REFLEXOLOGY

A Natural Health Practice

Reflexology is a health practice based on the principle that there are specific points on the feet which are connected by pathways to various parts of the body. The location of these points follows a logical anatomical pattern which closely resembles that of the body itself. When these points are stimulated by pressing with the thumb or fingers, "signals of normalization" are sent to these corresponding parts of the body. Foot Reflexology has a very unique effect on recipients' well being. As they begin to feel better, they gain confidence in the ability of their bodies to do the healing and normalizing needed to bring them towards optimum health. Thus Reflexology views the feet as much more that the two parts of our body that support us and absorb the effects of all kinds of locomotion. It is a health practice which helps the body to return to its normal healthy state.

In 1984, Hanne Marquardt wrote a textbook entitled Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet (1984) in which she explained how Reflexology works: "As a general rule it may be stated that every organ has a corresponding reflex in the feet.... The organs of the right half of the body are reflected in the right foot, the left side on the left foot, and organs which lie in the center of the body have reflex points on both feet." In another major text on the subject, Better Health through Reflexology (1983), Dwight Beyers explained that the feet have places on them that relate to the organs and other soft tissues within the body: "The uniqueness of Relexology is the proper methos of using the thumb and fingers to apply pressure to the reflexes on the feet... [This pressure] can relieve stress and tension, and improve the blood supply [so that it] helps nature to normalize the body systems (homeostasis)."

A Reflexology session is also very relaxing and very helpful to the foot structure because of the touching, flexing, and compression that occurs. Of course sessions of Foot reflexology are not all that is needed for optimum health. One must look at life style, eating habits, and levels of exercise which all play a role in maintaining a healthy state of being.

In her excellent book on this subject, Feet First, A Guide to Flexology, (1988), Laura Norman says, "Reflexology is a method for activating the healing powers of the body...it is not the Reflexologist nor the session that cures. Only the body cures."

When you receive a session from an experienced dedicated practitioner, you will understand the importance of the feet in maintaining your health. Everyone can benefit from this work.