subject: Combat Stress And Promote Well Being Using An Invigorating Reflexology Massage [print this page] Bodywork aimed at the hands and feet is known as reflexology massage therapy. This type of massage, originally known as "zone" therapy, is aimed at various regions of the feet and hands to send direct signals to the brain, helping to balance your nervous system. During reflexology massage therapy, the therapist will stretch and rotate the hands and feet with the appropriate amount of force at just the spot to address health issues throughout your body. When done correctly, reflexology massage releases endorphins known to return the body to the proper balance and reduces stress.
The credibility of reflexology massage therapy is based on the principal that certain reflex points located throughout your hands and feet are directly linked to other parts of your body, including glands and organs. Studies have shown that:
The body is divided into 10 zonesfive on each side of the body;
Each organ - or part of the body - is linked to areas on the hands and feet;
A trained reflexology massage therapist can diagnose abnormalities in various parts of the body by feeling the hands or feet;
Massaging or pressing each area through reflexology massage stimulates the flow of energy, blood, nutrients, and nerve impulses to the corresponding body zone to relieve ailments in that zone.
Reflexology massage therapy is popular for a number of reasons; one of which is the relaxation it provides and another is the lack of pain associated with the procedure. (If while receiving reflexology massage therapy you do experience any pain, let your therapist know immediately; this is not normal.) Cancer patients - seeking to supplement their treatment plan - are including reflexology massage therapy into their ongoing regimen with great success. (It is, however, meant to be an addition, not a replacement.) Reflexology massage therapy is also proving to aid in rehabilitation the body after surgery.
Below are just some of the medical ailments that reflexology massage therapy is proven to help:
Conditions brought on by stress
Tension headaches
Arthritis
Sports injuries
Imbalances in hormone levels
Disorders of the digestive system (constipation)
Lack of sleep or insomnia
Pain in the back and neck
PMS and other menstrual-related symptoms.
A reflexology massage therapy session usually lasts about 45 to 60 minutes and begins after your therapist reviews your general health and discusses your goals for improvement.
The reflexology massage therapy requires that you remove your shoes and socks (other than that, you remain clothed) and lie in a reclining chair or on a massage table.
This is another reason for its popularity; you can get the benefits of a full body massage without having to disrobe.
During reflexology massage therapy, your therapist will invigorate targeted regions of your hands and feet to identify and isolate areas that need extra attention. Once that has been accomplished, the massage process can begin because the therapist knows exactly where to apply the pressure and how much is needed.
So while the actual reflexology massage therapy is administered directly to your hands and feet, your entire body reaps the benefits.
