic Concept [print this page] Reflexology is an alternative medicine practice that is commonly used to treat and address various aches, pains and conditions that may occur in the human body. Although this is an alternative form of treatment, it has been around for centuries. The practice can be traced to as far back as 2450 B.C. and was only introduced to the United States of America in the early 1900's.
Basic Concept
The idea behind this practice is that many of the organs in the human body are connected to several points or areas in the feet. This means that by simply pressing or putting pressure on some points of the foot (there are some specific pressure points on each foot!) the ailment may be eased or treated. The individual who will apply the pressure should be trained in the practice of reflexology because some memorization of the correct locations of the appropriate pressure points should be done. Through applying pressure to specific points in the feet, hands and even the body, the patient can be treated and his or her qi (source of energy) renewed in such a way that the patient is treated of whatever discomfort they are experiencing. In most cases, the points are hit by the fingers, knuckles and sometimes wooden instruments which can deliver better accuracy and pressure. The wooden instruments look a lot like pencils that have rounded ends that are applied on the person's body. In reality, how these wooden implements look like may be dependent on the person who has fashioned them. In some parts of the world, especially in Asia, there are some people who specialize in the practice of reflexology and the making of the wooden instruments that are used for it.
Modern Medicine
Modern medicine and the doctors who practice in this field often do not recognize the benefits of alternative medicines as well as the practice of any of them as well. Although, some of the experts in alternative medicine are also called doctors and are often consulted in tandem with modern medicine doctors, modern medicine and its practice often prevails when it comes to life and death situations. Although some doctors recognize the practice, they sometimes do not recommend it prevailing over modern medicine practices and medications because some might be in conflict with it. IN many cases, the alternative practices may actually just relieve the discomfort and pain but may need several sessions in order for it to be gone for good.
Compared to surgeons and doctors who can actually operate and prescribe medicines to the patient, experts in reflexology often recommend a series of sessions and accompanying treatment to get rid of the pain and discomfort.
In spite being something that many view as something that can just ease the pain and discomfort, a lot of people believe in the practice. The reason behind this is because there are usually no medicines and rugs involved in the treatment and many view reflexology as a natural way of living and being healthy.
